Nigeria: BUA Cement recorded 27% year-on-year growth in sales in 2023, to US$300m. This was in spite of ‘economic challenges,’ including a rate of inflation of the Nigerian Naira of 30% at the end of the year. Costs rose by 39% to US$180m, both due to inflation and energy crises. Nonetheless, the group grew its earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) by 10% to US$111m. Profit after tax dropped by 31% to US$45.4m.

Managing director and CEO Yusuf Binji said “Clearly, the operating environment in 2023 was challenging, given the different headwinds confronted at the start of the year and especially with the devaluation of the Naira.” Looking ahead to the current year, Binji added “We could commission the new 3Mt/yr lines at the Sokoto and Obu cement plants, activate a new 70MW gas power plant in Sokoto and eagerly await the activation of the 70MW gas power plant at Obu during the first quarter of 2024. Apart from these, we took delivery of over 500 trucks to support our distribution activities, which further deepened our market presence.”

The Daily Trust newspaper has reported that religious leaders held thanksgiving services for a 50% pay rise for BUA Cement's employees at the company’s Sokoto cement plant on 1 March 2024.

Colombia: Cementos Argos will benefit from US$128m in new investments in 2024. Reuters has reported that the investments will focus on enhancing operations and quality assurance. Parent company Grupo Argos plans to invest a total of US$509m in its subsidiaries throughout the year.

Australia: Belgium-based Etex has acquired BGC Fibre Cement and BGC Plasterboard from BGC. The assets include the Canning Vale fibre cement board plant in Western Australia. Both businesses reported total sales of US$101m in the 2023 financial year.

Etex CEO Bernard Delvaux said “We warmly welcome our 200 new teammates coming from BGC. Joining forces with their plasterboard and fibre cement activities is a strategic opportunity for Etex. With this, we take a top three position in the fibre cement market and are eager to start delivering quality fibre cement to new customers.”

US: The Portland Cement Association (PCA)’s Environment and Energy Committee met in Tampa, Florida, to discuss the formation of a new coalition with other industry bodies under the leadership of the US Chamber of Commerce. The PCA said the coalition will take legal action against the US government, following the Environmental Protection Association (EPA)'s introduction of new, lower particulates emissions standards. The association says that the revised standards may lead to layoffs and lower cement and concrete production.

Other items on the agenda for the committee’s biannual meeting include permitting and regulatory reform for carbon capture, utilisation and storage and alternative fuels for cement production.

Saudi Arabia: Eastern Province Cement Company has entered into a contract with China National Building Material subsidiary Sinoma CDI to build its Khursaniyah cement plant’s upcoming 10,000t/day Line 5. Mubasher News has reported the value of the contract as US$271m. The contract includes engineering, supply, construction, installation, testing, operation and training services on a complete turnkey basis.

CEO Fahd bin Rashid Al-Otaibi said “The project aims to replace some low-efficiency production lines, enhancing energy efficiency and the company's capacity to meet local demand. This initiative aligns with the kingdom's vision to maximise shareholder returns and support future infrastructure projects that improve quality of life.”

The company secured approval from its board to award the contract to Sinoma CDI in January 2024.

Spain: FCC’s sales rose by 17% year-on-year to €9.03bn in 2023. Meanwhile, the company’s earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) increased by 17% to €1.53bn. The company reported a profit growth of 88% to €591m, following the stabilisation of its main business areas, particularly in cement. The cement business registered a 19% increase in turnover. The business includes Cementos Portland Valderrivas.

Ireland: CRH reported a 7% year-on-year increase in revenues to US$34.9bn in 2023. Its earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) grew by 15% to US$6.2bn. It attributed its earnings growth to favourable weather conditions that facilitated the clearance of work backlogs. Looking ahead, CRH forecasts EBITDA of US$6.55 – 6.85bn in 2024.

CEO Albert Manifold said “Despite continued inflationary cost pressures during 2023 we expanded our margins and delivered further growth in profits, cash generation and returns.”

Tanzania: Huaxin Cement Tanzania Maweni Company has successfully commenced operations at its new Mavini plant. INPR News has reported that the plant will export cement to other countries. This will generate economic growth whilst also creating 1000 new jobs for local people, according to the company.

Singapore: Hong Leong Asia reported a 5% year-on-year rise in revenue to US$3.03bn and a 19% increase in net income to US$48.3m for 2023. In the second half of the year, the company’s building materials segment raised its sales by 14% to US$256m and more than doubled in profit to US$33.6m. It attributed the growth to its cement and ready-mix operations in Malaysia, which reversed its previous year's losses.

CEO Stephen Ho said "The prices we see in Malaysia now reflect a bit more closely the higher costs of operations. I think we are at a level where profitability starts to kick in for everyone.”

Spain: Cementos Molins’ revenues were €1.35bn in 2023, marking a 6% year-on-year rise, amid increased cement sales volumes. Its earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) rose by 22% to €337m, while its net profit grew by 35% to €151m. The company noted its successes in the face of economic slowdown and supply chain disruptions across its markets.

CEO Julio Rodríguez said “We have achieved record sales and profits in an increasingly complex and uncertain global environment. Moreover, we have once again confirmed the strength of our business model by exceeding our targets.”