In October 2019, Lehigh Hanson broke ground on the construction of a new state-of-the-art plant in Mitchell, Indiana, which will replace the existing Lehigh Cement Company facility.  As the first quarter of 2021 comes to close, significant progress has been made at the new plant site.

Recently, U.S. Senator Mike Braun and Congressman Trey Hollingsworth each visited the new site to get an update on the construction progress, meet with employees and talk to the plant management about future plans for the facility.

“We're really excited to have the opportunity to show them the construction taking place here where we're investing more than $600 million building a new production line that will be more efficient with a best in class environmental footprint," said Plant Manager Tracy Crowther.

The new plant will allow for a substantial increase in production capacity while significantly reducing energy usage, fuel consumption and emissions per ton of cement produced through modern equipment and the latest in cement production technology.

''This plant will reduce CO2 emissions over the current production methods, and that is saying a lot because that is going to be something that is increasingly more important over time," U.S. Senator Mike Braun said, "because it will make the process more efficient, and that means they keep themselves relevant in the long run in a very competitive industry."

Following a delay caused by COVID-19, preparations began in September of 2020 at an accelerated pace. The expansion is now on schedule and targeted to be operational in the first quarter of 2023.

“I’ve been excited to see the accelerated progress that is being made on this transformational project,” shared Congressman Trey Hollingsworth. “Lehigh has made a significant commitment to the town of Mitchell, and I am proud to have a world-class facility that will create such a long-term benefit to this region.” 

The project will bring approximately 1,000 construction jobs into the area during its span, spurring economic growth for the city of Mitchell and surrounding communities. When complete, it is anticipated that the plant will create around 50 new full-time jobs while providing additional technical training and growth opportunities for employees.  Altogether, the new Mitchell plant will sustainably provide much needed cement to serve this growing and dynamic region for many decades.