Lehigh Southwest Cement

The modernization of the Permanente plant could not have been planned at a better time; the early ‘80s brought a construction lull, offering an excellent opportunity to devote time and energy to rebuilding.

By the mid-1980s, the economy and local markets had fully recovered and Permanente’s out put had kept pace. The rebuilding also installed facilities that have kept Permanente abreast of increasing environmental demands. Once again, Permanente had taken a bold step to prepare for the future.

The Permanente kiln and raw grinding mill was completely rebuilt and put into operation in the summer of 1980. Above, workers brick the new kiln.

By March, 1981, the new plant was complete, boasting the largest single preheater kiln in the U.S. and an annual capacity of 1.6 million tons. In September 1981, the last bag of wet-process cement was sacked, and the six old kilns shut down forever. The two 220-foot concrete stacks, landmarks for more than 40 years, were felled one year later.

In all, $112 million had been invested to literally rebuild Permanente. Fuel consumption per ton of cement manufactured had been cut 35%, and emissions had been reduced significantly.

The preheater tower and dust collector bag house.

A state-of-the-art pre-blend dome keeps the materials stockpiles dry and eliminates dust.

Crusher and clay dome.

The new dry kiln.

A view of the new plant.

Covered conveoyor
carries material to the raw mills.

Conveyor carries crushed rock to preblend dome.