ESPAÑA: CEMENTOS PORTLAND

Los analistas de La Caixa señalan sobre Cementos Portland que:

Las alegrías deberían venir del área internacional. Especialmente de Estados Unidos donde esperamos que el consumo de cemento se incremente ligeramente apoyado por un leve incremento en los precios de venta. Además, esperamos que los márgenes se vean incrementados de forma significativa tras las inversiones acometidas en el cambio de producción a vía seca. También en Reino Unido esperamos un incremento de actividad en el entorno del 5%.

Finalmente, si el conflicto político en Túnez se resuelve de manera satisfactoria podríamos ver una recuperación de la actividad que deberíamos ver un parón en el primer trimestre. El mercado de cemento en España sigue sin dar síntomas de mejora.

En 2011, seguimos estimando una contracción del mercado en un 10% hasta los 22 Mns Ton (vs 24,5 Mns ton en 2010) por el parón en la licitación y ejecución de obra civil consecuencia de: el cumplimiento de los objetivos de déficit público y la atonía de un mercado residencial derivada del exceso de stock de viviendas, la restricción en el crédito hipotecario y el elevado nivel de paro. Por todo ello, cualquier noticia positiva en el PEI animará a Valderrivas.

Hemos estimado el posible efecto que el PEI tendría en el consumo adicional de cemento que lo situamos en 13 Mns toneladas, de las que calculamos Valderrivas podría suponer unas 3 Mns toneladas. Este podría suponer durante el periodo de vida del PEI (unos tres años) unas ventas adicionales de 220 Mns ?, EBITDA 70 Mns ? y BDI 50 Mns ?. Centrados en reducir deuda, potenciar los ahorros de costes y mejorar la rentabilidad.

La compañía está muy enfocada en reducir el volumen de inversiones en activo fijo como en circulante, han puesto en marcha el Plan Excelencia 2011 que pretende mantener en el tiempo los ahorros de costes alcanzados en 2010 (122 Mns ?) y mejorar la rentabilidad de la compañía.

Valoración ajustada sin catalizadores en el corto plazo. No esperamos que los resultados en 2011 sean buenos y con ello la valoración, que la hemos mejorado ligeramente. Situamos el Precio Objetivo en los 14,6 ?/acc (potencial +0% vs 13,8 ?/acc anterior) por lo que hasta que no obtengamos noticias favorables del PEI entendemos que la cotización no tendrá catalizadores que la vea impulsada. Adicionalmente, mantenemos la recomendación de Infraponderar.

COLOMBIA: Ahora Chávez necesita cemento

En el marco de sus arrebatos "revolucionarios", el presidente de Venezuela ordenó hace años la expropiación, entre otras, de varias plantas cementeras, que eran gestionadas o propiedad de "voraces capitalistas", entre ellos Cemex y la colombiana Argos -con su filial Cementos Andino-.

La producción estatal de cemento, a manos de gerentes bolivarianos de boina roja, ha resultado tan fructífera y eficiente, que hoy día no se consigue ni un bulto y la construcción está casi paralizada, según denuncian las propias agremiaciones del sector.

Así las cosas, Chávez solicita ahora a Argos que le vuelva a vender cemento y clinker. La empresa colombiana no se hace rogar, aunque obviamente solicitará garantías de pago por adelantado, atendiendo la especial fama de cumplimiento y buena fe que distinguen al régimen chavista en cuanto a pagos a empresarios colombianos se refiere. ¿Le aplicarán el sabio "Hoy no fío, mañana sí"?

COLOMBIA: Cemargos invertirá US$87 millones para mejorar sus plantas de producción

Con la intención de ampliar sus operaciones y continuar participando en los grandes proyectos que se llevan a cabo en Centroamérica, la empresa emprendió un plan de inversión para mejorar algunas de sus plantas en Panamá, Haití y Cartagena.

Así lo confirmó en diálogo con LR, Jorge Mario Velásquez, vicepresidente para la Región Caribe, quien indicó que el monto para desarrollar esos proyectos ascenderá a US$87 millones.

Velásquez también habló de la importancia de esa sección del continente dentro de la estrategia de Argos y confirmó algunos grandes proyectos en los cuales participarán durante este año.

¿Cómo ha sido la operación de la compañía Argos en Centroamérica?

Tanto Centroamérica, como en general la cuenca del Caribe, son regiones muy importantes para el crecimiento de Argos. Tenemos operaciones en Panamá, Haití, República Dominicana, algunos territorios insulares y en Surinam. Además de las operaciones directas, contamos con una red de comercialización hacia otros lugares e islas de la región. Es una zona muy dinámica con características distintas entre países, pero que en términos generales ha sido ajena a la crisis financiera. Hoy registramos crecimientos importantes en la actividad de construcción en Panamá, Dominicana y Haití. 

¿Por qué decidió Argos irse para esta región?

La historia de Argos en los mercados del Caribe data de los años 50. Sin embargo, en el 2004 y posteriores tomamos la decisión estratégica de que nuestro actuar allí debía ser más profundo, no solo a través del comercio, sino involucrándonos directamente en los países a través de actividades industriales con una estructura organizacional y física , para desarrollar una estrategia competitiva de mercado. 

