Karcement JSC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kazakhstan-based Steppe Cement, has successfully completed the commissioning of its new dry production line. Line 5 will increase Steppe Cement’s cement production capacity by 1.2 million tpa. In its announcement, Steppe Cement commended its employees for their work on the project, particularly during the unusually cold winter weather experienced in January and February. Photos and a video of the Line 5 light-up event can be found here.
In 2013, Steppe Cement sold approximately 1.367 million t of cement, 1.3% higher than the 1.35 million tpa sold in 2012. The cement manufacturer’s revenue also improved, rising by 9% y/y. The company finished the year with a 17% market share.
Cement demand is improving in some group regions, while economic depression and challenging security issues led to reduced sales in others, according to Vicat’s full year report.
Iran, the world’s fourth largest cement producer, could overtake US production if the country’s 75 million tpa nominal capacity becomes actual capacity.
Georgia exported 411 730 t of cement to Azerbaijan in January – November 2013; Russia’s Akhangarancement reports increased production levels during the period.