This story will be updated.
Giant Cement Holding, the parent company of Dragon Cement in Thomaston, announced Wednesday that it will idle production at the hulking plant starting in December, laying off about 65 employees over the ensuing year.
Dragon Cement has been in business for nearly 100 years, but in recent years, it’s seen safety violations and fines. In July, the Maine Monitor reported that Dragon received 33 violations, including 10 for “significant and substantial” problems.
Giant Cement, which has owned Dragon since 2006, cited “persistent escalation of operating and logistical costs” as the reason for shutting down the plant. Layoffs will happen gradually from December through the beginning of 2025, Giant Cement said.
Giant will continue to provide cement and slag through New England via its distribution terminal network, it said.
Jules Walkup is a Report for America corps member. Additional support for this reporting is provided by BDN readers.
