- ABB to supply, commission and support new and advanced plant process controls for Lafarge Bath Cement Plant in Kingston, Ontario
- System to aid in company-wide digitalization efforts to reduce emissions
- Plant operators to gain enhanced visibility and control over the low-carbon cement production with the help of ABB’s technology
Lafarge Canada, a member of the Holcim Group, has chosen ABB to update the process control system at the Bath Cement Plant in Kingston, Ontario. This modernization marks another key step in Lafarge’s commitment to decarbonizing its operations. ABB will supply, commission, and support its ABB Ability™ System 800xA® distributed control system (DCS), providing operators with enhanced visibility and control over the plant’s processes. The Bath facility produces over one million tons annually of Lafarge’s OneCem® low-carbon cement, further advancing sustainable construction in Canada.
Located on the shores of Lake Ontario, Bath Cement Plant has been a key supplier to the Canadian construction industry since 1973. In recent years, Lafarge has been accelerating sustainable growth with decarbonization efforts, as well as by transitioning to low-carbon fuels and upgrading to a more energy-efficient kiln. The plant is also piloting an innovative carbon capture process at the site, which holds significant potential to support Lafarge’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions in 2050.
“At Lafarge Canada, we are dedicated to advancing sustainable construction, not least through rigorous decarbonization efforts. From working with ABB to upgrade our process control system, to integrating low-carbon fuels and upgrading to energy-efficient kiln technology, we are significantly leading the way in sustainable construction by reducing our carbon emissions per ton of cement produced,” said Andrew Stewart, VP, Cement, Lafarge Canada. “For example, our pilot carbon capture initiative with Hyperion has also been critical, as it leverages innovative processes to capture and sequester CO2, bringing us closer to our goal of net-zero emissions. These initiatives not only enhance our operational efficiency but allow us to continuously deliver high-quality, sustainable products to our customers."
Automation at Bath Cement Plant will allow the operations team to have increased visibility of the process. Image Lafarge Canada 
The site in Kingston, Ontario, Canada, is a key site for cement production for North America. Image Lafarge Canada
ABB has a long-standing relationship with the Holcim Group, who previously selected ABB as a technology supplier for their global digitalization efforts at their cement production facilities globally. ABB's upgraded process control system at Bath will enable ongoing energy-savings and optimization opportunities for the Lafarge operations team, while ensuring seamless plant operations on a day-to-day basis.
“ABB works across a variety of industries helping the world’s manufacturers and producers make real progress in their decarbonization journey,” said Bulent Kolanci, North America Sales Manager for Business Unit Cement, ABB Process Industries. “The team at Bath is very inspiring to work with as they are creative and focused in achieving their stated objectives. We’re very happy to be a part of this journey with them.”
ABB’s Process Automation business automates, electrifies and digitalizes industrial operations that address a wide range of essential needs – from supplying energy, water and materials, to producing goods and transporting them to market. With its ~20,000 employees, leading technology and service expertise, ABB Process Automation helps customers in process, hybrid and maritime industries improve performance and safety of operations, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. go.abb/processautomation
ABB is a technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. The company’s solutions connect engineering know-how and software to optimize how things are manufactured, moved, powered and operated. Building on over 140 years of excellence, ABB’s more than 105,000 employees are committed to driving innovations that accelerate industrial transformation.www.abb.com
Lafarge Canada is the largest provider of innovative and sustainable building solutions in Canada, including aggregates, cement, ready mix and precast concrete, asphalt and paving, road and civil construction. We have over 6,900 employees and 400 sites across the country, and as an affiliate of Holcim, Lafarge Canada is driven by the Group’s purpose to build progress for people and the planet. Holcim’s 63,448 employees are on a mission to decarbonize building while improving living standards for all. We empower our customers to build better with less, with a broad range of low-carbon and circular solutions, from ECOPact® to ECOPlanet®. Through innovative systems, from Elevate’s roofing to PRB’s insulation, Holcim makes buildings more sustainable in use, driving energy efficiency and green retrofitting. With sustainability at the core of its strategy, Holcim is on its way to becoming a net-zero company with 1.5°C targets validated by SBTi. www.lafarge.ca
