A long-time Ragland plant is getting what local leaders say is St. Clair Countys biggest capital investment in more than 20 years.

The National Cement Co. of Alabama has announced plans to pump more than $250 million into building a new kiln at its Ragland production plant.

The company has been producing cement in Ragland since 1910 and ships manufactured cement products to customers in Alabama, Georgia, the Carolinas, Tennessee, Mississippi and Florida. Its parent company is Vicat SA, based in France.

Construction should begin in the first quarter of 2020, with start-up scheduled for 2022. Normal work will continue at the plant through construction.

Spencer Weitman, National Cement of Alabamas president, said the project should bind the company in Alabama for some time.

It will ensure that our employees and our Ragland facility can continue to be competitive for years to come by upgrading our plant with the latest technology and equipment, Weitman said. We have enjoyed a long, successful partnership with the Ragland community, and look forward to that continuing for many years to come.

Economic and government leaders praised Gov. Kay Ivey, the Alabama Department of Commerce, the Birmingham Business Alliance and local leadership for aiding the project.

The investment in National Cements facility is a great example of our ability as a state, county, and city to work together and increase opportunities for the residents of St. Clair County, Paul Manning, chairman of the St. Clair County Commission, said. We are excited about their continued commitment to the Town of Ragland, and we have always appreciated their support of the St. Clair County community."

Read the original:
National Cement investing $250 million in Ragland plant - AL.com