UK: CRH subsidiary Tarmac has successfully deployed France-based software developer Everysens’ Transport Visibility & Management System (TVMS) in its total operations processing system (TOPS) for rail transport. The TVMS digitally tracks trains, enabling the customer to measure performance, analyse patterns and ensure smooth anticipation and collaboration between stakeholders. Tarmac expects the upgrade to streamline its delivery monitoring and also allow for proactive decision-making.

Tarmac head of rail Chris Swan said "Everysens' integration with TOPS has significantly supported Tarmac to digitise its rail freight operations. Tracking our freight trains has become a lot easier and more precise through digital solutions. With real-time ETA data, we can optimise routes, manage resources, and provide an even higher level of service to our customers. This integration underscores our commitment to staying ahead in technology and embracing digitisation for more efficient and streamlined operations."

Iraq: Al-Riyadh Investment Companies Group subsidiary Al-Douh Iraqi Company for Cement Industries plans to expand its Al Douh cement plant’s capacity by 58% to 3Mt/yr. The expansion is part of an upgrade involving the installation of a new kiln, a gas-fired captive power plant and a new waste heat recovery (WHR) plant. The WHR plant will provide 30% of the plant’s energy. The US-based International Finance Corporation (IFC) has loaned Al-Douh Iraqi Company for Cement Industries US$130m on a long-term basis for the project.

The IFC says that it expects the Al Douh cement plant expansion to help boost economic diversification, spur sustainable growth in Iraq and generate 2700 new jobs in Muthanna Governorate.

Kazakhstan: National cement consumption volumes totalled 11.5Mt in 2023. The figure represents a year-on-year decline of 0.9% from 11.6Mt in 2022.

US: Summit Materials has announced that its shareholders voted in favour of its proposed merger with Cementos Argos subsidiary Argos USA. Dow Jones Institutional News has reported that the parties expect the deal to conclude on 12 January 2024.