Asia & Pacific Rim

Taiwan’s Asia Cement is set to expand capacity by 6 million t in central China through mergers and self-built plants.

JK Cement, India, is carrying out a brownfield expansion project at the Mangrol plant, as well as developing a grinding facility.

ACC Limited is setting up a 3 million tpa cement project at a cost of Rs.1500 crore.

Italcementi’s new i.light is due to be launched in Thailand later this year.

J K Lakshmi is reported to be looking for an acquisition either in India or overseas.

Prosperity Minerals has agreed to purchase a 25% stake in Liaoning Changqing, a company that was previously transferred out of Properity’s ownership with the sale of most of its Chinese operations to TCC International Ltd.

Chinese investors are to fund construction of a cement plant in Beluluane in the Maputo province of Mozambique.

World Expo 2010 has opened in Shanghai, China and Lafarge is the largest supplier to the event.

Surya Group is planning to construct a 5 million tpa cement plant in Gujarat, India.

The private equity firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts has agreed to purchase a 15 - 20% stake in Dalmia Cement.

Holcim is planning to build a further cement plant in Indonesia to complement the two existing cement plants and grinding station that are already there.

Holcim Philippines has revealed that it may increase cement prices by July to counteract the effects of the power crisis in Mindanao and the need to import clinker from Japan.

Taiwanese cement producers began their foray into the mainland market in 1997 when the cement market in Taiwan had become totally saturated. How well are the Taiwanese cement players fairing in what is becoming a highly competitive market? How is China cushioning the impact of the global financial crisis and the growing pressures of urbanisation?

Cement and clinker exports were up by 20% in the first quarter of 2010, according to the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.

Holcim is going to seek tenders to build a second plant in New Zealand this year.