Total shipments of portland and blended cement in the United States and Puerto Rico were 7.6 million mt in June 2012, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. This was almost 5.0 percent higher compared with shipments for June 2011. Shipments for the year through June were 37 million mt, up about 15 percent for the same period in 2011.
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Terver, Ruiz gain expanded roles in Holcim Ltd., U.S. operations
Waltham, Mass.-based Holcim (US) Inc. President and CEO Bernard Terver has joined the executive committee of Swiss parent, Holcim Ltd., and will assume responsibility for a new Group region encompassing the U.S. and Canadian namesake plus Aggregate Industries (US) and (UK) businesses. The appointment coincides with “Holcim Leadership Journey,” an initiative to streamline and strengthen Holcim Ltd. global operations.
Read MoreCement consumption forecast adjusted favorably for second time in 2012
With the first half of 2012 experiencing favorable weather conditions, gains in residential and nonresidential construction activity and robust gains in cement intensities, the new PCA forecast nearly doubles the expected increase in cement consumption for the year. The association’s revised its spring forecast upward, anticipating a 6.9 percent increase in 2012 from 2011 levels (and up from a May…
Read MoreSlide Gate
Vortex’s patented HDP Slide Gate has been a proven solution for a variety of applications for handling sticky and/or abrasive powders in systems with positive pressures up to 75 psig. Since its original release in 2006, the HDP has been utilized for handling cullet, glass, sand, cement, borax, gum base, kaolin clay, and other problematic dry bulk solids.
Read MoreCemex’s Craddock receives PCA leadership award
The Portland Cement Association recognized Cemex Executive Vice President Frank Craddock as the winner of the 2012 John P. Gleason, Jr., Leadership Award. Presented at association’s recent annual fall committee meeting in Chicago, the award honors employees of member companies who have exhibited industry leadership by taking the PCA in new directions. Awards are presented in two categories of key…
Read MorePlibrico’s refractories expand to the Pacific Northwest
Plibrico Company, LLC announced the appointment of E.J. Bartells Company to Plibrico’s exclusive network of refractory contractors. With headquarters in Renton, Wash., E.J. Bartells is a provider of refractory products and installation services, and will be the exclusive Plibrico PliPartner for Washington, Oregon, Colorado, and Alaska, where E.J. Bartells has established sales offices and warehouses.
Read MorePCA Second-quarter cement consumption survey shows gains
North American portland cement consumption increased 11.6 percent in the second quarter of 2012 against the same quarter in 2011. Both the U.S. and Canada recorded double-digit gains of 11.8 percent and 10.3 percent, respectively, according to Portland Cement Association’s Survey of Portland Cement by User Group report.
Read MoreAsh Grove contributes to flood-ravaged Iowa highway reconstruction
After large-scale floods destroyed vital Iowa infrastructure in 2011, Ash Grove Cement Co.’s Louisville, Neb., plant stepped up production to meet the demand of several large-scale reconstruction projects. The company supplied cement for the reconstruction of Interstate 680 and the Keg Creek Bridge replacement on US Highway 6, east of Council Bluffs, Iowa. Both projects won recognition in the America’s…
Read MoreCompliance deadline reset to increase technology availability, preserve jobs, says PCA
A recently proposed standard for particulate matter for the cement industry will allow plants to develop new control and compliance strategies to address this and other emissions while preserving vital manufacturing jobs, according to statements Portland Cement Association issued recently at a public hearing in Arlington, Texas.
Read MoreCemex completes latest round of refinancing
Cemex, S.A.B. de C.V. announced recently that it has successfully completed the previously announced refinancing of its financing agreement, dated as of August 14, 2009, as amended. Fernando Gonzalez, executive vice president of Finance and Administration of Cemex, stated “Cemex is pleased to have accomplished this significant milestone, with support from over 55 banks and institutions. We intend to continue…
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