Asia & Pacific Rim

Pakistan’s Maple Leaf Cement has released its Half Yearly Report (ended 31 December 2013), posting a rise in net sales and gross profit.

Sinoma has signed a contract with YTL Cement to modify and update the coal system at the Perak-Hanjoong cement plant in Malaysia.

Pakistan’s Lucky Cement saw a 20% y/y increase in net profit in 1H14, which stood at Rs.5.16 billion compared to Rs.4.29 billion in 1H13.

HAZEMAG & EPR GmbH has been awarded the contract to supply a crushing plant to PT Cemindo Gemilang, which is building a 10 000 tpd cement plant in Bayah, Java.

India Cements Ltd’s Board of Directors has approved a merger with Trinetra Cement Ltd and Trishul Concrete Products, both of which it holds a stake in through its subsidiaries.

The lull in Australia’s construction sector continued in 4Q13, according to the latest figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

Malaysian construction company Cahya Mata Sarawak Berhad (CMSB) witnessed an increase in 4Q13 profit due to higher earnings from its cement division.

Following a temporary suspension by the Ministry of Environment and Forest, Ambuja Cements will resume mining operations in Himachal Pradesh.

Indonesia’s largest cement producer PT Semen Indonesia is targeting an 8% rise in sales in 2014 and will invest some Rp.5 trillion in increasing production capacity.

Cement manufacturers in Pakistan have increased their prices in anticipation of a rise in construction activity in the country.

Tough macroeconomic conditions and the upcoming election are expected to result in a reduced rate of growth in Indonesia’s construction sector in 2014.

The Bahrain India Business Forum highlighted the investment opportunities available for Bahraini companies in India and vice versa.

UltraTech Cement Ltd is preparing to acquire Jaypee Group’s cement facility in Solan, Himachal Pradesh, at a cost of around Rs.4000 crore.

In a press briefing, Holcim Philippines’ CEO Eduardo Sahagun has spoken of the company’s record year and future plans.

According to reports, the state government has cancelled a memorandum of understanding with Jaiprakash Associates that would have seen a 2 million tpa cement plant being built in the state.