US: Holcim has announced the rebranding of its US-based LafargeHolcim US subsidiary to Holcim US. The name change is the first in any region since parent company LafargeHolcim became Holcim in July 2021. The producer says that this regional rebrand marks a ‘significant milestone’ towards establishing a shared purpose and vision across its global operations.

Holcim will continue to work towards becoming the global leader in innovative and sustainable building solutions through building progress for people and the planet.

Peru: Unacem’s sales were US$655m in 2021, up by 43% year-on-year from US$458m in 2020. It sold US$598m-worth of cement, up by 41% year-on-year from US$425m-worth, and exported US$30.3m of clinker, up by 35% year-on-year from US$22.5m-worth.

The producer said “2020 and 2021 have been years of great challenges for the world and our country because of the Covid-19 pandemic. In this context, the company implemented a plan of measures that has allowed it to cope with this crisis, having as a fundamental pillar ensuring the safety and health of its employees, the sustainability of the company and all its shareholders. Likewise, the Peruvian government continues to take the necessary actions to mitigate the effects of the third wave of Covid-19 as well as to safeguard the payment chain of companies.”

India: ACC has launched its new Concrete Direct app for booking and live tracking concrete deliveries. The producer says that the app reduces operational follow-up calls.

Managing director and CEO Sridhar Balakrishnan said “At ACC, we recognise the need to improve and lead through digitalisation. We are happy to launch Concrete Direct, a premium digital tool that saves time and money for our customers. With such innovations, we want to enhance customer experience and build a strong ecosystem of partners to support them.”

India: RCCPL, a subsidiary of Birla Corporation, has commenced cement despatches from its 2.7M/yr Mukutban cement plant in Maharashtra. The plant has a further grinding capacity of 1.2Mt/yr and a 40MW captive power plant. Switzerland-based ABB previously delivered electrification and automation systems to the site of the new plant in June 2020.