Cement news highlights: 12 – 16 May

Regional cement consumption

Several national cement associations and statistical organisations released country-specific cement consumption figures this week. In Spain, total domestic consumption fell by 5.6% in April. However, consumption dropped further in the Spanish regions of Andalucía and Cataluña, declining by 11.6% and 15%, respectively. In Brazil, sales on the national market contracted by 4.9% y/y in April but grew by 3.3% y/y in the first four months of 2014. There was better news from the Canary Islands, where cement sales improved from 35 370 t in March 2014 to 40 307 t in April 2014. In Lanzarote alone, cement sales were up 29% m/m. The PCA also released its forecast for North American cement consumption, estimating that it will rise by 7.9% this year, up from 4.5% growth in 2013.

Expansion and acquisitions

A new cement company is due to enter the South African cement market. Nedbank Capital and the Bank of China in Johannesburg have raised debt capital to fund Mamba Cement, which will operate a 1 million tpa plant near Northam, Limpopo Province. On the supplier front, Terex Washing Systems has increased its presence in the American market with the launch of a new Centre of Excellence in Louisville, Kentucky. While in Germany, AUMUND Fördertechnik has acquired the spare parts services of BESTA & MEYER in Saarland.

Cemex

This week brought the sad news that Mr Lorenzo H. Zambrano, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of Cemex, passed away while in Spain. Mr Zambrano first joined Cemex in 1968. He played a vital role at the company and in the international cement industry over the years.

Cemex has now announced its succession plan. Mr Rogelio Zambrano has been appointed as Chairman of the Board of Directors and Fernando A. Gonzalez has been selected to take up the role of Chief Executive Officer, both effective immediately.

Not to be missed

Last but not least, don’t miss the Special Report ‘Recruitment in the cement industry: attracting new talent’ by recruitment specialist Robin Harpe, Cemcon International, Inc. The article discusses ways in which the cement sector can improve on its record of attracting young talent into the industry, including the use of marketing and social media initiatives.

Written by Louise Fordham

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/the-americas/16052014/cement_news_highlights_may_12_16_213/