Global Cement News

Germany: ThyssenKrupp has reorganised its cement engineering subsidiary ThyssenKrupp Polysius from the start of October 2023 as part of its new Decarbon Technologies segment. The new division also includes bearings and drive company Rothe Erde, chemical plant supplier Uhde and electrochemical plant supplier ThyssenKrupp Nucera. In its annual report for 2022 – 2023 the group said it had formed the new segment because “we want to systematically access the enormous potential of the green transformation and translate it into value-creating growth.”

The group’s Multi Tracks segment, which ThyssenKrupp Polysius was part of previously, reported growth of 16% on a comparable basis to Euro3.17bn in the year to the end of September 2023 compared to Euro4.10bn in the same period ending in 2022. However its order intake fell by 16% to Euro3.74bn and it reported a negative adjusted earnings before interest and taxation (EBIT) of Euro132m. Overall the group’s order intake, sales and EBIT all fell in the reporting period.

Miguel López, the chief executive officer of ThyssenKrupp said “The figures show that we have made progress with the transformation of ThyssenKrupp, despite the difficult environment, but also that we must continue to work hard at raising the performance of our businesses. We have therefore launched our ‘APEX’ program to speed up improvements to our businesses’ performance. At the same time, we are systematically focusing our businesses on future areas in order to leverage our full potential there, especially in connection with the enormous opportunities that the decarbonisation of industry offers us. We are positioning ThyssenKrupp as an enabler of the green transformation, thereby supporting the transformation of many industries worldwide.”

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.

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.”

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: 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.”