Ozinga, one of the leading providers of concrete and construction materials, recently broke ground on a state-of-the-art low-carbon cement manufacturing facility in East Chicago, Indiana. It is expected to open in the second quarter of 2026 as the largest of its type in North America.
The centerpiece of the plant’s operations will be the MVR5300-C6 vertical roller mill, engineered by Gebr. Pfeiffer. Consisting of six individual rollers, the mill is designed to be energy-efficient and reduce carbon footprints, a new standard for sustainable cement production. It will become the largest vertical roller mill to be installed on the continent upon its completion.
“This is not a plant, it’s a technology milestone,” continued Timothy Burden, President of Gebr. Pfeiffer Americas. “The MVR5300-C6 is a new benchmark for sustainable cement production.”.
The facility will manufacture ASTM C989-compliant slag cement and custom low-carbon blends under the CarbonSense brand of Ozinga. The products meet ASTM C1157 performance specification and can achieve reductions of up to 80% of embodied carbon in concrete. At full capacity, the facility is projected to capture more than 700,000 metric tons of CO₂ emissions annually—significantly lowering the environmental footprint of construction in the U.S.
This is the kind of investment that constructs communities and brings real opportunity to our local families,” East Chicago Mayor Anthony Copeland said.
Jobs
Development and ongoing operations will provide approximately 150 new jobs, driving economic growth in the region.The facility’s strategic position provides direct rail, highway, and inland waterway access through the Great Lakes, ideally suiting it to serve customers throughout the United States and Canada.
With this project, Ozinga reaffirms its commitment to sustainable infrastructure, resilient supply chains, and revived American manufacturing.
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Ozinga Low-Carbon Cement Manufacturing Facility in East Chicago, Indiana: Project Factsheet
Project Overview
Ozinga has broken ground on a state-of-the-art low-carbon cement manufacturing facility in East Chicago, Indiana, set to become the largest of its kind in North America.
Key Details
Location: East Chicago, Indiana
Completion: Q2 2026
Scale: Largest low-carbon cement plant in North America
Jobs Created: ~150 positions
Technology & Equipment
Primary Equipment: MVR5300-C6 vertical roller mill by Gebr. Pfeiffer
Features: Six independent rollers for maximum energy efficiency
Distinction: Largest vertical roller mill installation on the continent
Purpose: Minimize carbon emissions and optimize sustainable production
Primary Products:
ASTM C989-compliant slag cement
Custom low-carbon blends (CarbonSense brand)
ASTM C1157 performance-compliant materials
Sustainability
Up to 80% reduction in concrete embodied carbon
700,000+ metric tons CO₂ offset annually
Sets new benchmark for sustainable cement production
Ozinga’s new Low-Carbon Cement Manufacturing Facility in Indiana: Strategic Advantages
Transportation Access: Direct rail, highway, and Great Lakes waterway connections
Market Reach: Positioned to serve U.S. and Canadian customers
Economic Impact: Strengthens regional manufacturing and job creation
Key Stakeholders
Developer: Ozinga (concrete and building materials supplier)
Technology Partner: Gebr. Pfeiffer (mill manufacturer)
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