Close to 40 workers are expected to lose their jobs at a southern Illinois cement plant by the end of the year.
LaFarge-Holcim says it will be mothballing one of the two kilns at its Joppa Cement Plant near Metropolis.
Mothballing refers to preserving the facility while idling operations.
Communications Head for US Cement Robin DeCarlo says while numbers haven’t been finalized, early estimates say up to 40 jobs could be lost, which would affect operations in both the quarry and the plant.
DeCarlo says the reason is lack of US demand.
“The cement market hasn’t been growing, and the results of that is the market demand for cement out of our Joppa plant has decreased, and now demand is insufficient to cover running both kilns at this time," said DeCarlo.
The plant currently employs 97 workers overall.
DeCarlo says the force reduction is expected to take place in December.
Earlier this year, LaFarge-Holcim announced they wouldn't be adding a 3rd kiln to the plant, while adding 50 new jobs, after determining it could operate on only two kilns.
