Germany: Aucotec is building a new head office near its current site in Hanover. The new 3700m² office has an investment of nearly Euro12m and is planned for opening in February 2020. However, it is located outside the state capital in neighbouring Isernhagen. The decision to expand the head office follows continued growth at the company and its subsidiaries in Europe, Asia and the US.

Mexico: Sales growth in the US and Mexico has contributed to a strong third quarter for Cemex in 2018. Overall, its net sales rose by 7% year-on-year to US$10.9bn in the first nine months of 2017 from US$10.2bn in the same period in 2017. Cement sales volumes rose by 3% to 52.7Mt from 51.1Mt. However, despite the sales growth, operating earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) remained flat at US$1.96bn.

“These results were underpinned by healthy volume and pricing dynamics in our three core products in most of our portfolio. We are pleased with our operations in Mexico and the US, with strong growth in year-over-year volumes for our three core products and improved prices. In our Europe region, prices continued to improve with growth in ready-mix and aggregates volumes. In addition, in our Asia, Middle East and Africa region, we saw volumes and prices in the Philippines rising in the mid-single digits as well as a double-digit increase in cement prices in Egypt,” said Fernando A Gonzalez, chief executive officer (CEO) of Cemex.

Despite the strong markets in North America the building materials company reported a 3% drop in net sales in its South, Central America and Caribbean business area. A particular poor result was noted in Colombia. However, cement sales volumes picked up year-on-year in the third quarter of 2018 following elections.

Switzerland: LafargeHolcim’s net sales rose by 2.7% year-on-year to Euro18.bn in the first nine months of 2018 from Euro17.7bn in the same period in 2017. Sales volumes of cement rose by 1% to 165Mt from 164Mt. Its recurring earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) fell by 0.1% to Euro3.83bn.

“Despite headwinds from steep cost inflation, we delivered stronger net sales and our earnings grew even faster. I am very satisfied with our growth in volumes, our solid pricing and the impact of our cost and efficiency programs,” said chief executive officer (CEO) Jan Jenisch.

By region the group reported net sales and cement sales volume increases in most regions with particular growth in Europe and North America. However, cement sales volumes fell in Asia Pacific and net sales fell in Latin America. Net sales also fell particularly, by 9.2% to Euro2.03bn, in Middle East Africa.

Thailand: SCG’s building materials division growth has been driven by government spending. The cement producer said that demand for Ordinary Portland Cement grew by 7% year-on-year in the third quarter of 2018. Its revenue from sales grew by 4% year-on-year to US$4.14bn in the first nine months of 2018. However, its earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) fell by 5% to US$481m.