Europe & CIS

The UK’s Hope Construction Materials has invested £3.6 million in 36 new Mercedes-Benz trucks, which are equipped with a range of safety features.

The World Business Council for Sustainable Development's Cement Sustainability Initiative will conduct an analysis of the externalities (impacts and benefits) of the cement and concrete sector.

Aggregate Industries has been triumphant at the JLL Property triathlon, winning the King Sturge Cup for the third time in four years.

According to the latest Ulster Bank Construction PMI® Report, the rise was supported by sharp new order growth, which led to increases in employment and purchasing activity.

The Italcementi-owned cement plant has been completely reconstructed over the last few years, using the best available technology.

Domestic cement consumption came in at 5.2 million t in Spain in 1H14, down 3% y/y. Meanwhile, export volumes improved by 35% y/y to reach 4.97 million t.

In recognition of Germany’s triumph at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, we take a look at how the country’s cement and related sectors are faring.

In an interview with a local newspaper, Sales and Marketing Director at HeidelbergCement Caucasus, Akaki Chkhaidze, tells how the company has invested in environmental upgrades and biodiversity projects.

Mikhailovcement saw an 18% y/y increase in cement output in the first half of 2014, while Nevyanskiy Cementnik recorded a 7% y/y increase in production in June 2014.

Reuters is reporting that the European Commission has filed a list of objections with Holcim and Cemex over concerns the proposed transaction would impede competition.

Loesche ThermoProzess has successfully integrated the company and has grown its sales by around 50% year-on-year.

Some of this week’s key cement sector news: LafargeHolcim divestments, construction statistics and industry appointments.

In May 2014, output in the construction industry was estimated to have fallen by 1.1% compared with April 2014, after increasing by 1.2% in April.

SRCL has opened an alternative treatment plant in Knowsley, UK, which will recover 100% of treated clinical waste as refuse-derived fuel for use in the cement sector.

Kazakhstan’s Steppe Cement saw its sales volumes improve by 26% y/y in 1H14, while its market share grew from 15% to 19%.