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Brick Maker CalStar Opens Second Miss. Plant07-25-13 | News

Brick Maker CalStar Opens Second Miss. Plant

Green masonry firm CalStar will invest $8 million in a 100,000-square-foot structure in Columbus, Miss., establishing manufacturing operations for a variety of sustainable stone and masonry products that the plant should start to produce in the first half of 2014.

Wisconsin-based masonry firm CalStar Products announced plans on July 2 to open a second manufacturing plant in Columbus, Miss., in early 2014. The plant will create at least 58 jobs over the next three years.

The Columbus plant will produce the firm's full line of bricks, pavers and thru-wall units, and will expand trim and accent capabilities with an automated cast stone production line.

CalStar's primary plant in Caledonia, Wis., produces bricks with recycled fly ash from a nearby power plant instead of traditional, kiln-fired methods, reducing emissions and energy costs with sustainable manufacturing practices.

Michael Telischak, CalStar's vice president for manufacturing, said the Columbus location would allow the company to reduce freight costs for Southern customers and meet growing demand.