Argentina: A dispute between a supplier and its union has caused Loma Negra to switch off two kilns at its Olavarría cement plant. The Clarín newspaper has reported that the argument is between Minerar, which provides the plant’s raw limestone, and the Asociación Minera Obrera Argentina (AOMA), which represents miners’ interests. The union says that miners are underpaid. They receive US$245/yr less than cement plant workers.

The producer said, “It is the leading Argentine cement company, with approximately 45% of total sales in the country. This shortage will impact the country's economy, which had been recovering after the pandemic." The union rejected a mandatory conciliation on 3 December 2020. Negotiations began in October 2020.

Bangladesh: LafargeHolcim subsidiary LafargeHolcim Bangladesh has donated US$117,000 to the Bangladesh Labour Welfare Foundation (BLWF) fund. The New Nation newspaper has reported that State Minister for Labour and Employment Monnujan Sufian received the cheque on behalf of the BLWF, which in 2020 supported 10,500 workers with US$5.2m-worth of financial support.

Spain: Mexico-based Cemex plans to merge Spain-based Cemex España with Netherlands-based New Sunward Holding. The transaction will be registered in late 2020 or early 2021 and dated retroactively to 1 December 2020.

US: HarbisonWalker International (HWI) has enhanced its Mobile Refractory Tools app based on customer input to increase the ease of refractory products and services optimisation in the field. HWI customers and Contractor/Installer Network (CIN) members can use the free app to access the refractory mix calculator to compute mix ratios and times for HWI products, search safety data sheets, find HWI Global Sourcing Center (GSC) locations, and contact HWI. The company says that CIN members can also gain access to HWI's Pocket Reference Guide (PRG), which contains comprehensive product information, brick sizes, shapes and combinations, sprung arches, anchors, and area and volume data. All business portal account holders receive basic access, along with product data, including datasheets, installation guidelines, curing and dry-out schedules, and the new kiln brick calculator.

Senior vice president (SVP) Mike Werner said, “We are always listening to our customers and the latest advancements in our mobile app reflect what our contractor/installers and customers told us would help them the most on the job.” He added, “HWI app users can find and calculate what they need to know about our products and services when they need them. We're constantly innovating with technology to help our customers and the overall refractories industry, with offerings like our High Temperature Times podcast and our Mobile Refractory Tools app. On-going updates to the app are an important part of our commitment.”