State-of-the-Art Portland Cement Production

Type II/V Portland Cement for the Southwest Market

UNACEM North America produces high-quality Portland cements designed for durability, consistency, and performance across a range of applications. Manufactured at our state-of-the-art plants in Paulden, Arizona, and Tehachapi, California, our cements meet or exceed ASTM specifications and are trusted by builders, contractors, and ready-mix producers throughout the western United States.

Growing Together to Build a Sustainable World

Cement Products from UNACEM-NA

The cement plants associated with Grupo UNACEM seek to provide quality products that can be used in a wide variety of applications. To fulfill this goal, our cement must be durable with the right chemical makeup to maximize its overall performance. We also understand the importance of producing cement-based products sustainably.

Drake Cement in Paulden, AZ

Currently, Drake Cement focuses exclusively on the production of type II/V portland cement, conforming to the physical and chemical requirements of ASTM C-150 for types I, II, and V, low alkali cements, as well as ASTM C 1157 for types GU, MS, and HS cements.

Drake Cement type II/V can be used in any general construction application, including those with exposure to moderate or high levels of sulfates in soils and/or water. In addition, the low levels of alkalis in Drake Cement type II/V (LA) portland cement reduce the potential for damage due to alkali-silica reactivity (ASR).

Tehachapi Cement in Tehachapi, CA

Tehachapi Cement specializes in the production of type II/V (LA) portland cement, which meets the standards of ASTM C-150 for types I, II, and V low alkali cements, and ASTM C 1157 for types GU, MS, and HS cement. This cement is suitable for general construction purposes, particularly in environments with moderate to high sulfate content in soil or water. Moreover, the low alkali content in Tehachapi Cement’s type II/V (LA) portland cement minimizes the risk of alkali-silica reactivity (ASR) related damage.

UNACEM-NA Cement Types

Cement Type IL

Our portland-limestone cement is the result of industry efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of cement production. The increased limestone content reduces the carbon dioxide emissions of the manufacturing process while maintaining its functionality in applications typically handled by portland cement types I and II.

Cement Type IP

Drake portland-pozzolan cement is a blended product made with locally mined volcanic pozzolan. It functions as an all-purpose product ideal for general concreting and plastering. Type IP cement takes less energy to produce, reducing its carbon footprint. This product reflects Drake’s commitment to a sustainable future for the cement industry.

Cement Type II/V

Our traditional portland cement type II/V has a low alkali content and moderate sulfate resistance, important attributes for construction in the western United States. This all-purpose product is perfect for structural concrete projects such as foundations, slabs, and footings. It is also a commonly used for sidewalks and walls.

Production Process Flow

Imported Ingredients

Alumina and iron are imported as minor processing additions.

Mining and Crushing

Limestone (calcium) and silica are mined from the quarry and conveyed to the plant.

Mining and Crushing

Limestone (calcium) and silica are mined from the quarry and conveyed to the plant.

Raw material storage

Limestone (calcium), iron, silica and alumina are stored in large silos.

Blending

All raw ingredients are blended in proportion to prepare for grinding.

Blending

All raw ingredients are blended in proportion to prepare for grinding.

Raw grinding

Raw ingredients are ground to fineness of baby powder and further blended into a homogeneous mixture.

Heating and Cooling

The ground mixture is fed into the kiln through a tall preheating tower, where it is heated and rapidly cooled to create clinker.

Heating and Cooling

The ground mixture is fed into the kiln through a tall preheating tower, where it is heated and rapidly cooled to create clinker.

Clinker storage

Clinker is stored in a large dome and silo waiting to be ground into cement.

Finish Grinding

Clinker is ground into the fine gray powder recognized as cement, adding a small amount of gypsum to control the time of setting.

Finish grinding

Clinker is ground into the fine gray powder recognized as cement, adding a small amount of gypsum to control the time of setting.

Cement Storage and Shipping

Finished cement is stored in a silo awaiting loading into trucks or rail cars.

Download Our Production Process Flow

Why Choose UNACEM-NA Portland Cement

Consistency

UNACEM Cement Type II/V Portland Cement meets the physical and chemical requirements of ASTM C-150 for Types I, II, and V, low alkali cements, as well as ASTM C-1157 for Types GU, MS, HS cements.

Applications

Our Cement Type II/V and Type IL Portland Cement can be used in general construction applications, including those with exposure to moderate or high levels of sulfates in soils and/or water.

Durability

Cement Type II/V Portland Cement from Drake or Tehachapi has a low alkali level, reducing the potential for damage due to alkali-silica reactivity (ASR). Drake Type IL and IP cement blends are also very durable.

Quality

Production and truck samples of our cement products are tested in our certified cement laboratory. Additional market samples are regularly tested to evaluate field performance.

Supplying the Southwest

Our terminals in California, Arizona, and Nevada provide easy access to construction clients throughout the southwestern United States.

Sustainability

We produce cement using state-of-the-art  equipment and pollution controls that are so advanced they are found in only a few other facilities throughout the world

A Commitment to Social Responsibility

Grupo UNACEM and Tehachapi Cement are deeply aware of the significance of aligning corporate activities with environmental and social responsibility. As a business dependent on local limestone resources, the Tehachapi facility is dedicated to balancing economic goals with environmental stewardship and community engagement.

We acknowledge the impact our operations have on the surrounding ecosystem and community. The prosperity of our company is closely linked to our commitment to being a conscientious and considerate member of the local area, its environment, and its residents.

Aerial view of a long conveyor system at the Drake Cement facility in Paulden, Arizona, extending across desert terrain with surrounding vegetation.

Cement Solutions for Southwestern Construction Projects

UNACEM North America supplies high-quality Portland cement products designed to meet the demands of commercial, infrastructure, and industrial construction. Our team works closely with customers to provide dependable delivery across Arizona, California, Nevada, and the broader Southwest. Contact UNACEM North America to discuss cement availability, specifications, and delivery options for your next project.