Global Cement News

US: Heidelberg Materials North America has demonstrated its new bagging system at the Mitchell cement plant in Indiana. It features a Ventomatic GIROMAT EVO V12 rotary packer that can fill one bag per second and 3600 bags per hour, and has an automated kiosk system. The Mitchell plant predominantly manufactures EcoCem Portland limestone cement, along with Brixment Masonry and Stone-Hold products. The new system first became operational in 2023.

Toby Knott, vice president of cement sales in the Midwest region, said "Compared to earlier operations, when bags had to be put on spouts by hand, the increase in efficiency provides more opportunity." The plant's rebranding from Lehigh Cement to Heidelberg Materials can also be seen on new bag designs.

Philippines: DMCI Holdings is considering the acquisition of Cemex Holdings Philippines. Reuters has reported that the deal is valued at around US$715m. DMCI Holdings Chairman Isidro Consunji expressed optimism about the potential acquisition, but did not specify a completion timeline. DMCI Holdings is exploring diversification into new industries, with cement identified as a strategic addition.

Colombia: Cemex Colombia plans to source 42,900MWh/yr of renewable electricity for its Caracolita cement plant in Tolima from Celsia's upcoming 20MW solar power plant in Ibague. Upon the solar plant’s commissioning in 2025, this initiative will account for 25% of the cement plant's electricity needs.

Alejandro Ramirez, president of Cemex Colombia and Peru, said "Supplying our main cement plant in Colombia with solar energy will be a decisive step in our strategy to take advantage of renewable sources for cement production in Colombia."

Ricardo Sierra, CEO of Celsia, said "The company has 17 operational solar power plants totalling more than 300MW of installed capacity in Colombia." He added "Celsia’s target is to reach 1GW of photovoltaic projects under construction and development, some of which will deliver power to the grid, and others will benefit various industrial companies."

Saudi Arabia: Southern Province Cement Company’s revenues fell by 12% year-on-year to US$285m in 2023, from $US325m in 2022. The company’s net profit also fell, by 35% from US$80.2m to US$52m.

Azerbaijan: The latest figures from the State Statistical Committee show a 35% year-on-year increase in the value of building materials produced in Azerbaijan, to US$102m in January - February 2024. Cement production notably surged to 546,000t in the two-month period, a 30% increase. However, clinker production fell by 17% year-on-year. The production of ready-mix concrete increased by 60%, but construction lime production dropped by 57%. These trends continued an increase in building materials production from 2023, when it rose by 32% from 2022 levels.