Peters Tours Lafarge North America’s Alpena Cement Plant to Discuss Shipping and Manufacturing

ALPENA, MI – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) today toured Lafarge North America’s Alpena Cement Plant to discuss Michigan’s manufacturing sector, Great Lakes shipping and Lafarge’s environmental investments into their Alpena Plant. Peters toured the plant’s shipping docks, wet gas scrubber and the Lafarge Quarry on his visit.

“I am honored to be in Alpena to see firsthand how companies like Lafarge are promoting Michigan’s vital manufacturing industry, providing good-paying jobs for our state's communities and working to be good stewards of Michigan’s important natural resources like the Great Lakes,” said Senator Peters. “The Great Lakes are vital to Michigan’s economic health, supporting thousands of jobs through our state’s manufacturing, shipping, agricultural and fishing industries. I’m proud of the work that Lafarge has done to safeguard Michigan’s air, land and water to ensure these critical resources are there for generations to come.”

Peters is a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, where he focuses on supporting economic growth and growing Michigan’s role as a transportation and logistics hub for trade, manufacturing and innovation. Peters also serves on the Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries and Coast Guard, which has oversight of the U.S. Coast Guard’s role on the Great Lakes. 

Lafarge is one of many manufacturers in Michigan that rely on the Great Lakes to ship their products to consumers. Lafarge moves nearly 95 percent of its final product through shipping lanes in the Great Lakes. During his visit, Senator Peters discussed the importance of supporting Coast Guard ice breaking, shipping and security operations on the Great Lakes to ensure Michigan businesses can reach customers and grow their businesses.

On the tour, Peters also saw firsthand many of Lafarge’s investments in their Michigan facility that focus on protecting Michigan’s environment and natural resources. The wet gas scrubber is part of a $70 million investment in environmental upgrades to the plant, and has succeeded in reducing sulfur dioxide emissions from the plant’s kilns by nearly 90 percent. Peters also toured the Lafarge Quarry, where Lafarge conducts aggregate mining operations with a focus on conservation and sustainability. 

“It was an honor to host Senator Gary Peters at the Lafarge Alpena Cement Plant,” said Paul Rogers, Plant Manager. “Lafarge has been producing materials at this location since 1908 and we appreciate that Senator Peters understands and supports our vital role in creating jobs and providing for the local community.”

“I’m pleased to welcome Senator Peters to Alpena, and thank him for his efforts to promote our manufacturing industry and protect our Great Lakes,” said Alpena Mayor Matt Waligora. “It was an honor to join Senator Peters today to see how companies like Lafarge are partnering with our community and building on our talented local workforce to make positive changes that will give our city and our state a bright future.” 

While in Alpena, Senator Peters also toured the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center (CRTC) where he met with servicemembers to discuss the CRTC’s mission to serve as the premier Air National Guard training center. Peters also visited the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, which works to protect and preserve the maritime history and natural resources of the Great Lakes.

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