¿Ya se desarrollan todos los productos de la compañía allá?

En cada país hay características propias que se deben leer, interpretar y desarrollar. En Panamá, por ejemplo, hemos generado una operación integrada en donde se producen seis tipos diferentes de cementos especiales, concreto y agregados de varios tipos. Hay otros mercados en donde el portafolio de productos es distinto, pero en general la estrategia de penetración, y promesa de valor es importante trasladarla para capturar el valor en todas estas operaciones. 

¿Cuáles son las plantas más importantes en la región?

Una de las plantas de cementos más importantes está en Panamá, y cuenta hoy con una capacidad de producción de un millón y medio de toneladas por año. Allí estamos produciendo tanto para el mercado regular, como para el proyecto de ampliación del Canal de Panamá. Allí vamos a tener un suministro de cemento y materiales semejantes, cercano a un millón de toneladas en los próximos tres años. 

¿Cuáles son las principales inversiones que tienen planeadas para el 2011?

En esa misma planta de cemento en Panamá se están terminando trabajos para ampliar su capacidad productiva, con una inversión de US$62 millones. Igualmente, en ese país se van a invertir 6 millones en otras plantas que producen concreto. En la molienda de cemento de Haití se invertirán US$3 millones para aumentar la capacidad del secado. Adicionalmente, en la planta de Cartagena, que abastece con clinker a las moliendas de la región Caribe, se invertirán US$16 millones, lo cual da un total de US$87 millones. 

¿Cómo están trabajando en el proyecto de la ampliación de canal de Panamá?

El proyecto de ampliación del Canal, que tiene un costo cercano a los US$5.200 millones en esta ola, va a requerir la producción de concretos altamente resistentes. Este es un contrato donde vamos a participar con el suministro de concreto para la construcción de las lozas del lado atlántico del Canal, además de proveer 2.000 toneladas de materiales cementados. En Panamá hay una dinámica interesante de obras civiles que constan de más de un decena de centrales hidroeléctricas, ampliaciones de autopistas costeras y la construcción del metro de Ciudad de Panamá, por lo cual es un país fundamental para nosotros.

PARAGUAY: INC maniobra para anular licitación y hacer compra directa de fueloíl

Con tal de apelar una vez más a la compra directa por vía de la excepción, que estimula la falta de control y transparencia en las instituciones estatales, la Industria Nacional del Cemento (INC), presidida por Optaciano Gómez, maniobró para dejar de lado una licitación pública internacional realizada para la adquisición de 25.000 metros cúbicos de fueloíl.

En principio, la INC realizó una licitación pública internacional (con ID 197517) para la compra del combustible indispensable para la producción de clínker, que a su vez es el insumo principal del cemento. 

El 30 de setiembre de 2010 se presentaron para la apertura de sobres de ofertas las siguientes empresas: Gastotal-Fabiola, en forma de consorcio, con la oferta total de US$ 21.500.000; Victorio Podestá & Cía., US$ 16.750.000; Visual Distribuidora, US$ 15.375.000 dólares; y Nebraska SA, US$ 14.500.000 (esta última fue descalificada automáticamente por presentar póliza de garantía de mantenimiento de oferta que no estuvo expedida por una compañía de seguros). Los representantes de las firmas fueron, respectivamente: Gustavo Noguera, Ezequiel Podestá, Juan Pablo Marecos y Carlos Barrios. 

En el marco de ese proceso, correspondiente a la provisión del período 2010/2011, fue adjudicada el 8 de noviembre pasado a la empresa Victorio Podestá & Cía. SA, de Ezequiel Podestá. Esta firma tuvo cuestionamientos por parte de otros oferentes en el momento de la apertura de sobres (verificados en el acta Nº 52/2010), pero el comité de evaluación concluyó que era la más indicada para el suministro del combustible, según el informe 44/2010. 

Los oferentes descalificados incluso apelaron ante la Dirección Nacional de Contrataciones Públicas (DNCP) y esta dio curso a las protestas realizadas, por medio de su resolución DNCP 2098/10, de fecha 25 de noviembre. 

Representantes de Victorio Podestá y Cía. SA, Ezequiel Podestá y Angel Pavetti, habían explicado a ABC que las objeciones presentadas contra su empresa no eran sustanciales. 

Según dijeron, no se necesitaba un poder legalizado por el Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores (uno de los cuestionamientos que se les hizo) porque Ezequiel Podestá ejercía la presidencia de la empresa en el momento de la apertura de sobres, en ausencia del principal titular, tal cual lo confirma el Acta de Directorio de la sociedad del 27 de setiembre. Este requisito se puede realizar recién para la firma del contrato, aseguraron. 

Resaltaron que el premio ofrecido por Victorio Podestá, de 170 dólares por metro cúbico, es incluso menor al abonado actualmente por la INC, 180 dólares por metro cúbico. Subrayaron que la empresa está en condiciones de proveer fueloíl 60 días después de la firma del contrato. 

Finalmente, según los datos proveídos por fuentes de la cementera, la empresa adjudicada fue contratada por la INC el 2 de diciembre.

