Belgium: CBR, part of HeidelbergCement Group, has announced that it plans to close its Harmignies white cement plant in Belgium.
Reasons for the potential closure include structural difficulties, high logistics and production costs, an unfavourable geographical location and a decline in the market for white cement. Although a number of restructuring measures were implemented in 2007 and 2013, in addition to investments aimed at lowering production costs, these were not enough to offset the challenges facing the plant.
If the closure goes ahead, 97 jobs could be affected. CBR management and staff representatives will enter into a period of consultation regarding the procedure.
