Barrington cement works has a nearly 80 year long history of providing cement. The works produces in the region of 300,000 tonnes of cement per annum (enough for nearly 17,000 houses). It provides direct employment for nearly 80 people, supporting many more jobs indirectly.

Although construction of Barrington plant began in 1912, the onset of World War I meant that the first kiln first came on stream in 1927. A second kiln followed in 1937, a third in 1954 and a forth in 1963. Since 1991, when the first three kilns were demolished, the plant has continued with kiln 4 only.

The works has proved an invaluable local educational resource over the years, with annual visits from schools, university students and community groups.

Increasing the use of alternative fuels as part-replacement for fossil fuels to heat the cement kilns is key to improving environmental performance at the plant. Secondary liquid fuels (SLF) have been used successfully since 1993. SLF is made from industrial liquid wastes that can't be recycled, such as paint, thinners, inks and varnishes, which are blended to a strict specification, that smells a bit like paint and looks like engine oil.

A trial to use a further alternative fuel, Climafuel, is currently underway. Climafuel, which is made from household waste, could substantially reduce the amount of waste that goes to landfill.

Following the 1,000 hour trial CEMEX will be submitting a comprehensive report to the cement industry regulator, the Environment Agency, to demonstrate that the critical success factors agreed at the outset of the trial have been met, in the hope that the plant will be given the permission to use Climafuel permanently.

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