The Americas

Johnny Wheat has been named as President of 4B Components Limited, while ThyssenKrupp North America has appointed Patrick Bass as its new CEO.

Solidia Technologies’ CO2-reducing cement and concrete technology was recognised as among the most innovative and promising ideas in clean technology.

Nine winners have been named in the Fourteenth Biennial Bridge Awards Competition, which recognises excellence in the design and construction of concrete bridges.

The Port of Long Beach in California has released a draft environmental impact report regarding proposed modifications to the Mitsubishi Cement import terminal at the site.

Portland cement manufacturers dispatched 1.054 million t in September, including exports – an increase of 0.3% y/y.

Three cement types produced by Lafarge North America have been used in the construction of the Wickford Junction Commuter Rail Station in North Kingston.

Twelve Latin American projects were recognised at a prize giving ceremony for the Holcim Awards 2014 held in Medellín, Colombia.

Holcim has announced that it has not yet received the final installment of compensation from Corporación Socialista del Cemento S.A. relating to the nationalisation of Holcim Venezuela in 2008.

The US Energy Department has recognised 11 companies, including cement giant Holcim, for their efforts to reduce energy intensity.

A handy round-up of some of this week’s key cement industry news: from sustainability to company management changes.

The American Society of Civil Engineers and the Eno Center for Transportation has published a report calling for life cycle cost analysis to be tied to federal discretionary funding.

UNACEM’s ‘Cemento Sol’ has been featured in the top ten Peruvian brands in the ‘BrandZ™ Top 50 Most Valuable Latin American Brands 2014’ report.

Cemex has announced the expiration of its previously announced cash tender offer to purchase up to US$1.175 billion of Senior Secured Notes.

The annual cement industry technical conference will be held in the Sheraton Centre Hotel in Toronto, Canada from 26 – 30 April.

US and Puerto Rico: clinker production and shipments of Portland, blended and masonry cements all increased y/y in July 2014 according to the latest USGS report.