Mountain Cement Company

MCC_Logo.JPG Mountain Cement Company's plant, originally constructed by Monolith Portland Cement Company, has been part of Laramie's landscape since 1927. That's longer than most of us can remember. For point of reference, Calvin Coolidge was president in 1927. It was also the year Ford Motor Company discontinued producing the Model T and began producing the Model A car.

Since 1927, the Company, which is located 2 miles south of Laramie, has adapted to many changes...changes in ownership, in regional markets, in environmental imperatives and also in the community it supports. One constant throughout the years has been Mountain Cement's ability to produce quality Portland cement to serve construction requirements for roadways, bridges, energy industries and residential contractors in our western region.

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Since 2001, Mountain Cement Company has been owned by the Dallas holding company Eagle Materials. It is one of five American operations that form Eagle Materials' family of cement companies.

The cement manufacturing industry, like most heavy manufacturing industries, has its share of challenges, as well as opportunities. Dave Challacomb, President of Mountain Cement Company, indicated "Because we essentially manufacture dust, our relationship with the environment is not only a principle operating consideration, but is also subject to considerable scrutiny, both internally and externally. We are committed to a clean environment and to operating under strict guidelines set by both the State of Wyoming and the Federal EPA. We strive to be a good neighbor, one the Laramie community can be proud of. For example, during recent years we installed new bag houses to moderate airborne dust. We have applied dust inhibitors and have cleaned local roads. Last April, we voluntarily helped grade roads southeast of the fairgrounds as a community support project."

Dave Challacomb suggests that while the cement industry may not project the same lure and appeal as some high-tech industries, it still provides many good opportunities for ambitious, hard-working people who want to learn and succeed. He remarked, "I believe most Mountain Cement employees would consider employment stability and the opportunity for advancement as definite Company strengths. We like to promote from within and consider merit and ability, whenever feasible. We have implemented apprenticeship programs for Electrical and Maintenance occupations, as well as other training programs for our employees."

Mountain Cement Company's total payroll exceeds $9 million, which includes compensation for approximately 135 employees working directly in Laramie. That makes Mountain Cement Company one of Laramie's largest private sector employers.

Paul Anderson, Executive Vice President for Mountain Cement, provided additional insight into Mountain Cement's financial impact on our community. He stated, "The Company directly purchases about $18 million from Wyoming businesses and through the use of local contractor services. Our property tax payment to Albany County exceeds $500,000 per year. "

In response to questions regarding his vision for Mountain Cement, Dave Challacomb remarked, "We plan to be here in Laramie for a long time. A good portion of our business is related to the oil and natural gas industries, and we actively support a growing number of wind energy projects in this area. I expect that will continue. We also realize the importance of positively contributing to the community in which we live and in which our people work. Community support is an integral part of our history and our vision."

And so it is. The following is a partial listing of community organizations, events and charities to which Mountain Cement Company has directly contributed and supported over the years.

  • Albany County DARE
  • Albany 4H/FFA, Jr. Livestock Sale
  • American Red Cross
  • Big Brothers / Big Sisters
  • Boy Scouts / Girl Scouts
  • Chamber of Commerce Events
  • Downtown Clinic
  • Ducks Unlimited
  • "Fire in the Sky" 4th of July Celebration
  • Freedom Has a Birthday
  • Habitat for Humanity
  • Hospice of Laramie
  • Ivinson Hospital Foundation Annual Gala
  • Jr. Miss
  • Laramie Economic Development Corporation
  • Laramie Jubilee Days
  • Laramie Main Street – 1st Street Plaza
  • Project Graduation – Laramie High School
  • Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
  • Safe Project
  • The Eppson CenterUniversity of Wyoming – Cowboy Joe Coaches Club
  • Wyoming Technical Institute Scholarship

On behalf of all recipients of these and other endeavors supported by Mountain Cement Company, as well as other Laramie-based organizations that support our community, LEDC extends its sincere gratitude.