Holcim (US) Inc. and Holcim Ltd. board members announced commencement of work on a 4 million-mtpy mill in St. Genevieve County, Missouri. The boards' actions follow more than six years of dogged efforts by Holcim (US) to locate a suitable Mississippi River site, about midway between St. Louis and Cape Girardeau, and obtain permits from eight state and federal agencies. The permitting process saw strong opposition from environmental and community groups, whose tactics included placement of a billboard showing an oxygen mask-bearing child above a now-defunct Web site address.

Located on 3,900 acres, the plant is scheduled for start up in 2009 and will be one of the world's largest powder mills. Prior to the boards' approval, Holcim officials reviewed a feasibility study — factoring cement market and economy changes since plans for the project were announced in 1999 — conducted after regulatory permits were finalized in 2004. “Based on the study results, it is clear this project will benefit our customers, the region, and our company,” says Holcim (US) CEO Patrick Dolberg.

The project will also be an important boost to the southeastern Missouri economy, he adds, employing 1,000 construction workers at its peak and, from about 2009-2020, contributing tax payments upwards of $35 million to Ste. Genevieve County.