In the mix: 7 major cement producers supplying Canada

Canada’s cement sector is a major force in the construction industry, driving economic growth and job creation. 

The industry employs over 166,000 people and contributes $76 billion annually to the economy. Concrete itself is the backbone of countless construction projects, valued for its durability and versatility. 

It also has a role to play in decarbonizing the construction sector. In November 2022, the Cement Association of Canada partnered with the government to launch the “Roadmap to Net-Zero Carbon Concrete by 2050”. This ambitious plan outlines a path for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by over 15 million tonnes cumulatively by 2030, followed by ongoing annual reductions exceeding 4 million tonnes.

Lafarge Canada

Lafarge Canada, a member of the LafargeHolcim group, is the largest provider of construction materials in Canada with over 6,000 employees and 350 sites. They offer a variety of building solutions including aggregates, asphalt, cement, and precast concrete. Their recent focus is on sustainability, with a pilot project achieving 100% circular production of clinker in Nova Scotia and their ECOPact and ECOPlanet lines offering green concrete and cement options.

• Cement plants in Bath, Ontario; Richmond, British Columbia; Exshaw, Alberta; Brookfield, Nova Scotia
• Ready-mix concrete plants across Canada, including major locations in Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal

CRH Canada Group

CRH Canada Group, a subsidiary of the global building materials giant CRH plc, is one of Canada’s leading players in the construction industry. They employ over 4,300 people across 110 locations in seven provinces. CRH Canada offers a wide range of building materials including cement, aggregates, and ready-mix concrete through their network of companies.They also manufacture architectural products and have a strong presence in the precast and infrastructure sectors. In recent news, CRH Canada has been expanding its footprint through acquisitions, but has also sold off some assets in eastern North America to Béton Provincial.

• Cement plants in Mississauga, Ontario; Joliette, Quebec
• Ready-mix concrete plants across Canada

Heidelberg Materials

Heidelberg Materials, formerly known as HeidelbergCement, is a major supplier of construction materials in Canada.Acquired in 1993, their Canadian operations boast 3 modern cement plants, extensive aggregate deposits, and numerous ready-mixed concrete facilities. They strategically distribute cement throughout the country and are a leading supplier of aggregates in western Canada. Additionally, they operate pipe companies across several provinces. Their 2016 acquisition of Italcementi further strengthened their presence with the addition of Essroc, a historic Canadian cement producer.

• Cement plant in Redcliff, Alberta
• Ready-mix concrete plants across western Canada

Ciment Quebec

Ciment Québec, boasting one of the most modern cement plants in North America, is a key player in Quebec’s construction industry. Their offerings include cement, concrete, construction materials, and aggregates. Founded in 1952,the Saint-Basile-based company celebrates its 70th anniversary this year. Looking towards the future, Ciment Quebec is committed to sustainability efforts, with a recent multi-million dollar project aiming to develop less polluting cement.

• Cement plant in Saint-Basile, Quebec

Votorantim Cimentos North America (VCNA)

Votorantim Cimentos North America (VCNA) is a leading cement producer in North America, with a strong presence in the United States and Canada. They are a subsidiary of Votorantim Cimentos, the seventh largest cement producer in the world. VCNA operates six cement plants, 198 aggregate production units, and concrete centers across North America, with a total capacity of 31.8 million tons/year of cement, 7.8 million m³/year of concrete, and 23.0 million tons/year of aggregates. Headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, they have 134 locations in North America, operating as St Marys Cement, Canada Building Materials (CBM), Prairie Materials, Superior Materials, and United Materials. Together, these companies provide jobs to more than 2,600 building materials employees.

• Cement plants in Bowmanville, Ontario; Dixon, Illinois; Charlevoix, Michigan

Federal White Cement

A Canadian manufacturer operating since 1979, Federal White Cement, based in Woodstock, Ontario, specializes in white Portland and masonry cement for the construction industry. This family-owned company prioritizes innovation, offering traditional and eco-friendly white Portland cement options alongside white masonry cement. While specific recent updates aren’t readily available, their website provides details on their commitment to high-quality and sustainable white cement solutions.

• White cement plant in Woodstock, Ontario

Béton Provincial Ltée

Béton Provincial Ltée, a Quebec-based family-owned company established in 1960, stands out in Eastern Canada for its diverse, high-quality concrete and paving products. They focus on a personalized customer approach and boast a wide distribution network, supplying construction projects across the region. In recent news, Béton Provincial made headlines by acquiring assets from CRH Canada, further solidifying their position in the market.

• Major ready-mix concrete plants in Quebec