Chicago Construction News staff writer
Switzerland-based Holcim has announced plans to spin off its North American business, which will be rebranded as Amrize. As part of this transition, Holcim will invest $18.6 million in capital expenditures to establish Chicago as the operational headquarters for Amrize.
This move is designed to meet the growing demand for advanced building solutions across North America.is the largest provider of cement in the U.S. and Canada. Amrize will operate more than 1,000 sites with more than 19,000 employees.
Construction will be supported by an Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) agreement with the state of Illinois. Through this agreement, Holcim will receive an EDGE tax credit, which will help facilitate the creation of 50 new full-time jobs and the retention of 62 existing positions in the Chicago area.
“Thanks to our competitive incentive programs, skilled workforce, strong infrastructure, and commitment to innovation, Illinois continues to be a top destination for businesses to grow and thrive,” Gov. Pritzker said in a statement.
The EDGE program, designed to support business growth in Illinois, has already resulted in over $650 million in investments across the state in 2024.
“Through DCEO’s EDGE program, the state continues to support businesses looking to expand in Illinois,” said Kristin Richards, Director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO). “This investment will help Holcim continue to grow its operations in Chicago and create high-quality jobs for Illinois families.
Holcim, with over 450 employees in Illinois, has contributed to several major construction projects in the Chicago area, including Maggie Daley Park and the 606 Trail.
Once the spin-off is completed, Amrize will become the largest building solutions company focused exclusively on North America. The company will employ 19,000 people across the region and operate an extensive network of over 1,000 production and distribution facilities, serving all U.S. states and Canadian provinces.
The decision to base Amrize’s headquarters in Chicago underscores the competitive incentives offered by the state of Illinois, ensuring continued growth for the company and providing new opportunities for local workers.
For more information about the EDGE program and Illinois’ business incentives, visit the DCEO website.
