Lafarge North America will invest up to $75 million to retool and expand its operations in Alpena as a result of state and local brownfield tax incentives approved by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. The upgrades will increase the facility's competitiveness and keep 230 jobs in the community.

The project is one of three economic development projects the Governor announced today. In all, they are expected to create and retain a total of 11,606 Michigan jobs, including 2,300 directly by company expansions and redevelopment.

Lafarge North America, a leading producer of building materials like cement, aggregates, concrete and gypsum, will implement state-of-the-art material processing and conveyor systems and finishing operations. The company will use brownfield tax incentives including a single business tax credit valued at more than $5.2 million and state and local tax capture valued at $1.5 million to demolish a vacant storage building.

"We are making this investment to improve the competitiveness of the largest cement plant in the Midwest," Alexis Langlois, president of the Lafarge North America Great Lakes Cement Region said. "The stronger output will boost our ability to serve Lafarge customers throughout the state and will enhance the export of Michigan-made products to neighboring Great Lakes states and provinces."