India: UltraTech Cement has concluded an agreement to acquire The India Cements’ 1.1Mt/yr Parli grinding unit in Maharashtra for US$37.8m. The plant will subsequently figure in a US$60.5m growth drive by the group, aimed at adding 3Mt/yr in new cement capacity in Maharashtra. Current on-going expansions and acquisitions are set to raise the Aditya Birla subsidiary’s capacity to 198Mt/yr.

Taiwan: Taiwan Transport and Storage unveiled its first electric truck, manufactured by Volvo Trucks, at a ceremony in Taipei. The unit will transport cement for Taiwan Cement, marking the first use of electric vehicles for construction material transport in Taiwan, according to the Taipei Times.

The electric truck unit will help to reduce aggregate carbon emissions by 32%, according to TTS chairman Koo Kung-yi. "We believe that Taiwanese companies can effectively reduce Category III CO₂ emissions through the use of electric commercial vehicles," Kung-yi said.

Indonesia: Siam Cement Group (SCG) subsidiary PT Semen Jawa used 24,000t of alternative raw materials in its cement production during the first quarter of 2024. These circular materials included bottom ash, fly ash and slag. This corresponds to 3% of its total raw material usage. Meanwhile, the producer co-processed 15,000t of alternative fuel (AF) during the quarter, representing a 20% AF substitution rate.

SCG Indonesia director Warit Jintanawan said that the developments "Not only enhance production efficiency, but also significantly reduces our carbon footprint. This is a testament to SCG's commitment to supporting Indonesia's climate goals, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 32%, aligned with Enhanced National Determined Contributions."

Germany: Schenck Process has announced its rebranding to Qlar effective 13 May 2024, as part of its focus on climate-neutral and circular economy solutions. The company will maintain its expertise in weighing, feeding, conveying, milling, and grinding, whilst serving industries including cement and steel.

CEO Dr Jörg Ulrich said "With the rebranding to Qlar, we are linking ourselves to the circular economy, focusing even more on digitalisation and green transformation."

The rebrand will not affect the Schenck Process Food and Performance Materials division in the US, which remains under Coperion's ownership.