MARTINSBURG, W.Va. — A global merger of cement-production facilities means the potential sale of the manufacturing plant in Martinsburg, as well as distribution facilities in surrounding states.
German cement producer HeidelbergCement AG and Italian producer Italcementi SpA have agreed to divest the Berkeley County plant and up to 11 cement-distribution terminals in six states.
The move will settle the Federal Trade Commission’s charges that their proposed $4.2 billion merger likely would harm competition in five regional markets.
Essroc Cement Corp. spokesman C.D. Linton told the Herald Mail operations at the Martinsburg plant will continue as usual while it works to meet demand in the current construction season.
The sale of the Martinsburg plant and distribution facilities is expected to occur later this year.
The agreement is subject to public comment for 30 days, beginning Friday and continuing through July 20, according to the FTC.