Europe & CIS

Cement and clinker sales volumes are hit by reduced construction activity in Italy, while positive pricing helps Cementir Holding’s 2012 revenues to rise.

Cement sales volumes continued to feel the force of the financial crisis in Europe, but growth in Asia and the emerging markets boosted sales and revenue figures.

Ciment Français reports 2012 revenues are down 2.5% overall, but cement markets in North America and Asia showed strong growth.

Domestic cement demand in Portugal in 2012 was the lowest since 1973.

CRH awards ABB a contract for software that will help it meet its sustainability targets as a member of the WBCSD.

Loesche has acquired majority stakes in German companies, aixprocess and aixergee.

Loesche has won a contract to supply and construct a slag grinding plant for Spenner Zement in Germany.

Sandvik’s interim financial report sees an increase in quarterly operating profit although revenue fell y/y.

Lafarge Tarmac takes part in the UK Environment Agency’s Commonwealth Fellowship Scheme, as well as reaffirming its partnership with RSPB Scotland.

Construction industry associations react to UK GDP results and release 2012 sales figures.

The paper highlights biofuel and LNG as the strongest candidates for alternative shipping fuel, but doesn’t rule out nuclear power or possible technological breakthroughs.

Cement consumption in Spain dropped 34% y/y in 2012, declining by more than expected.

Lafarge has ascertained the industrial viability of its new generation of clinker for low carbon cement.

Cash flow problems hit the Sussex-based cement importer leading to financial difficulties.

As well as accelerating setting times, the additive retains heavy metals and is biodegradable.