New cement plant in the works

There's only one thing that can permanently solve the cement shortage in the U.S. -- new cement plants. Well, a Mexican cement manufacturer is close to investing $200 million to build a new plant in Pueblo, Colo. If the project gains approval from the board of directors of Grupo Cementos de Chihuahua S.A. de C.V. (GCC), the plant could be operational by the end of 2007, says Enrique Escalante, director of GCC's U.S. division. The new Pueblo plant -- which would turn out a million tons of cement a year -- has been on the table since 1998 and has all the necessary building and air-quality permits. The company is finalizing assessments of electricity supplies, material suppliers and contractor customers. This new plant, and more like it, are sorely needed and vital to the future of the construction industry in America. Your comment?