Holcim seems to be back on track with its beleaguered Weston plant, with the news of a port deal for an undisclosed amount.

Since the plant was proposed in 2007 a string of delays have occurred. In July 2011 it had been asking contractors to register interest in the project. As reported in October 2011 Holcim put its New Zealand project on hold due to the 'global economic downturn'. Then in November 2011 Holcim reported a staggering 32% drop in income in the third quarter and blamed it on the strong Swiss franc: ideal for a little overseas spending. Even in the current global economic gloom there may be some benefits.

Back in Africa we have a third 'reality' from the local industry of a much more familiar nature: corruption.

With the former board of the East African Portland Cement Company (EAPCC) going to court against the Kenyan government over allegations of corruption and counter-allegations of government strong-arm tactics it puts into perspective why EAPCC might have changed its clinker supplier last week. With current price rises of 25% in Nigeria and even two positive stories from South Africa this week, the gains may be high but so are the risks.

Ben Guren will be appointed as the new Group Chief Financial Officer of FLSmidth and a member of the Group Executive Management. Guren is expected to take up his new position no later than 1 July 2012.

Guren, aged 51, is a Norwegian citizen who since 2007 been Group Vice President Finance, IT & Legal of Jotun Group, Norway. From 2006 to 2007 Guren was acting as Chief Financial Officer of Helly Hansen Group, Norway and from 1989 to 2006 he was partner in KPMG, Norway. Guren is a state-authorised public accountant, graduated from the Norwegian School of Economics & Business Administration in Bergen.

Guren replaces Poul Erik Tofte who has been the Group Chief Financial Officer at FLSmidth since 2003.

The East Africa Portland Cement Company's (EAPCC) decision to change clinker supplier highlights two of the realities of the industry in Africa.

Firstly in the wake of the on-going East African production boom opportunity abounds. As reported in Global Cement Weekly #27, Kenya and Tanzania are leading an investment boom in East African capacity with surges in consumption of 12% and 18% respectively. Although it's not all good news as the on-going debacle with AfriSam's debts show.

Secondly, it exposes the hangover from state-ownership that much of the key players are still suffering. Certainly as our Vietnam story shows this week there is less room for uncompetitive legislation with producers outside the region lying in wait to secure sales. Indeed such is the growing optimism for cement in the continent as a whole that the Nigerian president described the cement industry as 'critical' to making his nation's economy more diverse.

Elsewhere this week we present some optimism with new contracts for FLSmidth in Brazil, expansion in Saudi Arabia and encouraging research on US infrastructure spending. Despite recent tough times the US retains its position as the third largest cement consumer globally. If Kenya, Tanzania or Nigeria ever overtake the US on consumption then we'll know that the world has changed.

Onne van der Weijde, currently CEO of Ambuja Cements Ltd in India, has been appointed as an area manager and a member of the senior management of Switzerland's Holcim Ltd. He took on his new role on 1 January 2012. Mr van der Weijde remains CEO of Ambuja Cements Ltd and reports directly to Holcim's executive committee member Paul Hugentobler, who is responsible for Holcim operations in South Asia, excluding the Philippines.

A Dutch citizen, Mr van der Weijde holds a Bachelor's Degree in Economics and Accounting from the University of Rotterdam in the Netherlands and an MBA from the University of Bradford in the UK.

Mr van der Weijde was CFO at Holcim Indonesia from 2001 to 2005. In 2005 he was appointed General Manager of Holcim India Ltd and in 2006 he also assumed the CFO function at ACC Ltd until October 2008. Since November 2009 he has been CEO of Ambuja Cements Ltd.