Africa & The Middle East

Saudi Cement Company (SCC) reported a net profit of SAR286 million for 1Q14, a 16% y/y fall compared to SAR340 million in 1Q13.

Pakistani cement manufacturer Attock Cement has signed a joint venture agreement with Al-Keetan Trading and Commercial Agencies Ltd for the construction of a grinding plant in Basra, Iraq.

The investment company, which owns ASEC Cement, has increased total paid-in capital to EGP8 billion.

Qassim Cement Company posted a net profit of SAR159 million for 1Q14, while Umm Al Qura Cement is planning to raise SAR275 million through a flotation on the Saudi Arabian stock market.

PPC Zimbabwe has announced that it has installed a new state-of-the-art palletiser and plastic cover wrapping machine, which will enhance efficiency and improve delivery times.

Spain’s Cemengal will supply a second Plug&Grind® system to a client in Saudi Arabia, and two further units to Mauritania.

Saudi Arabia’s Southern Province Cement Company (SPCC) and the National Commercial Bank (NCB) have signed an SAR700 million financing agreement, lasting for a period of five years.

Fives FCB has been awarded a contract for the execution of a new 6000 tpd clinker production line at the Chlef cement plant in Algeria.

The Deputy Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry has defended Dangote Industries Zambia Limited after Zambia Environmental Management Agency banned the company from carrying out mining activities.

Qatar National Cement Company (QNCC) has signed a letter of intent with Fives FCB for the construction of a fifth cement production line.

Kenya’s ARM Cement Ltd achieves 12% growth in pre-tax profits, while Bamburi Cement and Tanzania’s Tanga Cement report decreasing earnings.

Nigeria’s BUA Cement has signed a gas sales and purchase agreement with Nigerian Gas Company (NGC) for the supply of natural gas to its Edo cement plant.

Nigeria’s Ashaka Cement is investing around €513 million in the expansion of its Gombe plant, which will increase production capacity from approximately 1 million tpa to 4 million tpa.

Dangote Cement’s full year results show an impressive increase in revenue and profits and the continuation of its pan-African expansion programme.

ABB recently completed an extensive upgrade of the extended automation system 800xA at Eastern Province Cement Company’s (EPCC) plant in Al Khursaniya, Saudi Arabia.