The cement plant at 5160 Main St. in Whitehall was constructed in 1899, making it one of the oldest operating cement plants in the United States. A gathering of workers and local dignitaries celebrated the plant’s 125th anniversary May 17.

Currently, the plant is a member of the Holcim Group. Plant Manager Lorraine Faccenda congratulated her staff and those present at the plant’s 125th birthday luncheon.

Faccenda attributed the decades of success at the Whitehall cement plant to outstanding employees. The plant employs about 80 workers and produces 14 different types of cement.

“We have had the best employees for the last 125 years,” Faccenda said. “We plan to have a positive impact in the Whitehall community. And, see you in another 125 years.”

She commented on the plant’s support of various causes in the Whitehall area, including Wildlands Conservancy and the Scouts organization.

Faccenda thanked the dignitaries present at the event for showing their support for the plant.

Lehigh County Executive Phillips Armstrong presented Faccenda with a citation of recognition for the challenging work to remain in business for 125 years and thanked her for the plant’s community-strengthening activities.

State Rep. Jeanne McNeill, D-133rd, presented a citation from the Pennsylvania State General Assembly, recognizing the decades of success achieved by the cement company.

Taylor Brown, chief of staff for state Sen. Nick Miller, D-14th, and Deborah Irwing, legislative assistant for state Rep. Zach Mako, R-183rd, presented Faccenda with certificates of recognition.

Selina Winchester, representative for U.S. Rep. Susan Wild, D-7th, also presented an award to Faccenda. Wild is a member of the Cement Caucus group of U.S. House legislators, and she recently toured the Atlas Cement Company Memorial Museum in Northampton. At that time, Wild promised support to the entire cement industry in her district.

The event concluded with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a luncheon. The event was held under a large tent set up on the plant’s grounds.

The Holcim Group is a multinational corporation with its U.S. operation running close to 350 sites in 43 states, employing about 7,000 people.

Holcim Group is a global leader in innovative and sustainable building solutions. In 2023, its net sale was $27 billion.