La maniobra

Pasaron los meses y la estatal seguía teniendo problemas de paro de horno por falta de fueloíl. Alegando incumplimientos de la proveedora, las autoridades de la cementera decidieron llamar a una contratación directa. 

Sin embargo, según indicaron fuentes de INC, Victorio Podestá y Cía. no llegó a proveer porque la estatal se negó a emitir una carta de crédito para que se traiga la primera partida del fueloíl. 

En otras licitaciones, las autoridades de la cementera aprobaron el pago de millonarios anticipos, incluso sin contar con código de contratación, exigido por la Ley 2051 de Contrataciones Públicas, y hasta en procesos suspendidos. Pero esta vez se negaron a dar la carta de crédito, pese al pedido y la insistencia de la proveedora, con el objetivo de tener la excusa perfecta para un contrato directo y, una vez más, por vía de la excepción. 

Contratación directa

En el marco del llamado a contratación directa para adquisición de 12.000 metros cúbicos de fueloíl, se presentaron a la apertura de sobres dos empresas: El Samaritano (por segunda vez) y Krimea, representadas por Juan Pablo Marecos y Javier González, de forma respectiva. 

Según el acta número 10/2011, del 21 de marzo, las propuestas fueron realizadas en dos monedas diferentes, ambas por el total de 12.000 metros cúbicos del combustible; El Samaritano presentó una oferta de 8.820.000 dólares, mientras que Krimea SA cotizó en 41.390.160.000 guaraníes.

ESPAÑA: ALICANTE: El Puerto blinda el muelle 17 para evitar las nubes de polvo en San Gabriel

Concluye la instalación de una barrera para evitar que las corrientes de viento arrastren restos de carbón y clínker hacia el sur de la ciudad

La Autoridad Portuaria de Alicante concluyó ayer los trabajos para instalar en el muelle 17 del Puerto una barrera cortavientos de 320 metros de longitud y doce metros de altura cuyo objetivo es minimizar el impacto que produce en la zona sur de la ciudad (Babel y San Gabriel) el polvo que se produce en la descarga de los grandes sólidos que llegan al Puerto. En concreto, el desembarco de "clinker" y carbón, ya que el movimiento de cemento a cielo abierto ha caído bastante con los nuevos silos y la crisis de la construcción.

Con la instalación de los dos nuevos tramos de barreras anticontaminación, el Puerto de Alicante concluye la segunda fase de instalación de pantallas cortavientos en la zona de graneles sólidos sin instalación especial que se desarrollan en el muelle 17. Tras los trabajos, el muelle cuenta con pantallas compuestas por 24 módulos, de 12 metros de altura, cuya longitud total alcanza los 150 metros. Gracias a que las pantallas están formadas por módulos independientes, según las necesidades de explotación, se pueden colocar de una manera u otra y así impedir que las corrientes de aire arrastren las partículas hacia la parte exterior del muelle. Otras mejoras incorporadas también en esta segunda fase son la ampliación y mejora del sistema medioambiental de alerta, así como la adecuación del drenaje del muelle.

La adopción de esta medida correctora, recomendada por la UE para evitar el arrastre de polvo hacia otras zonas resulta sumamente efectiva, según los técnicos del Puerto, porque las pantallas modifican la velocidad y la turbulencia del viento, estableciendo una zona de corriente más o menos suave donde, tanto la velocidad media, como las turbulencias, son menores que la del viento.

Por otro lado, el sistema de alerta medioambiental que permite la parada automática de las operaciones cuando el viento que sopla en dirección hacia la ciudad supera los 8 metros por segundo, también ha sido mejorado. 

Dispone de con dos paneles visualizadores sujetos a la parte alta de la estructura y orientados hacia el mar. En estos paneles se puede leer el mensaje "Detener Operativa" cuando el sistema de alerta se active. Además, se han instalado seis balizas de color rojo, las cuales también se pondrán en funcionamiento cuando se active el sistema de alerta, según informó ayer la Autoridad Portuaria en una nota de prensa.

El ferry de Orán pide ayuda del remolcador 

El temporal de Levante que azota la costa de la provincia provocó ayer que el ferry que conecta Alicante con Orán (Argelia) pidiera la ayuda de un remolcador para acceder a la dársena de poniente del Puerto, donde se encuentra la estación marítima. El barco se pegó a la eslora del ferry para ayudarle en las operaciones y la embarcación entró sin ningún tipo de problemas. Fuentes de la Autoridad Portuaria apuntaron que la situación no fue extraordinaria, ya que es habitual que en días en los el viento sopla con fuerza los barcos pidan la ayuda del remolcador. f. J. B.

UAE: Union Cement sees US $6m loss as order values dip

Union Cement Company said it made a net loss of AED 22.3 million last year, with sales declining just over a fifth against 2009, as values and volumes of orders evaporated returns.

The Abu Dhabi-listed maker of cement and clinker said the loss compares to an AED 65.1 million net profit the previous year. Revenues fell 20.7% to AED 554.7 million from AED 699.8 million, with gross profits falling to AED 31.9 million from AED 132.2 million.

