In October 2018 Buzzi Unicem USA completed a sale with the State of Illinois (IL) for property previously used for operating the Oglesby, IL Plant.  The State eagerly anticipated this transaction, since it facilitated an increase of more than 50% in public parkland, significantly expanding the State's busiest open park complex.

Situated in north-central IL about 100 miles (160 kilometers) south-west of Chicago, the Oglesby Plant was nestled between Matthieson Park to the east and Starved Rock Park to the north.  Oglesby began operation on a 40-acre (16.2-hectares) plot in December 1892 as the Williamson & Wilson Portland Cement Plant (using a "state-of-the-art" 10-ft by 40-ft [3.5-m by 12.2-m] vertical kiln).  In 1898, the newly formed Marquette Cement Company acquired the plant and conducted cement production operations into the 1980's.  Over that time Marquette modernized the production lines twice, once in the 1920's and again in the 1970's, and acquired surrounding properties along the way. In April 1982, the plant changed hands for one final time when Lone Star Industries (LSI), later incorporated in Buzzi Unicem USA, purchased the entirety of the Marquette Company.  LSI had a successful run into the mid-2000's, but, unfortunately had to cease production during the "Great Recession" in 2008.

By the time the Oglesby plant made its last ton of cement, the Company had acquired over 2,600 acres (over 1050 hectares) of property on both sides of a significant stretch along the Vermillion River.  Some of the land was recovered quarry area and some of the land was pristine river woodland, but all of it was ideally situated adjacent to IL public parkland that hosts over 2 millions of visitors a year. As Buzzi Unicem USA plans developed to divest the property, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) quickly expressed a keen interest in the acquisition.  Recognizing an opportunity that could provide nature preservation and public recreational activities to the community that supported over a century of successful mining and manufacturing, Buzzi Unicem USA entered into exclusive negotiations with the IDNR for the transaction.  While the State of Illinois’ significant financial restrictions extended the negotiations for several years, the deal was successfully concluded last October.

The IDNR is now moving forward with a meticulous process of examining and documenting the native flora and fauna currently present to ensure preservation of sensitive and rare species and habitat.  They are also developing a long-term plan that includes enhancement of forest and prairie habitat, establishment of nature trails and campgrounds, installation of a suspension foot bridge over the Vermillion River and provision of river access for kayaking, canoeing and fishing. These plans also include posting areas with informative and interpretive signs that will highlight its' history and Buzzi Unicem USA role in the environmental preservation. Having been part of the long-standing business that contributed to the community's local economy, we are pleased with the prospect that the Oglesby Plant is playing a role in establishing this lasting legacy.