Bulgaria: Bulgarian cement maker Vulkan Cement has announced that it will temporarily shut down its kilns from the beginning of 2012 due to flagging demand and imports from neighbouring countries that are flooding the market. The move has been prompted by a continuous drop observed in the cement market during the last three years.
Vulkan Cement also cited Bulgaria's obligations as an EU member state stemming from CO2 emissions regulations and from REACH, the European Community Regulation on chemicals and their safe use, as key factors that directly affect cement production costs. It said that the temporary work stoppage would allow the company to cope with the economic downturn and properly secure its chances of a solid recovery.
The Vulkan Cement plant will continue operating as a grinding centre during the shutdown of its kilns and will receive clinker from its sister plant, Devnya Cement.