Germany: Loesche says it has acquired the technical knowledge of hydraulic systems supplier Ruhfus Systemhydraulik following the latter company’s insolvency. The acquisition of Ruhfus’ expertise will expand Loesche's capabilities in the field of hydraulic technology and enable the company to offer spare parts and services outside of the cement sector. In addition, a collaboration with former employees of Ruhfus Systemhydraulik will help it to develop new hydraulic solutions.

Ruhfus Systemhydraulik was originally founded as Rheinisches Kleineisenwerk August Ruhfus in 1907. It originally supplied metal parts for the railway sector before moving into hydraulics in the late 1950s. The company is based in Neuss and has over 100 employees.

Canada: The Cement Association of Canada (CAC) says that provisions for investments and supportive measures in the government’s Fall Economic Statement 2023 will help to ensure the successful roll-out of carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) for industrial decarbonisation. The statement commits the government to advancing a CCUS Investment Tax Credits (ITC) scheme.

CAC president and CEO Adam Auer said “We commend the government’s recognition of the importance of CCUS in achieving our climate objectives. The cement industry is committed to reducing its carbon footprint, and these investments will facilitate the deployment of innovative technologies that are essential for achieving our Concrete Zero sustainability action plan objectives.”

UK: Breedon Group grew its sales by 8% year-on-year during the first nine months of 2023. Volumes ‘moderated’ over the period, yet ‘robust’ pricing and operational excellence successfully offset the effects of this on group sales. It generated ‘good’ free cash flow and is on track to deliver a further reduction in covenant leverage at the end of 2023, enabling it to continue its investments in growth. In September 2023, Breedon Group entered the FTSE 250 Index of the London Stock Exchange.

Chief executive officer Rob Wood said “Notwithstanding the market backdrop, the Breedon team continues to deliver and we are delighted to report a trading performance ahead of expectations. Against the uncertain political and economic backdrop, our teams have adapted well to deliver a compelling performance.” He continued “But we never settle – we will continue to seek ways to operate as efficiently and sustainably as possible, invest in our people and grow our business so we are positioned to succeed when the construction materials market returns to growth.”

UK: The Mineral Products Association (MPA) has called on the UK government to publish its promised response paper to consultations over a proposed UK carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) for imports of goods produced by heavy industries, including cement. This follows the failure of the government’s latest budget for 2023 to commit to the development of a national CBAM. The MPA said that it was ‘deeply disappointed’ with the outcome.

MPA executive director for energy and climate change Diana Casey said “The delay in committing to a CBAM sends the signal that the UK is not the place to invest. Cement is essential to our everyday lives. The construction of our homes, hospitals, offices and much more depend on it. We cannot take its supply for granted and neither can we put ourselves at risk of unstable international trading markets. Levelling the carbon cost between domestic production and imports is vital to attract the investment required to decarbonise and ensure our long-term security of supply. The UK government must urgently commit to a CBAM on cement.”