Indonesia: Thailand-based Siam Cement Group (SCG) has completed its acquisition of a 13% stake in building materials retailer Caturkarda Depo Bangunan (CKDB). SCG made the purchase through a joint venture its runs with Siam Global House. The cement producer said that the acquisition was intended to support its strategic expansion in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations region and that it might increase its stake at a later date. CKDB is headquartered in Surabaya, East Java.
CNBM International Engineering commissions 2.1Mt/yr cement plant in Indonesia
Indonesia: China-based China National Building Material (CNBM) International Engineering has commissioned a 2.1Mt/yr cement plant at Grobogan, Semarang, in Central Java for GITI Group. The 6000t/day project was ignited and started production in mid-November 2021. Work on the US$350m project originally started in late 2017. GITI Group is a conglomerate based in Singapore principally known for tire manufacture.
Holcim launches DYNAMax concrete
Switzerland: Holcim has launched the DYNAMax range of high-performance concretes. The producer says that the range offers higher compressive strength, rigidity and durability than its other concrete products. In 2022, it plans to begin marketing DYNAMax in ten markets in its Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America and North America regions.
Chief executive officer Jan Jenisch said “I’m excited by the launch of our DYNAMax high-performance concrete, advancing our global range of innovative and sustainable building solutions. With today’s population and urbanisation trends, DYNAMax is an ideal material to build smarter cities. It offers high performance to build more with less with no compromise on aesthetics and functionality.”
PPC’s sales rise by 20% to US$324m in first half of year
South Africa: PPC’s revenue grew by 20% year-on-year to US$324m in the first half of its financial year to 30 September 2021 from US$269m in the same period in 2020. Its earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) increased by 13% to US$59.6m from US$52.9m. The group reported that cement sales volumes rose by 12 – 15% in South Africa and Botswana due to strong retail demand. It also described new procurement measures supporting locally produced cement for government-funded project as “an essential first step in ensuring the economic sustainability of the South African cement industry.” It noted cement sales volumes growth of 19% in Zimbabwe despite local economic problems, but earnings declined due to additional costs incurred in importing clinker and an unplanned kiln shutdown. In Rwanda the group noted flat sales volumes and falling earnings due to a coronavirus-related lockdown.
