Holcim US - Holcim to Donate 123 Acres for Park and Agriculture Center

MIDLOTHIAN, Texas, Sept. 24, 2008 – Holcim (Texas) LP will donate 123 acres of land to the City of Midlothian for the development of a park and an agriculture education facility following the City Council’s unanimous vote to approve the donation and a rezoning request by the company of part of its property.

The parcel is part of a 317-acre site owned by Holcim that is located north of Mockingbird Lane, between the Midlothian Parkway and Onward Road. The new park and education center will be separated from the plant site by a buffer zone and a 20-foot landscaped berm.

“This is a win-win-win situation,” said Michel Moser, Plant Manager. “The City will receive land for a new park, area residents may enjoy an increase in property values, and Holcim will gain access to resources that will strengthen our future business in the area.”

Mr. Moser added that a park is preferable to commercial development in the area, which could lead to increased traffic. The park will provide new open space to the community for organized sports, family outings and other activities.

Midlothian Mayor Boyce Whatley said, “We’re blessed to have very supportive corporate citizens in our community. Holcim’s donation of 123 acres will be of great help in meeting our City’s growing park and recreation needs.”

The Mayor also noted that the land donation will especially benefit nearby neighborhoods of Park Place, Mockingbird Estates and Kensington, which currently have limited open space areas. “Greenspace preservation is very important for our City, and this donation goes a long way toward that goal,” the Mayor said.
According to city manager Don Hastings, the donated land will likely become home to the future MISD agricultural education center, pending final discussions between the Midlothian City Council and School Board. In addition to the agricultural center, Mr. Hastings said that plans for the parcel include a nature center, a 60-acre park and a 2.5-mile trail that will wrap around the property’s perimeter.

About Holcim (US)
Holcim (US) is one of the nation’s leading manufacturers and suppliers of cement and mineral components. The company operates 16 manufacturing plants and over 75 distribution facilities, and has approximately 2,900 employees in the United States. Holcim (US) is a subsidiary of Holcim Ltd of Switzerland. Holcim Ltd is one of the world's leading suppliers of cement and aggregates (crushed stone, gravel and sand) as well as further activities such as ready-mix concrete and asphalt. The Group holds majority and minority interests in more than 70 countries on all continents and employs almost 90,000 people.