Asia & Pacific Rim

Birla Corporation, India, has announced that it will invest Rs.2400 crore over the coming years in a bid to expand its cement operations.

Lafarge, CRH, HeidelbergCement and Italcementi are in a race to acquire Murli Industries in Maharashtra, India.

China Resources Cement Holdings has reached an agreement with Universal Cement Corp. to acquire six affiliate cement companies.

Indian cement producers displayed a positive performance in May as shipments were on the increase.

Jaiprakash Associates has announced that it will invest around Rs 10 000 crore over the next three years.

The zero tariff on imports of cement to the Philippines is worrying producers there, despite only two shipments having come in since the tariff was reduced in February. With price hikes on the horizon, cement companies fear dumping will undervalue local cement.

Cemex’s bid to take over Hyderabad-based Penna Cement hangs in the balance as both companies have been unable to arrive at an acceptable valuation.

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.