US: The death of a maintenance worker has been reported at Buzzi Unicem USA’s Hercules Cement at Stockertown in Pennsylvania. The cause of the fatality has not been released pending an investigation by state authorities and the Mine Safety and Health Administration, according to the Express Times newspaper. The incident occurred on 26 July 2021.
Asia Cement China increases first-half revenues and profit in 2021
China: Asia Cement China recorded a 23% year-on-year rise in net sales in the first half of 2021 to US$820m from US$668m in the first half of 2020. Its profit for the period also rose, by 21% to US$171m from US$141m.
The company increased its cement sales to US$796m, up by 26% from US$630m. It said that total Chinese cement sales hit a record high during the half of 1.15Bnt, up by 14%. Average cement prices were lower than in the corresponding period of 2020. The company said that it expects prices to rise after bad weather ends in late August and the supply of steel and aggregates resumes fully.
HeidelbergCement increases cement sales in profitable first half of 2021
Germany: HeidelbergCement’s first-half consolidated net sales increased by 8% year-on-year in 2021 to Euro8.94bn from Euro8.25bn in the first half of 2020. Cement sales grew by 10% to 61.8Mt from 56.3Mt. Sales volumes increased in all regions, with the sharpest increase of 19%, to 15.3Mt from 12.9Mt, occurring in Western and Southern Europe. The group recorded a profit for the period of Euro825m, compared to a Euro3.1bn loss in the first half of 2020. It reduced its net debt by 17% to Euro7.5bn from Euro9bn.
Chair Dominik von Achten said “HeidelbergCement has closed the first half of 2021 with an excellent result. We have achieved record values in relevant key figures. Our ‘Beyond 2020’ strategy is taking effect: we are making good progress in all areas. Against this background, we have announced an extensive share buyback programme for the first time in the company's history. With this, we want our shareholders to participate appropriately in the economic success of our company.”
Titan Group increases sales and earnings in first half of 2021
Greece: Titan Group’s consolidated net sales in the first half of 2021 were Euro821m, up by 4% year-on-year from Euro786m, with an 11% rise in cement and clinker sales. The group’s earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) also recorded a 4% increase, to Euro143m from Euro137m. Net profit more than doubled to Euro58m from Euro22m.
Chair Dimitri Papalexopoulos said “Looking ahead we see continuing top line growth, with gains in both volumes and prices. In the short term, the spike in freight rates and energy costs is not allowing us to enjoy the kind of impact in margins which top line growth would imply.”
