Latest news with #Ozinga
Yahoo
14 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Ozinga initiates construction of low-carbon cement facility in Indiana
Ozinga has commenced construction on a new low-carbon cement manufacturing facility in Indiana, US, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable infrastructure. Forecast to begin operations in 2026, the plant will produce one million tons of low-carbon cementitious materials annually, utilising a vertical roller mill. The strategic location of the East Chicago facility, with direct access to rail, truck, and waterways, positions it to efficiently serve customers in the US and Canada. Ozinga CEO Marty Ozinga said: "Ozinga has always believed that true innovation isn't just about progress, it's about purpose. "This facility is more than a plant. It's a commitment to the future of American manufacturing, to sustainable building, and to strengthening American communities for generations to come." The plant and its related operations are expected to generate around 150 construction and long-term full-time jobs, contributing to the growth of the regional economy. East Chicago mayor Anthony Copeland said: "This is the kind of investment that strengthens communities and provides real opportunity for local families.' The new plant is a part of Ozinga's goal to deliver net-zero concrete by 2030. Traditional Portland cement, a primary component of concrete, contributes nearly 7% of global carbon dioxide emissions. The US' reliance on imported cement, which approached 30 million tons in 2024, exposes domestic infrastructure projects to supply chain disruptions and trade volatility. The East Chicago facility will mitigate these risks by producing domestic low-carbon cements, thus lessening imports and the embodied carbon in construction materials. The facility's MVR5300-C6 vertical roller mill, from Gebr. Pfeiffer, is reportedly the largest in North America. It is designed for high energy efficiency and minimal emissions. Ozinga collaborates with Meta, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and other entities for sustainable building materials. These partnerships have led to innovations such as AI-driven low-carbon concrete, reducing embodied carbon in projects, including Meta's DeKalb data centre and the Amazon Web Services facility in New Carlisle. The East Chicago facility arrives at a time when the need for green concrete is surging, particularly for the construction of data centres and other critical infrastructure projects in North America. "Ozinga initiates construction of low-carbon cement facility in Indiana" was originally created and published by World Construction Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Malaysian Reserve
2 days ago
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
Dozing Breaks Ground on North America's Largest Low-Carbon Cement Mill
CHICAGO, June 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Ozinga has officially broken ground on a cutting-edge low-carbon cement manufacturing facility in East Chicago, Indiana. Equipped with one of North America's largest vertical roller mills, the new plant will produce one million tons of low-carbon cementitious materials annually. Strategically located with direct access to rail, truck, and water (via the Great Lakes and the inland waterways of the U.S.), the facility will serve customers across the United States and Canada, reinforcing Ozinga's commitment to sustainable infrastructure, supply chain resilience, and American manufacturing. 'Ozinga has always believed that true innovation isn't just about progress, it's about purpose,' said Marty Ozinga, CEO of Ozinga. 'This facility is more than a plant. It's a commitment to the future of American manufacturing, to sustainable building, and to strengthening American communities for generations to come.' Investing in Communities and American Manufacturing The East Chicago facility and its related operations are projected to create approximately 150 construction and long-term full-time jobs, fueling regional economic growth. Operations are expected to begin in 2026. 'This is the kind of investment that strengthens communities and provides real opportunity for local families,' said Anthony Copeland, Mayor of East Chicago. With over 2,500 employees nationwide, Ozinga continues to prioritize sustainability, community development, and innovation. The East Chicago facility marks a major milestone in the company's mission to deliver net zero concrete by 2030. Reducing Emissions, Strengthening Supply Chains Concrete is the backbone of modern infrastructure essential to homes, schools, hospitals, roads, and bridges. Yet traditional Portland cement, its core ingredient, accounts for nearly 7% of global CO₂ emissions. In 2024, the United States imported nearly 30 million tons of cement, leaving infrastructure projects vulnerable to supply chain instability and trade volatility. Ozinga's East Chicago facility directly addresses this challenge. By producing domestic low-carbon cements, it will reduce dependence on imports and dramatically lower embodied carbon in construction materials, supporting both environmental goals and economic resilience. Powered by North America's Largest Low-Carbon Vertical Roller Mill At the heart of the facility is the MVR5300-C6 vertical roller mill from Gebr. Pfeiffer, the largest of its kind in North America. With six independent rollers and unmatched throughput capacity, the mill maximizes energy efficiency while minimizing carbon emissions. 