Two Decades of Reliability: The WPV Story Now Featured in World Cement

When it comes to cement production, reliability is not just a performance metric — it is the foundation of continuous operations, efficiency, and long-term value.

This is exactly what has been demonstrated over the past two decades at the Ste. Genevieve plant in Missouri, one of the largest and most advanced cement facilities in the world.

A long-term vision built on performance

Back in the mid-2000s, the ambition behind the Ste. Genevieve project was clear: to set new benchmarks in capacity and operational excellence. From the very beginning, the plant required drive solutions capable of handling extreme loads, high torque, and continuous production cycles.

This is where MAAG Gear’s WPV gear units came into play.

Installed in 2007 to power the plant’s vertical roller mills, these units were designed to meet the demanding requirements of large-scale cement production — ensuring stability, efficiency, and long-term reliability from day one.

Engineering for reliability

Over the years, the WPV gear units have proven their value in one of the most challenging industrial environments.

Their three-stage planetary design, optimized load distribution, and robust construction have enabled:

• - consistent uptime under heavy operating conditions
• - efficient torque transmission for large grinding applications
• - reduced mechanical stress and maintenance needs

In an industry where downtime is not an option, these features translate directly into operational continuity and peace of mind for plant operators.

Proven performance over time

More than 16 years later, the results speak for themselves.

The WPV gear units at Ste. Genevieve have delivered continuous performance, supporting high production volumes while maintaining efficiency and durability. Their long service life highlights the importance of engineering solutions that are not only powerful, but also built to last.

A new milestone: future-ready design

In December 2025, a new WPV gear unit was commissioned at the plant — fully interchangeable with the original units installed nearly two decades earlier.

This compatibility is more than a technical detail:it reflects a design philosophy focused on long-term value, flexibility, and future-proofing.

For operators, this means:

• - easier maintenance and replacement
• - reduced downtime
• - optimized lifecycle costs

A partnership that drives innovation

Behind this success lies a strong collaboration between MAAG Gear and Amrize (formerly Holcim US). By combining engineering expertise with real operational feedback, it has been possible to develop solutions that truly respond to industry needs.

This case is a clear example of how innovation and partnership can generate lasting impact in the cement sector.

Featured in World Cement

We are proud to share that this story has been featured in the April 2026 issue of World Cement, one of the leading technical publications for the global cement industry, known for its in-depth analysis and case studies across the entire production chain.