Heidelberg Materials hosted U.S. Senator Joni Ernst on January 10 at its Mason City cement plant.  Senator Ernst (R-IA) spent some valuable time during the morning with the Mason City team learning about the facility’s history as well as the innovative work that is currently being done at the plant with alternative fuels and the shift to lower-carbon EcoCem®PLC. 

The local team had the opportunity to discuss many important topics including local workforce development needs, environment policies that help improve sustainability in manufacturing and the impact of long-term infrastructure funding and development through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

“It was great to come to Mason City to meet with the folks at Heidelberg Materials and learn more about the priorities and needs for the industry,” said Senator Ernst, “with such a long history in the area, the role that this plant serves to support our economy in Iowa is critical.” 

Senator Ernst toured the plant, visited the control room and quality control laboratory to round out the morning. The plant team was excited to share a great overview of the plant, the company and the industry overall.

“As we now move forward as Heidelberg Materials, taking opportunities like these to meet and share information with our elected leadership continues to be essential,” said Tom O’Neill, Vice President of Cement Operations Midwest Region.  “We always enjoy the opportunity to educate our key stakeholders on the essential work that we do each and every day at our plants.” 

Thank you to our Mason City team including Tom O’Neill; Patrick Karamaga, Plant Manager; Brodie Pederson, Assistant Plant Manager; and Jeremy Smith, Production Manager, for facilitating this tour and representing the Heidelberg Materials team.