Global Cement News

Egypt: Arabian Cement Company has signed a 30-year power purchase agreement with IRSC for renewable electricity. The deal covers the development, financing, construction, ownership and operation of the second phase of the firm’s solar power plant. The plant will have a total capacity of 17.6MW and is expected to produce 32.5GW/yr of electricity.

India: Dalmia Bharat has commenced commercial production at its expanded cement grinding facility in Lanka, Hojai district, Assam. The expansion by subsidiary Dalmia Cement (North East) has added 2.4Mt/yr to the company’s total production capacity, which has now reached 49Mt/yr. Capacity utilisation stands at 60% on a pro-rata basis. The expansion cost US$80.4m, funded through equity, debt and internal accruals. The additional output is expected to meet rising cement demand in the northeastern region.

UK: Aggregate Industries has rebranded as Holcim UK. The company operates over 200 sites across the UK with 4000 employees. Following 20 years as a UK-based subsidiary of Holcim Group, the new direction sees the business align more closely with its Swiss-based parent company, which operates across 70 countries and employs over 60,000 people worldwide.

Holcim UK CEO Lee Sleight said “Our evolution from Aggregate Industries to Holcim UK is much more than a rebrand. It represents a commitment to leading the sector towards a more sustainable future through a commitment to innovation and collaboration.”

Egypt: Sinai Cement reported a net profit of US$60.7m in 2024, compared to a net loss of US$2.40m in 2023. Net sales rose to US$127m in 2024 from US$84.7m in 2023. Non-consolidated net profit reached US$60.7m, compared to a loss of US$2.32m in 2023.

Bosnia and Herzegovina: Heidelberg Materials Cement BiH recorded a net profit of US$28.2m in 2024, up by 37% year-on-year. Total sales rose by 25% to US$99.9m. Domestic sales revenue increased by 30% to US$62.7m, while foreign market sales rose by 36% to US$4.5m, the company said in its annual report.