Lafarge Canada, part of the Holcim Group, has enlisted ABB to upgrade the process control system at its Bath Cement Plant in Kingston, Ontario, as part of ongoing efforts to reduce its environmental impact. ABB will implement its ABB Ability™ System 800xA® distributed control system (DCS) to provide enhanced oversight and management of the plant’s operations, supporting Lafarge’s drive toward more sustainable practices. Producing over one million tons of Lafarge’s low-carbon OneCem® annually, the Bath plant has been a leading supplier in Canada’s construction industry since 1973.
The partnership with ABB builds on recent sustainability initiatives at Bath, including transitioning to low-carbon fuels, upgrading to a more efficient kiln, and piloting a carbon capture program. “Working with ABB to advance our process control system is an essential part of our decarbonization strategy,” said Andrew Stewart, VP of Cement at Lafarge Canada. He highlighted the plant’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, emphasizing that these measures enable Lafarge to reduce carbon emissions per ton of cement while maintaining product quality and operational efficiency.
ABB’s longstanding collaboration with the Holcim Group includes technology upgrades across Holcim’s global facilities to support energy savings and seamless operations. “ABB’s role in Lafarge’s sustainability journey reflects our commitment to helping industries reduce their carbon footprint,” noted Bulent Kolanci, ABB’s North America Sales Manager for Cement.
With expertise in automation and digitalization, ABB’s Process Automation business is a leader in sustainable industrial solutions, helping various sectors, including construction, achieve greater resource efficiency. As Canada’s largest provider of sustainable building solutions, Lafarge Canada continues to advance Holcim’s mission to decarbonize construction while enhancing living standards.
Lafarge Canada, a part of the Holcim Group, is Canada’s largest supplier of sustainable and innovative building materials, offering aggregates, cement, ready-mix and precast concrete, asphalt, paving, and civil construction services.
With a workforce of over 6,900 across 400 locations, Lafarge Canada is committed to building progress for people and the planet. Holcim’s mission of decarbonizing the building industry and enhancing living standards is reflected in their diverse portfolio of eco-friendly and circular solutions, such as ECOPact® concrete and ECOPlanet® cement.
Holcim’s extensive product range also includes sustainable building systems like Elevate’s roofing and PRB’s insulation, enhancing energy efficiency and supporting green retrofitting. With sustainability as its core focus, Holcim is on track to becoming a net-zero company, with goals aligned to a 1.5°C climate target, validated by the Science Based Targets initiative.
ABB is a global technology leader in electrification and automation, dedicated to creating a sustainable, resource-efficient future. By integrating engineering expertise with advanced software, it’s solutions optimize how industries manufacture, transport, power, and operate. With a rich legacy of over 140 years, it’s 105,000 employees worldwide are focused on driving innovation and accelerating industrial transformation.
ABB plays a vital role in the cement industry, delivering advanced automation and electrification solutions to improve efficiency, reduce emissions, and support sustainable operations. Through its integrated digital solutions, ABB enables cement manufacturers to optimize energy usage, enhance production processes, and lower their carbon footprint. ABB’s expertise in electrical and control systems, combined with its commitment to digitalization, makes it a key partner for sustainable transformation in the cement industry.