UAE cement companies have seen profits erode over the last 12 months as a drought in projects – mainly in Dubai - has seen steep falls in the volume and value of orders. Some suppliers have been selling into the Oman market to remain in the black, according to analysts and executives at Raysut Cement Company, an Oman producer.

AFRICA: EGYPT: Rafah opened for Egypt cement import

An Egyptian delegation will arrive in Gaza Thursday afternoon, bringing ten truckloads of cement, in an attempt to ease the Israeli-led siege on the coastal enclave, which prohibits the import of building materials. 

Cement and iron are permitted into Gaza only via international organizations like the UN, and state-sponsored development initiatives from USAID and the German Development Bank. 

The import was organized by the International Egyptian Federation, which obtained permission to travel into Gaza via the Rafah crossing. 

Organizers said the initiative was part of a larger effort that hopes to see the Rafah crossing turned into a commercial terminal. 

Israel closed down all but one of its import terminals for Gaza, most recently shutting the Karni bulk goods crossing on March 2.

PAKISTAN: Cement exporters stop supply to Afghanistan

LANDIKOTAL: Cement exporters union Thursday again stopped at least 1,000 trucks carrying cement from Pakistan to Afghanistan and Central Asian states to record their protest against double increase in entry tax by the Afghan authorities. 

The trucks, each loaded with 50 tons cement, were stopped at Torkham border on both sides of the Pakistan and Afghanistan to force the Afghan authorities to withdraw the tax hike immediately. “The Afghan officials have increased the soil tax twice in two months, which is not affordable for truckers,” a transporter, Rehmatullah, told The News. 

He said that an agreement had been reached between the transporters union and the Afghan authorities two months ago through which the Afghan government would not exceed tax from Rs5,000 per truckload of cement but the accord was being violated now.

Zakriya, an Afghan transporter whose truck had been parked at Torkham border inside Afghanistan, told The News that like in Pakistan, more than 400 trucks loaded with cement had been parked on the roadsides inside Afghanistan to protest the injustice and highhandedness of the Afghan authorities. 

A transporter, who did not want to be named, said Pakistani government and border authorities should come forward and resolve the dispute, as they would not end their protest until and unless Afghan authorities withdrew the tax immediately. 

The imposition of new tax would be tantamount to snatching bread from their children’s mouths, they added. The Afghan customs should make bound the owners of the commodity to pay the tax and not the transporters, they suggested. A wheel-jam strike would be observed till the withdrawal of the tax, they added.

The Afghan authorities doubled entry tax from Rs5,000 to Rs10,000 a few days ago, which prompted the truckers to protest, he said. When contacted both Afghan and Pakistani officials refused to comment on the issue. Sources, however, said elders of the Shinwari and Afridi tribes and some of the Afghan businessmen were trying to settle the matter.

INDIA: Rain Cements commences operation of fly ash blending unit news

Rain Cements Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Rain Commodities Ltd, today commenced operation of its fly ash handling and cement packing unit at Bellary, Karnataka.

Rain Cements Limited (RCL) had entered into a contract with Karnataka Power Corporation Limited (KPCL) under which KPCL will exclusively supply up to 4,00,000 tonnes per annum of fly ash to RCL for a period of 10 years.

With the commencement of operations of the fly ash handling and cement packing unit, the total production capacity of RCL will increase from 3.1 million to 3.50 million tonnes of cement per annum with improved fly ash blend ratio. The plant was set up at a cost of Rs15 crore.

Rain Commodities Ltd is the world's largest maker of calcined petroleum coke (CPC), which is used in the aluminium industry.

The Hyderabad-based company also produces cement and power.

SUIZA: Cement company installs valve in conveying system

Cement company Holcim has announced that it experienced a very positive result with a Duroprotect 5 rotary valve supplied by Coperion, installed in a cement-conveying system.

The Duroprotect 5 rotary valve type ZPC 800 has a ceramic lined housing with tungsten-carbide welded rotor.

This valve was installed at Holcim's Merone, Italy, facilities in October 2009 as a replacement for a screw pump feeding a conveying system at 130 tons/hour and backpressure of 0.7 to 1 bar.

The Coperion Competence Center Materials Handling has developed wear-protected, heavy-duty rotary valves for a range of abrasive bulk materials.

In Holcim's experience, the rotary valve has reduced downtime but has also saved energy and maintenance cost significantly.

The pay back period in this case was nine months.

The installed power required for this rotary valve was 5.5kW instead of 200kW for the screw pump.

In addition, since 2006, Holcim has been operating the Coperion rotary valves for the pneumatic conveying of coal and petroleum coke.

In these applications, Coperion supplied rotary valves with Duroprotect, which have yet to show wear after 20,000 operating hours.

For coal and solid-fuel conveying systems, the Coperion Duroprotect rotary valves offer an additional benefit.

Due to the low rotor tip speed of less than 1m/sec., the rotary valve is not a potential source of ignition.

Additionally, it does not increase the fuels' temperature, unlike the screw pump.

The rotary valve can also be used for Atex zone isolation, for example, of a silo and conveying system for solid fuels.

