US: Cobod’s modular BOD2 3D construction printer is being used to build a 160m² residential house in Tempe, Arizona. The new house will be ready for its occupants by September 2021. The building has been designed by Candelaria Associates.

General manager Henrik Lund-Nielsen said, “Our 3D construction technology and printers have enjoyed immense success in Europe, Africa, The Middle East, and Asia. Obviously, due to our long-term cooperation with GE, we have some success with US customers also. Still, we are really pleased that our printers are now beginning to make a stronger inroad into the US construction market. More and more US companies realise that our technology is superior to what local suppliers can deliver. Our printers have done buildings in two US states now and more will follow in the coming months.”

Egypt: Misr Beni Suef recorded sales of US$16.3m in the first quarter of 2021, down by 37% year-on-year from US$25.8m in the first quarter of 2020. Reuters reported that the company’s profit also fell by 37%, to US$2.39m from US$3.79m.

Greece: Switzerland-based LafargeHolcim subsidiary Heracles Group has established a Direction for Sustainable Development. The producer said that Charalampos Kouris will head the Direction, with the aim of building a more sustainable present for a better future. It will realise this by pursuing four pillars: climate, circular economy, nature and local communities. Regarding the first of these, it will follow the EU Green Deal climate neutrality roadmap.

Chief executive officer Dimitris Hanis said “We are pleased with the appointment of Mr Kouris as the first head of sustainable development and welcome him to the group's executive committee. The establishment of the new Direction will further reinforce our effort to ensure a healthy and safe workplace for our people while at the same time fighting our own battle against our climate change impact."

UK: Czech Republic-based EP Power Europe has agreed to acquire ash company Power Minerals from Germany-based Steag. The company supplies UK cement production with fly ash via its three sites centred around its Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands, headquarters.

Managing director Nigel Waldron said "This deal is a huge vote of confidence in Power Minerals, the broader sector and the UK."

Ghana: Nelplast Eco Ghana has launched a moulded block produced from a paste of 70% sand and 30% recycled plastics. Xinhua Hello Africa News has reported that the producer sells the blocks as a cement-free alternative building material for building walls, in conjunction with a concrete base and columns. The cost is US$11,000 per house. Nelplast Eco Ghana hopes that the product will ease Ghana’s 2m-unit housing shortage and prevent some of the 1Mt/yr plastic waste (over 95% nationally) going to landfill. It aims to expand its capacity from 1100t/yr in the near-term future.

Mexico: The municipal administration of Atotonilco de Tula, Hidalgo province, has given US$3050 to Cemex to help with the running of its Ecomunidad recycling initiative. In June 2021, the initiative involves recycling collection at 11 Cemex sites and has educated 11,000 people. Since its foundation at 20 local schools in 2019, the initiative has recycled 37t of plastic waste.

Kyrgyzstan: Standard Cement has announced the forthcoming Nookat cement plant at Yntymak, Osh oblast. The Kyrgyz National News Agency has reported that the plant, when commissioned, will have a production capacity of 3500t/day and create between 300 and 350 new jobs. Construction is set to begin in mid-to-late 2021.

India: Star Cement’s net profit after tax fell by 35% year-on-year to US$25.7m in its financial year to 31 March 2021 from US$39.3 in the same period in 2020. Its revenue dropped by 7% to US$235m from US$252m.

Mexico: Cemex has concluded the sale of subordinated notes with a value of US$1.0bn. The company says that it will use the proceeds from the bonds sale for various purposes, including debt repayment.

Chief financial officer Maher Al-Haffar said, “The purpose of this transaction is to further Cemex in its pursuit of an investment grade capital structure and a commensurate leverage ratio.”

Israel/ Palestine: Israel has reportedly asked Egypt to block imports of cement and other building materials into Gaza, according to the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation. The move is intended to stop militant groups in the territory using the materials. It follows a ceasefire between the Israeli government and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in late May 2021 after nearly two weeks of fighting. So far, cement and other building materials have been entering Gaza unimpeded via Egypt.