Issue introduction

The Top 10 cement producers started 2020 in the expectation that business would continue broadly as before. However, producers have been hit by a wave of disruption due to the coronavirus outbreak. Some deals are now on hold, but it is possible that the ‘new normal’ will prompt a new wave of mergers, acquisitions and divestments over the next 12 months.

The coronavirus pandemic, which still rages around the world and which may rear its ugly head again and again in the months and years to come, has changed the world - changed it utterly. This article looks at how the virus has halted or retarded some pre-existing trends in the global cement industry, and has accelerated others.

A new shredder to transform waste into alternative fuels had been ordered and delivered to the German waste management company Hündgen Entsorgungs GmbH & Co KG in Swisstal-Ollheim. The installation was in full swing, but then came the coronavirus lockdown. However, thanks to state-of-the-art communication software and remote service tools, the new Lindner Micromat 2500 is now running smoothly... and on time.

For the cement sector, the term ‘Health & Safety’ has usually concerned efforts to protect workers’ well-being from physical risks such as trips and falls, hot surfaces, rotating machinery and falling material. Now, as we enter the post-lockdown era, there is an increased focus on worker health, not just safety...