'This isn't just a plant—it's a technological milestone,' said Timothy Burden, President of Gebr. Pfeiffer Americas. 'The MVR5300-C6 sets a new benchmark for sustainable cement production.' The facility will produce ASTM C989-compliant low-carbon slag cement, as well as proprietary blends under Ozinga's CarbonSense™ brand, meeting ASTM C1157 performance standards and delivering up to 80% reductions in embodied carbon. Once fully operational, the plant is projected to offset more than 700,000 metric tons of CO₂ emissions annually, a significant reduction in the carbon footprint of U.S. construction. Driving Innovation Through Collaboration Ozinga's leadership in sustainable building materials has been strengthened by partnerships with Meta, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and other industry leaders. These collaborations have yielded AI-optimized low-carbon concrete, used in Meta's DeKalb, IL data center, and enabled a 64% reduction in embodied carbon at the award-winning Amazon Web Services New Carlisle, IN data center, setting a new industry benchmark. The new East Chicago facility is a timely response to the growing demand for low-carbon concrete in data center construction and other mission-critical infrastructure projects across North America. About OzingaOzinga is a fifth-generation, family-owned American company providing concrete, bulk materials, and construction solutions for commercial, industrial, and residential projects. Committed to service, learning, and entrepreneurship, Ozinga continues to develop environmentally responsible products and practices that make a positive impact and shape the future of the built environment. Contact: Joe BrettellProsody Consulting(571) 230-3411jbrettell@
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Dozing Breaks Ground on North America's Largest Low-Carbon Cement Mill
CHICAGO, June 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Ozinga has officially broken ground on a cutting-edge low-carbon cement manufacturing facility in East Chicago, Indiana. Equipped with one of North America's largest vertical roller mills, the new plant will produce one million tons of low-carbon cementitious materials annually. Strategically located with direct access to rail, truck, and water (via the Great Lakes and the inland waterways of the U.S.), the facility will serve customers across the United States and Canada, reinforcing Ozinga's commitment to sustainable infrastructure, supply chain resilience, and American manufacturing. "Ozinga has always believed that true innovation isn't just about progress, it's about purpose," said Marty Ozinga, CEO of Ozinga. "This facility is more than a plant. It's a commitment to the future of American manufacturing, to sustainable building, and to strengthening American communities for generations to come." Investing in Communities and American Manufacturing The East Chicago facility and its related operations are projected to create approximately 150 construction and long-term full-time jobs, fueling regional economic growth. Operations are expected to begin in 2026. "This is the kind of investment that strengthens communities and provides real opportunity for local families," said Anthony Copeland, Mayor of East Chicago. With over 2,500 employees nationwide, Ozinga continues to prioritize sustainability, community development, and innovation. The East Chicago facility marks a major milestone in the company's mission to deliver net zero concrete by 2030. Reducing Emissions, Strengthening Supply Chains Concrete is the backbone of modern infrastructure essential to homes, schools, hospitals, roads, and bridges. Yet traditional Portland cement, its core ingredient, accounts for nearly 7% of global CO₂ emissions. In 2024, the United States imported nearly 30 million tons of cement, leaving infrastructure projects vulnerable to supply chain instability and trade volatility. Ozinga's East Chicago facility directly addresses this challenge. By producing domestic low-carbon cements, it will reduce dependence on imports and dramatically lower embodied carbon in construction materials, supporting both environmental goals and economic resilience. Powered by North America's Largest Low-Carbon Vertical Roller Mill At the heart of the facility is the MVR5300-C6 vertical roller mill from Gebr. Pfeiffer, the largest of its kind in North America. With six independent rollers and unmatched throughput capacity, the mill maximizes energy efficiency while minimizing carbon emissions. "This isn't just a plant—it's a technological milestone," said Timothy Burden, President of Gebr. Pfeiffer Americas. "The MVR5300-C6 sets a new benchmark