Mexico: Holcim Mexico has launched its Holcim Supra range of cements. The company says that products contain a unique three-in-one technology for water repellence, construction optimisation and protection against environmental agents. It says that the use of Holcim Supra cements gives buildings greater sustainability compared to normal ordinary Portland cement (OPC).

Commercial Director Francisco Shwortshik said, “The new Holcim Supra Cement family are the latest in the market in innovation, with integrated three-in-one technology especially developed to protect buildings by reducing the passage of moisture in concrete. In addition to maintaining the attributes of the current
Holcim cement and mortar, they contribute to sustainable building by reducing CO₂ emissions by up to 13% in the process of construction, which makes it an eco-friendly product.”

Chief executive officer Jaime Hill Tinoco said, "Innovation is key to reaching our goal of zero net emissions; this is why at Holcim México we have the strongest research and development organisation in the industry to present and promote consistently high-quality materials and solutions for our clients across the country - like Holcim Supra, a family of unique products on the market that will change Mexico’s way of building.”

Mexico/US: Cemex has invested US$15m in recommissioning a 1Mt/yr cement kiln at its CPN cement plant in Hermosilla, Sonora. The decision is intended to reduce cement shortages in the western US and bolster its supply chain in Arizona, California and Nevada. The project at the CPN plant is scheduled for completion in the second quarter of 2021 and will create 130 jobs.

Cemex USA cement commercial executive vice president Joel Galassini said, “Many cement customers in California, Arizona and Nevada have been impacted by supply constraints this past year. The decision to recommission this kiln was made with our customers top-of-mind, to give them reliable access through a local supply chain to help meet their growing needs. Our unique network of production facilities in this region allows us to make these types of investments that will have a meaningful impact on meeting our customers’ needs.”

California regional president Francisco Rivera said, “We are excited to build greater synergies with our Mexican operations to strengthen our US cement supply chain and help our customers avoid or mitigate any potential delays to their projects in 2021.”

Turkey: Brazil-based Votorantim Cimentos has leased three ready-mixed concrete plants from Polat Beton. Dunya News has reported that the facilities are all located in Ankara, Sincan, Kayaş and Gölbaşı respectively.

Turkey: Denmark-based FLSmidth has won a contract to provide a grey-to-white cement line conversion at Çimko Çimento’s cement plant in Adiyaman. The company will supply equipment suited to the production of white cement including its DuoFlex burner, rotary cooler and OK raw mill. It said that it will begin work in 2021 and the producer will commission the renovated line in early 2022.

The supplier said, “Once completed, the upgraded line will offer Çimko Çimento new opportunities to expand its product range and enter new markets. White cement is especially sought-after in countries with relatively hot climates, as it tends to keep buildings cooler with its reflective characteristics. In addition, as a high-quality, value-added product, white cement is often used in the construction of innovative buildings and important landmarks. FLSmidth brings significant experience and know-how to the project, having conducted several similar grey-to-white conversions in recent years, including projects with Turkey-based Adana Cement and Eskisehir Cement, as well as Alsafwa Cement Company and Riyadh Cement Company in Saudi Arabia.”