Asia & Pacific Rim

Paul Maxwell-Cook summarises some of the latest developments in this volatile part of the world in this abridged article from the October 2013 issue of World Cement.

Data shows that merger and acquisition in India’s cement industry is bucking the national trend, with seven deals totalling US$3.3 billion so far this year.

Siam Cement Group plans a new greenfield plant in Indonesia to add to its expanding portfolio across the ASEAN region, while another Thai company takes advantage of low new-build prices to order a new cement carrier.

The ‘One Cement Factory in One Harbour’ concept proposed by the Minister of Ports and Highways is being pursued, with four grinding and packing plants planned at the country’s main ports.

Muhammad Fazlullah Shariff talks to the local press about the impact of the recent energy price hikes.

Lafarge Republic, Inc. has established a Cement School at its Teresa plant and announced the inauguration of a refuse-derived fuel facility to generate energy from municipal solid waste.

FLSmidth has formed a partnership with VICEM and DANIDA in a bid to reduce the cement sector’s environmental impact via operation and maintenance best practice.

Further details have been released regarding the limiting of cement production capacity in China’s provinces as the government introduces measures to improve air quality and address oversupply.

The Indonesian cement manufacturer will begin operations at the new facility in 4Q13.

The event in Thailand will focus on best practice along the supply chain.

Dalmia Cement and the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development to carry out watershed development project in the villages of Melarasur and Kovandakurichi.

Increase in infrastructure investment and higher market share helped boost sales volumes.

The Global Change Institute has opted for a flyash-based geopolymer precast concrete to reduce its carbon footprint

Figures from the Indonesian Cement Association show falling sales in August 2013 as Fitch Ratings predicts slowing growth in the property sector.

Jaiprakash Associates Ltd has offloaded its 4.8 million tpa cement plant in Gujarat for US$594 million, according to reports.