The Americas

Cementos Argos recorded an 87% y/y increase in net profit and a 12% y/y rise in consolidated EBITDA in the first half of 2014 (ended 30 June).

The US President has launched the Build America Investment Initiative, which is designed to boost infrastructure investment and economic growth through public-private partnerships.

Eagle Materials has released its financial results for the first quarter of fiscal 2015. During this period, cement sales volumes increased by 4% y/y to reach 1.3 million t.

A ceremony took place on 21 July to mark the start of a 2-year, US$95 million modernisation project at Holcim’s Hagerstown cement plant.

Munson Machinery is expanding its headquarters in Utica, New York, increasing the size of its test lab facility and expanding the site’s assembly area.

Dust Control Technology is co-sponsoring a team of students dedicated to building working robots, as part of the FIRST® Robotics Competitions.

Cemex announced that consolidated net sales reached US$4.2 billion during 2Q14, an increase of 4% compared to the same period in 2013.

PCA issues statement on new legislation that could help protect the cement industry from the impact of a proposed EPA-Army Corps rule.

The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety has created an infographic on the basics of PPE in the workplace.

ASTM International Cement Committee has honoured employee David Norris with an Award of Merit.

Cemex Latam Holdings announced that its consolidated net sales reached US$441 million during 2Q14, an increase of 2% compared to the same period last year.

Details of the Trujillo cement plant’s new production line were confirmed during a recent government inspection. The project will cost around US$240 million and take two years to complete.

Through the application of the latest computational tools, PM-Technologies, in association with Cinar Ltd, has helped several calciner kilns to operate at higher production rates.

Freedonia’s new ‘World Cement & Concrete Additives Market’ report predicts that worldwide demand for cement and concrete additives will exceed US$25 billion by 2017.

Vulcan Materials Limited’s Board of Directors has named J. Thomas Hill President and CEO.