Azerbaijan: An unidentified sender has threatened executive board members of Switzerland-based LafargeHolcim subsidiary Holcim Azerbaijan and their families. Turan Information Agency has reported that an alleged assault was perpetrated against a non-Azerbaijani manager of the company. Holcim Azerbaijan said, “Apparently the transparent activity of our company interferes with the interest of criminal forces.” Law enforcement authorities have launched a full investigation.

US: Italy-based Buzzi-Unicem subsidiary Alamo Cement Company has signed a contract with Italy-based renewable power supply expert Renergetica for the construction of a solar power plant at its 1.1Mt/yr integrated Plant 1604 cement plant in San Antonio, Texas. Renewables Now News has reported that the plant will have a capacity of 10MW.

Morocco: Switzerland-based LafargeHolcim subsidiary LafargeHolcim Maroc has recorded a profit of Euro161m in 2019, up by 7.5% year-on-year from Euro149m in 2018. Its sales held steady at Euro744m. The company says that it ‘does not anticipate any significant change in market conditions’ in 2020. Its new Agadir-Souss grinding plant is scheduled to come online in 2020.

Oman: Al Madina Cement Company recorded a net profit of US$48.2m in 2019, up by 61% year-on-year from US$29.9m in 2018. Its sales rose by 54% to US$141m from US$91.9m in 2018.

US: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded Energy Star certification to Japan-based Taiheiyo Cement subsidiary CalPortland’s 1.3Mt/yr integrated Rillito plant for the eighth consecutive year for its superior energy performance compared with other plants of comparable capacity in the country. CalPortland president and CEO Allen Hamblen said, “We continue to demonstrate our commitment to environmental stewardship and ENERGY STAR while also reducing our energy costs through the hard work of our employees and our corporate energy management culture.”

China: The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has reported net profit growth for the entire domestic cement sector of 20% year-on-year to US$26.6bn in 2019 from US$22.3bn in 2018. Total revenues reached US$144bn, representing an increase of 13% from US$128bn. Xinhua China Economic Information Service has reported that the MIIT attributed the profit growth to a reduction in overcapacity throughout the year due to supply-side structural reform.

Philippines: Cemex Holdings Philippines has announced that production of will continue as normal at all its plants in spite of the global coronavirus pandemic. Reuters has reported that the company has activated rapid response teams throughout operations to reduce the disease’s impacts. Cemex Holdings Philippines has said that there will be no material disruption in its ability to transport products or receive raw materials and equipment.

Mexico: A ship carrying cement from Cooperativa La Cruz Azul’s 2.2Mt/yr Oaxaca plant in Lagunas, Oaxaca state has sunk with 1500t of cement. Maritime Bulletin has reported that the Togo-registered vessel, Duban, had been delivering cement to Manzanillo, Colima state.

China: A cement plant in Xiamen, Fujian province, that was shut down under the China Cement Association’s overcapacity crackdown has found a new lease of life as luxury flats. Dezeen News has reported that the flats incorporates modern industry and the ancient Chinese village through minimalist use of cement to evoke physical stasis and calm.

Namibia: Ohorongo Cement – via the Ohorongo Otavi Community Trust – has donated US$59,800 to the Opuwo district hospital. Ohorongo Cement general manager Rudolf Coetzee sais, “This organisation supports various projects by means of financial and humanitarian means as well as through donation.”