for sustainable cement production." The facility will produce ASTM C989-compliant low-carbon slag cement, as well as proprietary blends under Ozinga's CarbonSense™ brand, meeting ASTM C1157 performance standards and delivering up to 80% reductions in embodied carbon. Once fully operational, the plant is projected to offset more than 700,000 metric tons of CO₂ emissions annually, a significant reduction in the carbon footprint of U.S. construction. Driving Innovation Through Collaboration Ozinga's leadership in sustainable building materials has been strengthened by partnerships with Meta, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and other industry leaders. These collaborations have yielded AI-optimized low-carbon concrete, used in Meta's DeKalb, IL data center, and enabled a 64% reduction in embodied carbon at the award-winning Amazon Web Services New Carlisle, IN data center, setting a new industry benchmark. The new East Chicago facility is a timely response to the growing demand for low-carbon concrete in data center construction and other mission-critical infrastructure projects across North America. About OzingaOzinga is a fifth-generation, family-owned American company providing concrete, bulk materials, and construction solutions for commercial, industrial, and residential projects. Committed to service, learning, and entrepreneurship, Ozinga continues to develop environmentally responsible products and practices that make a positive impact and shape the future of the built environment. Contact: Joe BrettellProsody Consulting(571) 230-3411jbrettell@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Ozinga
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Development debate takes center stage in Frankfort mayoral race
The Brief Frankfort residents will vote Tuesday to elect their next mayor. Mayor Keith Ogle is seeking a second term, facing challenger Justin Ozinga, a business executive. A proposed mobile home park has become a key issue in the race, with the candidates split on its impact. FRANKFORT, Ill. - On the eve of Election Day, the mayoral race in the Village of Frankfort heating up. Voters will head to the polls on Tuesday to decide whether to grant their current mayor another term or elect a challenger with business ties to the community. What we know Mayor Keith Ogle, who has been involved in village government for nearly two decades, is wrapping up his first term and seeking reelection. "People have really asked us to keep Frankfort, Frankfort," Ogle said. "There's something really special and rare about this community." His opponent, Justin Ozinga, is co-owner and executive of Ozinga Brothers, Inc., a fifth-generation family-owned cement and concrete manufacturing company. "If I'm honored to be elected the mayor, I can't wait to serve and just do wonderful things for this community," Ozinga said. Emerging as a key sticking point in the race is village development; particularly, a proposed affordable housing project for residents 55 and older. The property falls within Green Garden Township, not the village of Frankfort, but could require village utility connections. Dubbed 'The Gardens of Frankfort,' the manufactured home community would be built on 64 acres of land near La Grange and Steger roads—across the street from the similar 'Gateway' development. What they're saying Mayor Ogle opposes the development, arguing that Frankfort does not have the water and sewer capacity to support it. "We studied the capacity issues there and there's strong concerns. Our engineering firm and our utility director said we don't have the capacity to connect them at this point," Ogle said. "Our board has unanimously voted that they're not interested in connecting this, because it will cause problems for our residents, and we have no obligation to do a connection for somebody who's not even here. They're not contiguous—they couldn't even be annexed in." Ozinga supports the project and has criticized how it was handled, saying the village has not been transparent with residents. "And that happens a lot in this town—many projects, including one of my own, where it never even got to the trustees and it was simply made at an executive level that, 'we don't want this for this town,'" Ozinga said. "Whether or not the town, the residents, want 'The Gardens of Frankfort,' that's beside the point. The point is, everything should be on the table, very transparent. It needs to be talked about, we need to hear everyone's voice." The development, spearheaded by LFI Real Estate, was decades in the making before it was put on hold. Now, the property owner—Naperville 2 LLC—is suing the village and asking for a judge to make the decision instead. The lawsuit was filed in Will County Circuit Court last Wednesday and an initial case management hearing has been set for July 14 at 9:15 a.m. What's next Polls will open at 6 a.m. Tuesday and close at 7 p.m. Results are expected later in the evening. Illinois residents can locate their polling place through the Board of Elections website. The Source FOX 32's Kasey Chronis reported on this story.
