Bangladesh: LafargeHolcim Bangladesh has unveiled new branding for its Holcim Strong Structure cement product. The subsidiary of Switzerland-based Holcim presented launching the new packaging to distributors and retailers at a virtual event.

Chief executive officer Rajesh Surana said, "LafargeHolcim Bangladesh always emphasises innovation and customer satisfaction. As a part of this, we are unveiling the new look of our Holcim Strong Structure bag. The new look of the bag is really attractive and reflects our stronger brand image and product differentiation. We are committed to providing the best product, for our customers to build their dream homes.”

India: The government of Uttar Pradesh plans to build over 10,000km of new roads in rural areas. The state is presently engaged in the construction of 6500km of road, consisting of 800 separate roads and five bridges. The Times of India newspaper has reported that the latest proposals await the approval of the national government. Some of the roads will be rebuilt using full depth reclamation with cement and other additives.

India: UltraTech Cement’s sales rose by 54% year-on-year to US$1.59bn in the first quarter to the end of June 2021 from US$1.03bn in the same period in 2020. Its net profit more than doubled to US$228m from US$107m. The group’s cement sales volumes grew by 47% to 21.53Mt.

UK: Breedon Group recorded first-half sales of Euro701m in 2021, up by 79% year-on-year from Euro391 in the first half of 2020. The group’s profit for the period was Euro27.8m, compared to a Euro16.1m loss in the first half of 2020. Its cement sales rose by 47% to Euro140m from Euro95.0m. Cement and ready-mixed concrete sales volumes increased by 50% to 1.2Mt and 70% to 1.7Mm3 respectively.

Chief executive officer Rob Wood said “Breedon delivered a strong trading result in the first half of 2021, building on the recovery in demand which started in the second half of last year. This resilient performance reflects the commitment and efforts of all our colleagues, who have each demonstrated the highest levels of enthusiasm, professionalism and flexibility in working safely across the business despite the challenges of the past fifteen months.” He added “Our first-half performance, current trading conditions and improved visibility for the remainder of the year combine to give us greater confidence in the outlook for 2021 and we now expect underlying earnings before interest and taxation for 2021 to be at the top end of market expectations.”

Mozambique: Adil Cement, África Cement Factory, Maputo Cement, National Cement, Limak Cement Factory, Royal Cement and Suneira Cement Fonte have written a letter to the Ministry of Industry and Commerce complaining about ‘unfair’ pricing by Dugongo Cement. They allege that the pricing of their Chinese-backed rival breaks local competition law and has caused harm to their businesses, according to Moçambique Media Online. The price of cement has reportedly dropped by as much as 70% since Dugongo Cement’s new plant opened in May 2021.

Canada/US: Schaeffler has launched Optime, a condition monitoring system, on the Canada and US markets. The supplier says that the system consists of wireless vibrator sensors, a cellular gateway and a dedicated data collection app. The captured information is then processed and analysed by Schaeffler’s proprietary software and models. This can then be used to improve cement producers’ awareness of possible damage to components such as fans, motors and pumps.

Americas regional manager for condition monitoring and Industry 4.0 service solutions Frank Mignano said “With Optime, comprehensive and automated condition monitoring is now a cost-effective proposition for reliability personnel and facility operators.”

Iraq: Joint security forces have repelled militants from the Kubiasa cement plant in Al-Anbar province. Iraqi News has reported that 18 fighters from the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) were killed in the operation. The security forces also detonated four car bombs at the site.

Italy: Taiwan-based Taiwan Cement has successfully acquired a 60% stake in battery and hydrogen power systems supplier Engie EPS for Euro132m. The building materials producer is attempting to become a global supplier in the sector.

US: Hanson Aggregates has purchased 577ha of land near Buckeye, Arizona. The Phoenix Business Journal newspaper has reported that the company will use the land to produce ready-mix concrete and rock products and. Martin Marietta Materials agreed to acquire Germany-based HeidelbergCement’s US West regional business, which included Hanson Aggregates, in May 2021 for US$2.3bn.

Germany: HeidelbergCement has signed the Science-Based Targets Initiative’s (SBTi) Business Ambition for 1.5°C commitment and joined the United Nations (UN) Framework Convention on Climate Change Race to Zero campaign. The former entails a commitment to limiting global warming to 1.5°C and achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Race to Zero membership entails a positive commitment to beginning the transition to a decarbonised economy before the UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties in November 2021.

Chair Dominik von Achten said “As one of the world's leading building materials producers, we are continuously increasing our efforts in the global fight against climate change. We are working on all levels to reach climate neutrality – within our operations as well as through associations and initiatives such as the Race To Zero campaign. Every effort brings us closer to our goal.”