Cement
The International Port of Memphis Cement and SCM Distribution Terminal and CNG Station Project
Building a Stronger Future for the Mid-South
Midwest Cement Co., Inc. (Midwest Cement) proposes to strengthen the Mid-South’s construction industry through the development of a new cement and cementitious material import terminal and CNG project. The facility will provide a dependable, cost-effective supply of essential building materials. As a strategic investment, the project supports regional economic growth, job creation, and infrastructure development. It also directly aligns with federal, state, and local goals to enhance multimodal freight efficiency, reduce congestion, bolster supply chain resilience, and promote sustainable infrastructure.
Meeting A Critical Need
The Mid-South has experienced shortages of Ordinary Portland Cement (cement) and Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCMs) over the past several years. These materials are essential to infrastructure, residential and commercial construction, as well as industrial development. Supply constraints have led to project delays and economic inefficiencies. This project is designed to help close the supply gap by enabling a reliable, affordable, and consistent flow of cementitious products to support the region’s current and future development needs while simultaneously lowering emissions and noise pollution.
Project Overview
The proposed investment will assist in the development of a supplier-agnostic cement and SCM distribution terminal at the International Port of Memphis. Major components include:
- Refurbishment of a dormant grain silo facility into a state-of-the-art cement and SCM material terminal.
- Installation of a pneumatic barge unloading system for seamless material transfer.
- Construction of a 20,000 sq ft storage facility to store cement and Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCMs) to SCMs.
- Development of advanced material handling systems to facilitate efficient truck loadouts.
- Construction of a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) station and CNG trucks to enable cleaner, more efficient distribution.
Strengthening Regional Infrastructure
- The Mid-South, particularly Tennessee and Arkansas, has faced inconsistent and insufficient supply of cement and SCMs—key ingredients in ready-mix concrete—resulting in supply chain disruptions and bottlenecks across critical infrastructure and construction projects.
- Midwest Cement currently transports and supplies American made cement on consignment from producers in Missouri and Iowa. However, increasing demand and logistical constraints limit supply.
- This project will allow for the storage and efficient handling of inbound cement and SCMs, significantly improving regional access to critical building materials.
- The facility’s strategic location at the International Port of Memphis will allow for safe and cost-effective inbound material receiving via river barges and product distribution to Arkansas and Tennessee, largely via CNG trucks.
Investment: Approximately $30 million investment in the local economy.
Construction Jobs: Over 50 construction jobs during an ~18-month construction period.
Permanent Jobs: ~28 new permanent full-time local jobs (15 direct jobs + 13 contract positions) with competitive salaries for direct jobs averaging $78,000 annually, including benefits and potential overtime.
Local Hiring and Training: Midwest Cement is committed to training and hiring local talent, including plant management, loading and unloading operators/laborers, maintenance personnel, mobile equipment operators, and truck drivers.
The project supports national and regional goals for energy conservation and emissions reduction by utilizing marine transport and CNG-powered trucks.
These cleaner logistics solutions align with the objectives of the Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP), MARAD, and the State of Tennessee’s sustainability priorities.
Reduced diesel truck use will also lower noise and air pollution and enhance operational efficiency at the port.
About Midwest Cement
With nearly 40 years of experience, Midwest Cement, a Farmer Holding Company, Inc. subsidiary, has grown from a small, family-owned company to a leading supplier of construction materials. The company remains family-owned today, upholding its commitment to safety, innovation, quality and family values.
- Expertise: Leaders in transportation of cement and SCM solutions for the construction industry.
- Innovation: Focused on solutions that reduce environmental impact and streamline construction materials logistics.
- Reputation:
Known for reliability, strong work ethic, and an unwavering commitment to quality and safety.
What This Means for Tennessee & Arkansas
Reliable, cost-effective supply of cement and SCMs to enable infrastructure, housing, commercial, and industrial development.
Lower material costs by eliminating supply chain inefficiencies and reducing transportation expenses.
Environmental benefits through cleaner fuels and reduced truck emissions.
Economic stimulus through high-quality jobs and local business investment.
Safety & Environmental Commitment
For all Farmer Companies, safety is our core value. Midwest Cement enforces strict safety policies and upholds high environmental standards:
Safe Work Environment: Midwest Cement is committed to the safety of our employees, contractors, and the public.
Environmental Control Measures: State-of-the-art systems that will meet or exceed agency standards.
Non-Hazardous Materials: Handling only non-flammable, non-combustible cementitious materials.
CNG Infrastructure and Fleet: CNG trucks will significantly reduce noise and air pollution, supporting port-wide sustainability and environmental stewardship.
A Strategic Investment In The Mid-South
The International Port of Memphis Cement Import Terminal and CNG Station Project is more than a construction initiative—it’s a long-term investment in the Mid-South’s economic stability, infrastructure, and environmental sustainability. By tackling cement stability, improving freight logistics, and adopting sustainable practices, it serves as a model for responsible infrastructure investment. It also aligns with MARAD’s Strategic Sustainability Performance Plan, the Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) goals, and the sustainability priorities of Tennessee and the City of Memphis.
Together, we’re building a stronger, more resilient Mid-South.
Join us in supporting this transformative project.
For more information about the project, please contact Curt Neuenswander at
Curtn@farmercompanies.com.