Chicago Tribune
13-03-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Economic development, growth key issues for Frankfort mayoral, trustee candidates
More than 100 residents packed a Frankfort banquet hall Tuesday night to hear from Mayor Keith Ogle, his challenger Justin Ozinga, and four candidates vying for three trustee seats in the April 1 election. Ogle was elected in 2021 to succeed retiring Mayor Jim Holland, who served for 16 years. Ogle said he is seeking a second term because he wants to continue to grow Frankfort, while preserving the town's historic charm. 'We are not going to lower our standards,' Ogle said. 'And that's been consistent for the last couple decades. There's a reason people want to come to Frankfort. There's no shortage of people that want to live here. There's no shortage of people that want to build here.' Ozinga, a Frankfort businessman, said he is challenging Ogle largely because he disagrees with how the village manages development. 'A lot of times the trustees, or especially you, the residents, don't even hear about these projects because they're shut down or discouraged before it will be made public,' Ozinga said. Ogle was village clerk from 2013 to 2015 and village trustee from 2015 to 2021. He is president of a Frankfort-based technology company, he said. Ozinga, a Frankfort resident for more than 20 years, is president of Ozinga Brothers, one of the nation's oldest ready mix concrete providers that started in Evergreen Park in 1928, according to the company's website. Running for the three trustee seats are incumbents Michael Leddin, Daniel Rossi and Eugene Savaria seeking reelection and Todd Morgan, a trustee from 2001 to 2015 seeking to return after a 10-year absence; Candidates said they hope to develop vacant properties owned by the village, but said they are selective about what to build. Leddin said in the last four years the village has given out 130 business licenses, and Ogle mentioned that vacancy rates are low in the village. Frankfort has a targeted incentive program to encourage private investment in commercial areas and is seeking retail development, Ogle said, but he wants to be careful about how the town develops, especially in the downtown. 'If we screw it up, well, we're going to have a problem,' Ogle said. For Ogle, if developers follow the village's procedures, attend meetings in person and provide the necessary documentation, he is willing to collaborate with them. He pointed to the Chick-fil-A set to open this year on La Grange Road, noting owners didn't request any incentives and have been quick to complete construction. Ozinga said when he talks to developers, they tell him 'Frankfort is closed for business,' because the steps toward getting a proposal before the board are arduous and development is costly. Ozinga said trustees are often unaware of development proposals because they are denied without being brought before trustees. 'I think our economic development efforts need to be totally overhauled, I think we're totally missing the mark on it,' Ozinga said. 'I think our standards, you know, a lot of our communications and transparency with the residents need to be checked.' For Ozinga, the lack of affordable housing is a concern, as young adults and seniors looking to downsize have few smaller, more affordable home or apartment options. The village of about 21,000 residents has a median household income of over $153,000, according to the most recent census data. Several trustee candidates echoed the mayor's sentiments, saying the village should not relax its standards to attract development. 'My daughter can't afford to live in Frankfort, but I'm not going to lower the standards because of that. If you're talking about affordable housing, we are what we are,' Savaria said, to a round of applause. Ozinga clarified that while he doesn't want the village to stop pursuing quality developments, he believes the process can be improved to allow housing projects that benefit more than just the 'ultra wealthy.' Ozinga also believes the loss of the KidsWork Children's Museum was a significant blow to the village. After 16 years in Frankfort, the museum closed its doors and recently opened a larger location in New Lenox. Morgan said under previous administrations, the village had more citizen committees, but many have since been dismantled. 'We need that back,' he said. Ozinga said he believes citizen input is crucial and that he tried volunteering for the village's Economic Development Committee, but was turned down. He said Ogle encouraged him to run for mayor, a claim Ogle denied at the forum. 'I told him that that's exactly what I'll do, since they don't want me in any other part of this town to donate my time,' Ozinga said. If the village acquired additional funds, Ogle said his priorities would be repairing water mains and improving Old Plank Trail. Savaria said the village has allocated $2 million for the trail and is actively seeking grants. Candidates also aim to revitalize the water tower and would consider contributing funds toward a recreation center. State campaign finance disclosure reports show Ogle's campaign took in $500 in contributions, spent more than $3,000 and had $33,200 in debts during the October to December 2024 quarter. At the end of December, Ogle's campaign had $107,803 left to spend. Ozinga's campaign took in $80,674 in contributions and spent $5,142 during the October to December 2024 quarter. At the end of December, Ozinga's campaign had $80,973 left to spend. Early voting begins Monday.
