Global Cement News
Search Cement News
Sinoma to build US$386m cement plant for Ibeto Cement 22 October 2015
Nigeria: China National Materials Company's Shanghai-listed subsidiary Sinoma International Engineering Co Ltd has entered into an engineering, procurement and construction contract with Ibeto Cement Company Limited for a 6000t/day clinker line and 45MW self-generation power plant in Enugu, Nigeria. The contract is worth US$386m. It covers the whole process, from the exploitation of limestone mines and the crushing of raw materials, to the packing and delivery of cement and a captive power plant and includes engineering design, supply of equipment, steelwork and materials, civil construction, installation, debugging and staff training.
Saudi Cement Company launches new identity 22 October 2015
Saudi Arabia: Saudi Cement Company has launched a new brand identity that embodies the company's future vision for growth.
A ceremony was held at the Sheraton Damman Hotel to mark the occasion in the presence of senior government officials, businessmen, suppliers and clients. The event also marked the company's diamond jubilee.
According to a statement, Saudi Cement chose to evolve its brand and motto in order to reflect a new identity and pledge solid commitment to clients in line with its vision and determination to continue in the path of fundamental evolution embarked on in 2008.
Chairman Khalid bin Abdul-rahman Al Rajhi said that the new identity confirms that Saudi Cement is looking forward to a brighter future. "In light of the changing conditions in the markets of the cement industry, the company reveals a new brand identity that reflects its historical legacy and our present day status, as well as our relentless efforts to be innovative and have a positive impact on the future," said the Chairman. "All of the shareholders, customers, employees, suppliers and the community we serve have played a part in our successful achievements and we cherish our excellent relations with them."
Managing Director Walid bin Ahmed Al Juffali highlighted the importance of planning and development in the outstanding performance of the company. He said that there were a number of key factors to the success of the company, including the concerted efforts of co-operation between the staff of the company, customers' trust and the favourable climate created by the government to support national companies.
"We were able to attain the objectives that we set during the past decade," said Al Juffali. "Armed with a clear vision we set our goals, outlined our values and managed to develop the organisational structure of the company and motivate the human resources to materialise our objectives. Thus Saudi Cement was able to attain its well-deserved leading position and looks forward to a promising future. The leading position assumed by Saudi Cement is the outcome of a solid foundation and historical heritage spanning half-a-century during which the company was able to weave close relations with stakeholders, clients, suppliers and the community it is serving to the benefit of all parties." He stressed that the new brand identity is an accolade deserved by merit of outstanding performance in the region, driving the company to become one of the major and most trusted companies in the Saudi and Middle East markets.
Saudi Cement benefits from its presence in Al Ahsa, in close proximity to the energy needed to run the cement plant and raw materials essential for the cement manufacturing process, as well as the availability of skilled labour and craftsmen. The proximity of the cement plant, linked by rail to King Abdul Aziz Port in Dammam also helps to facilitate cement exports.
Vietnam: Sai Son Cement JSC made a US$29,030 net profit in the third quarter of 2015, down from US$323,064 in the same period of 2014 due to a fall in revenue and higher costs of goods sold. Its net revenue fell to US$3.22m in the third quarter from US$3.49m in the 2014 quarter. Gross profit fell to US$296,142 from US$708,946 in 2014.
In the first nine months of 2015, Sai Son Cement made US$206,402 of net profit on US$10.5m net revenue, compared to US$690,998 of net profit on US$10.1m net revenue in the same period of 2014.
Vietnam: The Bank for Investment and Development of Vietnam (BIDV) has signed a credit contract with Thanh Thang Cement Corporation to develop a second production line at its cement plant in Thanh Nghi, Ha Nam.
Under the agreement, the BIDV will lend Thanh Thang Cement US$156m. The project requires a total investment of US$250m. The new line will have 2.3Mt/yr of cement production capacity. It was added to the government's plan for the cement industry in Vietnam during the 2011 - 2020 period. Once completed for operation in 2017, the project is expected to create jobs for more than 1000 local labourers.
Vietnam has become the fifth-largest cement producer and consumer in the world after China, India, Iran and the US. The country now has 74 cement production lines with a combined output of 77Mt/yr. The output volume is predicted to continue increasing. The ministry has predicted that Vietnam's sales of cement and clinker will to rise by 1.5 - 4% year-on-year to 72 – 74Mt in 2015, of which domestic sales will rise by 4.5 - 6.5% to 53 – 54Mt and exports will be at 19 – 20Mt.
Hanson UK CEO Patrick O’Shea to step down 22 October 2015
UK: Hanson UK's CEO Patrick O'Shea will step down in December 2015 after eight years at the head of the construction materials business. He will be succeeded by Daniel Cooper, who is currently Northern Regional General Manager for Hanson Australia.
O'Shea joined Hanson plc in 1990 and held a variety of senior financial and operational roles before becoming Chief Executive of Hanson Pacific in 2001. In 2003 he added responsibility for continental Europe to this role, becoming Chief Executive of Hanson Continental Europe and Asia. He was appointed Managing Director of Hanson Aggregates UK in June 2004. When Hanson plc was acquired by HeidelbergCement in 2007, O'Shea was appointed CEO of the combined UK business, which brought together Hanson's aggregates and building products operations with HeidelbergCement's Castle Cement business, to form Hanson UK.
His tenure encompassed the longest and toughest recession ever experienced in the construction industry.
"It's not been easy, but I have enjoyed the challenge of leading the company through this difficult period and into a position where I believe we are well placed to take advantage of the opportunities which lie ahead,' said O'Shea. "I am confident that the company has a bright future and I look forward to watching it prosper and grow."
Daniel Cooper joined Pioneer Concrete in Australia in 1993. Hanson acquired Pioneer in 2000 and Cooper has held a number of operational, commercial and customer service management roles, including Regional General Manager for Western Australia.