03 July 2024

Global: Titan Group and Sinoma CBMI have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on new business opportunities and technological innovations, focusing on decarbonising and digitising cement manufacturing.

Chair of the Titan Group executive committee, Marcel Cobuz, said "Our partnership with Sinoma will enhance our Green Growth Strategy 2026, benefiting both companies and advancing efficiencies across various fronts. Together, we are transforming the building materials sector towards a net zero future."

The MoU extends the collaboration beyond their initial joint venture on Titan's cement plant in Albania, exploring further advancements in low-carbon fuel and cooler technologies, virtual cement applications, digital logistics and carbon capture solutions.

Switzerland: Holcim will close its historic site in Holderbank, Argovia, relocating approximately 200 employees to its headquarters in Zug from 2026. This move ends Holcim's 114-year presence in its founding location. Holcim will provide financial assistance for relocation or for those whose commute is affected, according to The Geneva Tribune. Prior to the transfer, the Zug headquarters will undergo renovation and expansion, eventually accommodating over 400 staff.

A spokesperson for Holcim said "The merger of the site and offices will not lead to any job cuts. There will be no layoffs."

India: Beumer will establish a production site in Reliance MET City, Jhajjar, with an investment of more than US$24m. The site covers over four hectares and represents a strategic expansion for Beumer's subsidiary, Beumer India. Construction is set to begin in mid 2024 with the plant's inauguration scheduled for September 2025.

UK: The Materials Processing Institute has launched the next phase of the EconoMISER programme with a €5m investment to develop sustainable technologies. The institute aims to advance research in alloy development, furnace modelling and decarbonisation of cement and concrete.

The institute will establish a new cement and concrete research centre and invest in technologies such as predictive artificial intelligence for alloy development. This initiative is part of the UK's effort to decarbonise critical sectors like cement through the EconoMISER programme, supported by UK Research and Innovation.

Pakistan: Domestic cement sales declined by 4.6% to 38.2Mt in FY2024 from 40Mt in FY2023, reflecting a slowdown in construction activities. Despite this, exports were up by 56% to 7.1Mt, contributing to a slight overall rise in cement dispatches of 1.6% to 45.3Mt in 2024, according to Dawn newspaper.

A spokesperson from The All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association said “Cement is not a luxury item but a basic necessity. The government must take measures to reduce construction costs to make it affordable for the masses.”