INDIA: Cement industry facing severe cost pressures: Puneet Dalmia, Dalmia Bharat Enterprises

Puneet Dalmia , MD, Dalmia Bharat Enterprises in an interview with ET Now talks about the cost pressures of the industry and the possibility of a price hike. 

How do you define the recent strength in cement prices, just a regional adjustment or good times are back for cement companies? 

The sector is facing severe cost pressures. The global energy environment is quite unfavourable and coal prices have gone up very significantly. Coal India recently raised prices by about 30%. Similarly our logistics cost, which is dependent on diesel prices has also gone up very significantly. 

Part of this is due to passing on the cost increases partially to the consumer. We have also seen a part increase in excise duty in the recent budget, so that has also been passed on partially. Margins will be stable to negative, so we are not seeing a big increase in profitability. Overall, the current margins in the industry still do not encourage reinvestment, so the key issue that we face as a sector is that there is cyclicality and there is volatility but how do you keep encouraging reinvestment to support the long-term demand that is going to accrue in India if infrastructure investments are to happen. I am a little cautious about the short term, which is the next 24 months. 

How much of a price hike have you at Dalmia Cement undertaken? 

If I look at year on year, perhaps the prices have increased year on year by about 6-7% but if you look at quarter on quarter in Q2, the prices had dipped very significantly, so from Q2-Q4, the prices have gone up by about 15-20% but on a year on year basis, it is about 6-7%. 

Are you looking at an immediate price hike in the near term as well? 

Most of the price hikes have happened and at least in the near term, I see prices as more or less stable in the current market. In south India, especially the demand growth is yet to kick in and we see political indecision in some of the states like Andhra Pradesh where the capex cycle is yet to catch up, so the demand outlook for Andhra Pradesh is quite negative and unless demand picks back on a sustainable basis, we will continue to see some volatility in prices in the sector. 

If raw material prices continue to move up, are you in a position to consider a price hike or that's it, cement companies are in no position to consider a price hike? 

We will have to see it quarter by quarter based on the demand outlook, so for example if in the monsoon quarter, the construction activity slows down, that's a time when prices are a little soft and you may see prices coming down. 

In the March quarter or the June quarter, demand is usually quite robust, so based on the demand outlook, prices are generally firmer, I would say that given the current situation, most of the demand growth forecasts have been factored in and unless we see a very good June quarter, prices are going to remain stable where they are today. 

What is your current plant utilisation? 

We have put up a lot of new capacity in the last 12 months, so new capacities take time to ramp up. We are running our new plants at about 50-60% capacity utilisation, which is reasonably good for the first couple of years. We also feel that at an overall level, capacity has to be defined very carefully because the product mix can change nameplate capacity quite significantly. 

If you make fly ash based cement or slag cement, the same plant can produce 1.5 times the cement that it can produce otherwise. So in an infrastructure-lead boom where we usually sell OPC, which is Ordinary Portland Cement, that has less output-to-input ratio. Typically in an infrastructure-lead growth phase, that market likes different product quality, so plant capacity utilisation varies depending upon which market you serve, so we have to be careful when we look at the capacity utilisation levels and see what product segment are you catering to.

AFRICA: MOZAMBIQUE: British company Consolidated General Minerals plans to build cement factory in Mozambique

British company Consolidated General Minerals (CGM) has announced it plans to build a clinker processing and cement packing unit next to the port of Beira, in Mozambique, with capacity to produce 110 tons of cement per hour.

In a statement issued on its website, the company said it was in advanced negotiations to set up a partnership with Calme SpA, an Italian cement manufacturer, to build and operate the Beira factory, where an initial US$24 million would be invested.

CGM also said it had purchased a 40,000 square-meter plot for construction of the cement plant on the outskirts of the port of Beira, which has good rail and road access.

The plot will be integrated into the assets of the partnership, engineering work has already begun and the environmental impact study is due to begin in the next few weeks.

The company said in its statement that it was confident that the project would be approved by the Mozambican government and added that, as soon as all the governmental authorisations had been granted, construction of the plant would begin and take around 15 months.

SANTO DOMINGO: Industria del cemento apuesta a nuevas inversiones en el sector

La Asociación Dominicana de Productores de Cemento Portland (Adocem) consideró que el potencial de desarrollo con que cuenta el país en materia de construcción, debido principalmente al alto déficit habitacional y de infraestructura que crece cada año, ha motivado nuevas y significativas inversiones por parte de la industria cementera local.

Así lo dejó establecido la entidad en el informe anual presentado ayer, en el que señala que ese sector se compone de seis productores de cemento con una inversión que supera los US$1,000 millones.

Las plantas cementeras con que cuenta el país son: Cemex, en San Pedro de Macorís; Domicen, en Palenque, San Cristóbal; Cementos Cibao, Palo Amarillo, Santiago; Cementos Colón, Najayo, San Cristóbal; Cementos Andino, Pedernales; y Cementos Santo Domingo, en Azua.

El vicepresidente de Adocem, Carlos Jacks, explicó que el sector genera alrededor de 15,000 empleos directos y más de 20,000 indirectos a través del transporte o cualquier otro de los servicios que se ofrecen al sector.

