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By Melanie Lekocevic

Capital Region Independent Media

COEYMANS — LafargeHolcim is being rebranded to a new group identity, Holcim US, the company announced in a statement Thursday.

The company owns the LafargeHolcim cement plant on Route 9W.

The newly rebranded company will focus on building “smarter infrastructure” and pursuing green climate initiatives, according to a statement from the company.

“The Holcim US identity is inspired by our talented people, rich culture and commitment to building a sustainable future,” said Jay Moreau, CEO of Holcim US Aggregates & Construction Materials. “We’re coming together as one team to accomplish ambitious goals in sustainability and innovation, and to deliver on the value proposition for us and our stakeholders.”

Coeymans Town Supervisor George McHugh said he has been in regular contact with the local plant manager and supports the company’s changes.

“We are excited to see these changes, especially as the local plant becomes greener and focuses on the goal of net zero carbon emissions and improved environmental and living conditions for the residents of Coeymans and the surrounding area,” McHugh said. “The town board and I applaud the efforts of LafargeHolcim and support their transition to Holcim US.”

The Ravena plant underwent a $500 million modernization project in 2017, and components of the old plant are now being dismantled.

“They are working on removing and demolishing the old plant right now,” McHugh said.

Ravena Mayor Bill Misuraca said he has had “zero communication” from the company about any changes the rebranding might bring to the local community.

A statement from Holcim US said the transition to the new identity will help the company in achieving green solutions in the future.

“As Holcim US, we now share a common purpose and vision that draws on the group’s rich 200-year heritage of building progress,” said Toufic Tabbara, interim CEO of US Cement and North America Region Head at Holcim. “As the company transforms to become the global leader in innovative and sustainable building solutions, our U.S. organization becomes even more closely linked to the leadership position that Holcim Group has been building globally.”

The local plant has faced environmental challenges in the past year. The state Department of Environmental Conservation in May withdrew authorization for the plant to burn tires for fuel, known as tire-derived fuel, which had not yet been implemented at the plant but was planned for.

The company also reached an $850,000 settlement with the state in 2021 resolving alleged environmental violations at the plant between 2015 and 2019, state Attorney General Letitia James said in April 2021.

Formerly known as Lafarge, the Ravena cement plant was renamed LafargeHolcim after the two companies merged in 2015.

Holcim operates 350 sites around the U.S. in 43 states, employing 7,000 people, according to the company, and has 70,000 workers globally.

The company produces cement, concrete, aggregates and asphalt products. The new name and identity were approved in July 2021.