The Americas

Operating EBITDA and net sales improved by 16% and 10%, respectively, for CLH in full year 2013.

The ecoperating™ Building Certification will enable Cemex to further recognise projects that lower the environmental impact associated to construction and buildings.

Both cement production and domestic sales volumes grew y/y in Colombia in 2013, according to the latest statistics from DANE.

McInnis Cement announces that construction of its new plant will commence in the spring, with financial assistance from the Québec government. The Cement Association of Canada has expressed its anger and disappointment at the news.

TCL plans to increase its presence in Central America and expand the sale of oilwell cement to international markets.

Bernard Erlin received the award in recognition of ‘outstanding contributions in advancing the state of knowledge in the petrographic examination and analysis of construction materials’.

Having announced acquisitions in Eastern Canada this week, Lafarge has announced it will expand capacity at its precast operations in northern Alberta.

Enami EP has announced the successful first stage of its Isimanchi-Mayo project in Ecuador, confirming a deposit of 67 million t and 85% purity.

The EPA is proposing new pollution controls for industrial facilities in Arizona to improve air quality in national parks and wilderness areas.

The transaction between TXI and Martin Marietta Materials has been confirmed, subject to approvals, bringing Martin Marietta into the US cement industry.

The acquisition comprises eight ready-mix manufacturing plants in Eastern Canada.

Aggregates company Martin Marietta Materials Inc. is reportedly set to acquire the Dallas-based cement manufacturer.

Unprecedented penalties proposed against six cement manufacturers in Brazil after an antitrust watchdog accused them of price fixing.

Argos has acquired cement, concrete, port and blocks operations in Florida from Vulcan Materials, at a value of around US$720 million.

PCA Chief Economist Ed Sullivan is forecasting 8% growth in cement production this year, driven by residential, nonresidential and public construction.