Destacó que en la década del 90 el crecimiento del sector fue dinámico y que durante 2010 también creció un 5%. Sin embargo, señaló que a pesar del comportamiento de los últimos años la industria aún tiene una capacidad instalada que puede responder satisfactoriamente al mercado durante los próximos 25 años. Dijo que la industria se ha transformado de ser local a un sector exportador durante los últimos tres años.

En su informe 2010, Adocem explica que en los últimos 30 años la capacidad instalada de producción ha crecido a una tasa de 6% anual, por lo que de 866 mil toneladas métricas producidas en 1978 ahora se superan los seis millones de toneladas.

COLOMBIA: Crecen las ventas de Cementos Argos en Haití

Tras el terremoto del 2010 que registró esa isla en el 2010, los resultados del grupo (a través de Cina) se mantienen.

En Haití, país afectado por un sismo de 7 grados en la escala de Richter en enero del 2010, se destinarán a la reconstrucción, durante los próximos 25 años, unos 50.000 millones de dólares, de los cuales 10.000 millones se enfocarán a proyectos de infraestructura y 5.000 millones a los de generación de energía, ambos intensivos en uso de concreto y cemento.

Cementos Argos, compañía que a través de Cementerie Nationale (Cina) es la única gran empresa colombiana con presencia en el país caribeño, dijo estar comprometida con ese proceso, al tiempo que reveló que algunos de sus resultados, como las ventas, siguen siendo positivos tras el fenómeno natural.

Es así como en el 2010 las colocaciones en volumen de Cina subieron 6,4 por ciento, a 468.000 toneladas, monto que a pesar de haber crecido 4,6 puntos porcentuales por debajo del 2009, representó mayores pedidos.

Además de la anterior comparación de cifras, el informe financiero anual revelado el pasado viernes por Cementos Argos da cuenta de que aunque el Ebitda (Utilidad antes de impuestos, depreciaciones, amortizaciones y otros cargos) de Cina cayó 24 por ciento en el 2010, al ubicarse en 7 millones de dólares. Así mismo, arrojó ventas en volumen superiores a las de Cementos Colón, filial de la primera en República Dominicana, las cuales totalizaron 329.000 toneladas y sólo aumentaron 0,3 por ciento respecto al 2009.

Y es que a pesar de que algunas instalaciones de Cina se afectaron por el terremoto, la planta no sufrió daños y pudo reiniciar la marcha y los despachos pocos días después del mismo.

Paralelamente, Argos se concentró en prestar servicios médicos y entregar alimentos y agua a empleados y contratistas, especialmente los que viven en la comunidad de Cabaret, el municipio más cercano a la planta. También los ayudó con acompañamiento psicológico y la reconstrucción de las viviendas.

De otra parte, Argos dice en el informe financiero que aunque el año pasado sus resultados en Estados Unidos fueron inferiores a los inicialmente previstos, esa economía retomará el empuje y la dinámica, tal como lo ha demostrado ante situaciones adversas a lo largo de la historia.

La cementera en EE. UU.

Cementos Argos posee una importante capacidad instalada en territorio de Estados Unidos al punto que la convierte en la séptima productora de concreto más grande de Norteamérica (incluyendo Canadá) y la quinta de Estados Unidos.

Sus ventas en el 2010 en esa zona del continente sumaron 382 millones de dólares.

AFRICA: Tanga cement posts 6% profits

DAR ES SALAAM, TANZANIA - The Tanga Cement company, renowned as ‘Simba Cement’ has posted a net profit growth of 6.0 %, despite key challenges and critical issues that faced the cement industry last year.

The company outperformed its own profitability targets and recorded a net profit of Tshs 32.2b (US$ 21.20 million) last year (2010) as compared to Tshs 30.4b ($20 million) recorded in 2009. 

The year 2010 was rocked by the removal of suspended import duties which impacted on growth of imported cement.

“But the listed company at Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange (DSE) weathered it all and managed to post a significant performance in almost all key performance indicators,” Tanzania Securities Chief Executive Officer Moremi Marwa said. The CEO was commenting on the firm’s weekly market commentary saying the key indicators among others were high margins, underlying sales growth, strong cash flow, above average earnings, yields and dividend payouts. According to the financial results posted recently, Simba Cement’s revenue grew by 24 % to Tshs149.2b ($98.15 million) compared to Tshs119.9b ($78.88 million) recorded in pervious year.

OMAN: Oman Cement to invest USD 38 million in modernization

Times of Oman reported that Oman Cement Company is planning to modernize its clinker unit and pollution control equipment to raise capacity and reduce emission with a total capital expenditure of USD 37.57 million.

Since the first production line is nearly 29 years old, OCC is modernizing the clinker unit at a total cost of USD 28.99 million. The contract is awarded to CNBM International Engineering of China, a premier company in building cement plants in the region. The work is expected to be completed by end of February 2012. The modernization of line 1 will also result in increased production from the existing level of 2,000 tonnes per day to 2,700 tonnes per day.

