Completion of a $4 billion merger with Italcementi S.p.A., improved financials and credit ratings, plus declining energy costs, allowed HeidelbergCement to close the 2016 financial year on a successful note. “2016 was an exceptional year for HeidelbergCement,” affirmed Dr. Bernd Scheifele, HeidelbergCement chairman. “With the successful takeover of Italcementi, we have accelerated our growth and are now in an excellent…
Read MoreNew ASTM C01 Group to Create Standards for Non-Hydraulic Cement
ASTM International announced a new technical subcommittee of the organization’s Committee on Cement (C01) focused on exploring non-hydraulic alternatives to portland cement. The group will hold its inaugural gathering on June 15 in Toronto amid ASTM International’s Committee Week meetings.
Read MoreLehigh Hanson Seeks Losses Over Zoning Reversal
Flip-flopping on a land-use decision involving a Speed, Ind., cement plant could end up costing Clark County, Ind., $1.5 million, reported The Courier-Journal.
Read MoreVallejo Planning Commission Denies Cement Project
The Vallejo Planning Commission voted 6-1 to deny a proposed marine terminal and cement facility in south Vallejo, reported the Vallejo Times-Herald.
Read MoreCemex Launches Innovation and Venture Capital Unit
Cemex, S.A.B. de C.V. announced the launch of Cemex Ventures, the company’s open innovation and venture capital unit. Designed to lead the evolution of the construction industry, Cemex Ventures will leverage the company’s knowledge of the business with new, leading-edge technologies and platforms.
Read MoreDecember Cement Shipments Drop 8.6 Percent
Total shipments of portland and blended cement in the United States and Puerto Rico in December 2016 were about 6.0 million metric tons (Mt), down by 8.6 percent from sales in December 2015, according to the most recent USGS Mineral Industry Survey. The leading producing states for portland and blended cement in December 2016 were Texas, California, Florida, Missouri and…
Read MorePCA: ‘Timber Innovation Act’ Sets Unleveled Playing Field
The Portland Cement Association (PCA) urged Congress to reject the so-called “Timber Innovation Act” introduced last week in both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, noting it unfairly puts the federal government in the business of promoting wood-related building materials over others.
Read MoreMaine Legislators Want Review of McInnis Cement Subsidies
Maine’s congressional delegation said federal officials should ensure that reports of unfair subsidies involving Quebec-based McInnis Cement will not harm businesses in their state, reported CTV News.
Read MoreLafarge Canada to Use Filtration Residuals in Cement Production
After a successful trial of using drinking water treatment residuals in the production of cement at its Richmond plant, Lafarge Canada and Metro Vancouver have entered a three-year contract, reported the Vancouver Sun. Metro will pay Lafarge about $435,000 a year, which covers capital expenditures, such as additional storage facilities, and the additional mixing that Lafarge needs to do in…
Read MorePCA: Cement Industry Ready for Boost in Public Work, Infrastructure
U.S. cement manufacturers have ample production capacity to meet increased demand from infrastructure revitalization efforts being contemplated by the Trump administration and Congress, an analysis from the Portland Cement Association (PCA) concluded. The industry is currently operating at roughly 79 percent of capacity, estimated at 108 million metric tons (Mt) per year; when coupled with terminal storage and transfer capabilities,…
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