Based on announced and permitted plans, the growth includes a mix of greenfield sites—including a 3.9 million ton plant in Missouri—modernizations, and expansions of existing facilities. The ingredient that will see increased production is called clinker. Clinker is an artificial rock made by heating limestone and other raw materials in specific quantities to a very high temperature in a kiln.
“The United States construction industry is ready to digest this large increase in capacity,” said Ed Sullivan, chief economist for PCA. “Regions with a vibrant economic base dominate the location of plant expansions and the related escalation in private, commercial, and public infrastructure construction will require additional materials.”
For example, the Mountain region with the rapidly growing populations of Arizona, Nevada, and Colorado accounts for 26 percent of total capacity expansions. The Central region of the United States is expected to have the largest number of capacity expansions, 37 percent of planned increases. The Mississippi River allows plants in this area to access a broad market.