Also, the plant will be energy-efficient in terms of fuel consumption with an increased plant life of another 25 years. ERCOM Consulting Engineers, India has been appointed as consultant for the projects. After implementation of the two projects, line 1 of OCC will be the latest, modern energy efficient and most eco friendly plant.

In an attempt to make their plant eco friendly, the company has signed a contract with Sino Environment Engineering Development of China for modernization of the existing pollution control equipment of line 1 at a total cost of USD 8.58 million.

The modernization involves latest technology prevailing in the industry aiming at emission level of less than 10mg/nm3. The modernization work is expected to be completed by end of January 2012, said a company statement posted on MSM website. Both the contracts were signed on March 19 by OCC with CNBM International Engineers and Sino Environment Engineering Development Company.

Meanwhile, Mr Abdullah Abbas Ahmed chairman of Oman Cement said that his company has commissioned its new clinker production line with a capacity to produce 4,000 tonnes per day. We have started producing clinker from the new plant. This will help us to achieve self-sufficiency in clinker and thereby avoid imports.

He said that we will stop imports within two to three months. The project for upgradation and modernization of packaging plant has been completed. Four Autopac machines of automatic truck loading as well as three Rotopacker machines have been erected, commissioned and passed successfully the performance tests.

AFRICA: TANZANIA: Mbeya cement targets EA market

Mbeya Cement Company Ltd, the manufacturers and distributors of Tembo Cement has improved production, quality and quantity of its commodity in order to vie for the East African Community market demand. 

Speaking to the East African Business Week from Mbeya last week during the official launch of the new bag re-branded event, the firm's General Manager Mbuvi Ngunze said the change in cement packaging material is part of reforms taken by the firm to improve product and services to the customers. “We have decided to enter in the East African Community market with high quality products and boost production in order to meet the market demand,” said Ngunze, adding that the new bag we are officially launching today is strong enough to prevent any leakage during movement of the cement from one point to another. 

However, he said the quality of Tembo Cement remains the same that our customers have been used to over the years. 

The Deputy Minister for Industry, Trade and Marketing, Lazaro Nyalandu said, the launch of the new bag, sounded optimistic that Tanzania will in the near future assume an upper hand in industry in East Africa.

Deputy Minister Nyalandu was impressed with the progress of the cement firm which as of now is able to able to produce on average over 300,000 tonnes of cement per annum. “This figure leaves no doubt in my mind that Tanzania will in the near future be a major supplier of this important building material to neighboring countries”, said Nyalandu. 

The Deputy Minister said the Government will support local companies whose majority shares are owned by international organizations. 

Commenting about the serious power crisis hitting the nation, Nyalandu said the Government was looking for alternative sources of power.

The Confederation of Tanzania Industries (CTI) some 50 factories have suspended production out of 250 due to serious problems of power shortage in the country. 

The launch of new Tembo Cement bag went hand in hand with the commemoration of 10 years anniversary since Tembo Cement Limited was bought by Lafarge, a world leading manufacturer of quality building material. According to the statement from cement firm, the new bag with Lafarge logo, entered the market for the first time two weeks ago. 

“It is evident that the experience and expertise which Mbeya Cement has enjoyed from Lafarge group of companies has greatly improved the quality and quantity of the commodity,” said Minister Nyalandu.

THAILAND: SCG plans B3bn fibre cement plant

Siam Cement Group (SCG), Thailand's top industrial conglomerate, will spend 3 billion baht to build a new factory to produce fibre cement, aiming to lift its annual production capacity of the wood substitute products to 90 million square metres within two years.

Siam Fiber Cement Co, a subsidiary of SCG Building Materials, will construct its fifth plant in Nong Khae in Saraburi province to serve growing demand for environment-friendly fibre cement, said managing director Panthep Supachaiyakit.

The new factory is expected to be operational in the first quarter of 2013.

Last year, the company spent 1.3 billion baht for capacity expansion of Siam Fiber Cement which controls a 40% share of 20-billion-baht domestic fibre cement market. Its revenue grew 12% over 2009 to 7.8 billion baht, Mr Panthep said.

"We are confident that the market will continue to expand significantly and our focus remains on innovative products that are good for preserving the environment," he said, adding that sales were expected to expand by 8-10% this year.

Only 6% of the company's revenue is generated from exports to nine Asian countries led by Laos and Cambodia. Shipments surged by 30% in 2010.

Exports will be increased in line with SCG's strategy to become the leader in the Southeast Asian market by 2015 when Asean becomes a single market, he said.

As the overall market continues its substantial expansion, the company expects competition will intensify. New quality products would be key to staying ahead of competitors and maintaining a leading position, he noted.

INDIA: Buy ACC With Target Of Rs 1045

Technical analyst Nishant Jain of Tradeswift Broking has maintained 'buy' rating on ACC Limited stock to achieve a target of Rs 1045.

The analyst said that the stock can be purchased with a stop loss of Rs 1010.

The stock of the company, on March 22, closed at Rs 1023.65 on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE).

The share price has seen a 52-week high of Rs 1133.45 and a low of Rs 700 on BSE.

Current EPS & P/E ratio stood at 59.68 and 17.41 respectively.

ACC Ltd stated that its shipments during the last month grew by 17% as compared to the same period of last year.

