Denmark: FLSmidth’s revenue in the first three months of 2020 was Euro607m, up by 2.5% year-on-year from Euro592m in the corresponding period of 2019. FLSmidth’s cement division’s sales were Euro240m (40% of total revenue), down by 2.6% from Euro246m. The company said that the coronavirus outbreak impacted results, especially in March 2020, when ‘customer hesitation on large investments intensified, particularly in cement,’ and customers increasingly deferred large investments. It added, “Demand for spare and wear parts is relatively stable, whereas technical services are challenged by restricted access to sites.”

FLSmidth says that it aims to ‘carry out business as usual’ throughout the coronavirus outbreak, with an increased reliance on ‘remote monitoring, maintenance and support.’

FLSmidth’s 2020 financial guidance remains suspended.

US: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has declared Cemex USA an Energy Star Partner of the Year, the highest award for energy-efficient production in the US. Cemex USA President Jaime Muguiro said, “Sustainability is embedded in our day-to-day operations and is an integral part of our core business strategy. Energy conservation is part of our vision as we are building a better future and believe it’s our responsibility to vigorously practice energy management through on-going initiatives and the use of alternative fuels.”

Cemex USA has earned more than 50 Energy Stars since 2007.

Russia: TimluyCement has received a Hyundai Robex 210W-9S excavator at its 0.8Mt/yr Timluisky plant. The vehicle replaces the plant’s Twex EK-14. The new excavator is equipped with a bulldozer blade, outriggers and a hydraulic line for attachments and has a bucket capacity of 1.1m3. A Webasto pre-heater will warm up the engine before starting it in the cold season, increasing service life. TimluyCement managing director Vladimir Klichko said, “The modernization of the fleet of special equipment is an integral part of our production process. By acquiring high-performance, reliable vehicles, we increase work efficiency, minimise operating costs and also improve the working conditions of our employees.”

Hyundai previously provided the Timluisky plant with front-end loaders.

China: China Resources Cement (CRC)’s profit in the first three months of 2020 was US$144m, down by 25% year-on-year from US$192m in the corresponding period of 2019. Sales were US$722m, down by 26% from US$969m. CRC sold 11.2Mt of cement over the period, down by 27% from 15.2Mt, although prices hadincreased. Cement sales constituted 82% of total revenue at US$589m, down by 22% from US$752m.