The Holcim cement plant, one of Mason City's oldest industries, is closing because of hard economic times. The company, which traces its history back 100 years, says it will close at the end of August. It employs 165 people.
A Holcim plant in Artesia, Miss., will also close. The Massachusetts-based company blames market conditions and a forecasted reduction in demand for cement. Holcim says production will stop but it will keep its equipment and its permits current in hopes of reopening within two years.
The Mason City plant started as Northwestern States Portland Cement Co. in 1908. It was sold to the Swiss firm Holnam in 1990 and was renamed Holcim in 2001.
Copyright 2009 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
A Holcim plant in Artesia, Miss., will also close. The Massachusetts-based company blames market conditions and a forecasted reduction in demand for cement. Holcim says production will stop but it will keep its equipment and its permits current in hopes of reopening within two years.
The Mason City plant started as Northwestern States Portland Cement Co. in 1908. It was sold to the Swiss firm Holnam in 1990 and was renamed Holcim in 2001.
Copyright 2009 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
