Colombia: Data from the National Administrative Department of Statistics (DANE) shows that cement production declined by 1.2% year-on-year to 5.96Mt in the first half of 2018. However, production has improved since 2017 with the annual production from July 2017 to June 2018 being 12.2Mt, a decrease of 0.5% year-on-year, compared to a fall of 5.9% for the previous 12 months.
Emami Cement considering initial public offering
India: Emami Group is considering an initial public offering (IPO) for its cement subsidiary, Emami Cement. The IPO is intended to generate funds for expansion, according to sources quoted by the Hindu newspaper. The company has appointed a consultant to explore public issue prospects and preliminary discussions have started with merchant bankers. The cement producer has invested over US$575m to double its production capacity to 8Mt/yr from 4.4Mt/yr in the current financial year with plants in Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Bihar and Odisha.
INC Vallemi cement plant paralysed by fuel shortage
Paraguay: Industria Nacional del Cemento’s (INC) Vallemi cement plant has been paralysed by a coke shortage. All operations at the unit’s clinker kiln have been suspended, according to the Ultima Hora newspaper. The producer is still making cement deliveries but its clinker stocks have fallen to below 30,000t. The company reportedly only has fuel oil left for one day and sufficient coke for one day of full operation. It is awaiting the arrival of a 6000t consignment of coke.
Holcim Mexico to launch two new cement products
Mexico: Holcim Mexico is launching two new brands for the local market. Holcim Prefacem is targeted for precast concrete elements and Holcim Supercem, a Composite Class 40 Portland Cement, is aimed at ready-mix concrete plants. Both products were developed by the company’s Centre for Building Technological Innovation (CiTec ) and are being produced at its Ramos Arizpe plant. Holcim Prefacem and Holcim Supercem will be first available near to the Ramos Arizpe plant in the states of Chihuahua, Nuevo Leon, San Luis Potosi, Durango, Zacatecas, Tamaulipas and Coahuila.
"Innovation makes a difference. With the support of Holcim Mexico and LafargeHolcim worldwide, we aim to cover the needs of specific market segments, with products that enhance our clients’ profitability”, said Marco Maccarelli, Corporate Sales Director Cement and Retail of Holcim Mexico.
