Holcim (US) Inc. of Waltham, Mass., announced cement price increases effective August 1, citing burgeoning energy and operating costs, plus outlays associated with anticipated environmental regulations covering mills and air pollution controls.
An announcement did not specify per-ton figures, although the company notes that local sales representatives will contact customers regarding the price bump. “Holcim has undertaken cost reduction projects over the past few years and increased efficiencies in many areas,” says CEO Bernard Terver. “Unfortunately, it is not enough given the magnitude of the cost increases we are experiencing. In order to remain a sustainable manufacturer of cement, a price increase is unavoidable.”