The Permanente Cement Plant, a fixture in the hills of Santa Clara County for nearly a century, has played a pivotal role in shaping the Bay Area’s infrastructure.
Now, Heidelberg Materials is preparing to begin demolition of the cement plant at the Permanente site.
In 2020, cement plant operations were temporarily shut down during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2022, Heidelberg announced that it had decided not to restart cement kiln production activities, but that other cement distribution-related activities would continue at the site. In 2023, the County and Heidelberg reached a binding agreement whereby Heidelberg agreed that it would not restart the kiln, and that it would demolish kiln-related infrastructure. By the end of 2024, Heidelberg informed the County that it had also ceased cement distribution-related activities at the site.
As of June 2026, Heidelberg has received approval from the County for its demolition plan for the Cement Plant Area, and as of July 2026, has commenced demolition of the first building at the site. The commencement of the demolition application process for the cement plant at the Permanente site marks the end of Heidelberg Materials’ cement operations, and fulfills the promises made to the City, County and community.
Heidelberg Materials continues working with the County on the Reclamation Plan Amendment (RPA) process to reclaim the 921-acre quarry and adjacent property — which is separate from the cement plant area and the unused portion of the property — in accordance with applicable law.
We want to hear from you and the community about the demolition of the cement plant. Share your thoughts with us here.
1939: Cement Plant Operation Begins
2020: Cement Plant Operations Cease
