The following was submitted by Kara George, Thomaston Town Manager.

I am pleased to provide an update on the current operations of Dragon Cement in Thomaston, following recent discussions with the company's local managers.

Dragon Cement continues to process residual cement clinker into cement, receive imported cement and distribute cement to their customers.

A new distribution process for Thomaston, also known as “transloading,” involves reception of approximately 30,000 tons of bagged cement per ship load, arriving in Searsport, once already this year and again in early October.

The cement will be trucked to Thomaston in phases, depending on space availability and transloaded for bulk distribution to customers such that those customers see essentially no change in the purchasing and distribution of their cement.

Operations currently employs around 26 people, including three employees based in Boston and three on the sales team.

Unfortunately, it is projected that an additional half dozen employees will be laid off between now and January 2025. Maine Department of Labor continues to support the labor force with training and job placement opportunities and has been a strong advocate for the unemployed.

Rail transportation is no longer available for inbound or outbound materials as the short line railroad, owned and maintained by the State of Maine, and operationally leased to Mid Coast Railway, was unable to sustain operations given the low volume of business on the short line (between Rockland and Brunswick). Truck transportation continues as a means to receive materials and distribute to customers for Dragon Cement.

According to the local Environmental Manager, Dragon Cement complies with all environmental permitting requirements set by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) standards. There have been no violations, and operations continue as usual at the plant from perspectives of safety and compliance.

While quarrying activities are currently on hold, there remains material in the quarry suitable for both aggregate production as well as cement manufacturing in Thomaston.

Dragon Cement continues to be a vital part of our community, demonstrating their commitment through adaptive operations and maintaining open communication with the Town.