Denmark: Danish cement plant manufacturer FLSmidth has signed a Euro125m loan agreement with the European Investment Bank (EIB). The five-year-bullet loan will finance FLSmidth's global research and development (R&D) programme within the cement industry during the period 2013-2016. The R&D programme will focus on development of innovative products, optimisation of energy efficiency and use of materials and fuel in the production process as well as reduction of harmful emissions.

"Through its focused R&D efforts FLSmidth aims at fulfilling its customers' future needs for innovative technical solutions, high reliability and availability, minimum environmental impact and the lowest possible lifecycle costs. This loan from the European Investment Bank supports these efforts," said Group Executive Vice President and CFO Ben Guren.

In its press release about the loan, FLSmidth noted that it places emphasis on the use of alternative fuels, reduced emissions and waste, improved heat recovery, lower power consumption, minimised water consumption, increased plant capacity, availability and operating efficiency and minimum safety risk.