Country's No. 2 cement manufacturer, in which Swiss cement manufacturer Holcim possesses around 46% equity stake stated that the production of cement during February 2011 surged to 1.97 million tonnes as against 1.71 million tonnes in Marcg 2010.

In addition, the company registered a slight increase of 3.79% in its consolidated net profit for the financial year ended Dec 31, 2010.

During the period under review, the company's net profit surged to Rs 12,629.70 million as against Rs 12,168.40 million during the previous year.

In the meantime, the company's total income increased 4.16% to Rs 76,377.80 million for the period under review.

On a standalone basis, ACC Ltd registered a growth of 3.71% y-o-y in its net profit, which stood at Rs 12,636.10 million for the twelve month period ended Dec 31, 2010.

OMAN: Oman Cement inks contracts to modernise plant machinery

MUSCAT -- Oman Cement Company SAOG, the Sultanate's second largest cement producer, has signed contracts for the upgrade of its pollution control equipment, as well as the modernisation of one of its oldest clinker plants.

In a disclosure notification to the Muscat Securities Market (MSM), the company said it had inked a deal with Sino Environment Engineering Development Co Ltd (SEPEC) of China for the refurbishment of the existing pollution control machinery at its Line 1 facility.

As part of the contract, valued at $8.58 million, the company will induct the latest emission control technology into the operation of its Line 1, targeting emission control levels of less than 10mg/nm3. The project, due to be completed by January-end 2012, is a key part of ongoing efforts to transform Oman CementOman Cement

into an "eco-friendly" plant, the company said.

A second contract signed by Oman Cement entails the overhaul of its 29-year-old Line 1 clinkerisation unit at a cost of $28.99 million. China's CNBM International Engineering Co Ltd, which has established a number of cement plants in the region, will undertake the project.

When completed by end-February 2012, the project will not only lead to the modernisation of Line 1, but also boost the unit's clinker output from the present 2,000 tonnes per day to 2,700 tonnes per day. Besides making the unit energy-efficient, the project will also extend the plant's operational life by a further 25 years.

India's ERCOM Consulting Engineers Pvt Ltd has been appointed as consultant for the projects. "After implementation of the two projects, Line-1 of Oman Cement Companywill be the latest, modern energy efficient and most eco-friendly plant", the statement added.

The Chairman of Oman Cement Company SAOG signed the respective contracts with the General Manager of Sino Environment Engineering Development Company, and Executive Vice-President of CNBM International Engineers Pvt Ltd.

Earlier this year, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry ordered Oman Cement to pay RO 2.246 million as 'environmental compensation' to villages affected by the company's operations. It follows a decision by the Council of Ministers dated December 9, 2010, requiring Oman Cement to pay 50 per cent of a 'social' contribution totalling RO 4.492 million as compensation to the affected villages.

Oman Cement reported a profit after tax of RO 25.038 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, versus earnings of RO 24.232 million during the previous year, entailing an increase of 3.33 per cent.

The company's new production line of a rated capacity of 4,000 tonnes per day of clinker is expected to be completed during the first quarter of this year.

AFRICA: ZIMBABWE: Lafarge Cement revenue surge

Lafarge Cement Zimbabwe achieved an earnings per share of $0,03 weighed down by a once-off tax payment. 

Despite recording a surge in revenues during the financial year ending December 2010 on the back of an improved economic performance, the company’s profit margins remained flat.

Lafarge paid a $1,05 million tax expense which reduced profit to $2,68 million from $2,69 million in 2009.

Gross revenue rose 47% from $28,3 million to $41,7 million buoyed by increased domestic cement sales that grew 54,7%.

During the year under review, portfolio equity investments were disposed for $1,3 million, which was utilised to settle foreign creditors.

“Profit attributable to shareholders remained largely the same despite increased sales revenues, due to a tax expense incurred for the year, as opposed to a tax credit in 2009,” Lafarge Cement chairman Muchadeyi Masunda said.

Operating margins improved from 6,2% in 2009 to 10% in 2010. Export clinker volumes were 55,5% lower than in 2009 as a result of challenges from the refurbishment of the Tete bridge in Mozambique, one of the company’s main export market.

“The Zimbabwe economy is expected to grow with increased activity in mining constriction and infrastructural development. Prospects for further improvements in domestic demand for cement remain strong,” said Masunda.

The company said despite working capital constraints, construction activities improved as work resumed on some suspended projects and new projects came on stream.

AFRICA: ANGOLA: Cement was Angola’s biggest import by weight in 2010

Cement was the biggest import to Angola by weight in 2010, according to the latest edition of the National Council of Shippers (CNC) statistical bulletin.

In 2010, all the goods imported into Angola weighed a total of 14.071 million tons and cement, including clinker, altogether weighed 2.7 million tons, or 19.25 percent of the total.

The figures from the CNC showed that malt beers were the second biggest product by weight, making up 5.69 percent of the total with 800,800 tons, a rise of 248.34 percent against the 229,900 tons imported in 2009.

The third product on the list was cane and beet sugar and chemically pure sucrose, of which 522,000 tons were imported, or 3.71 percent of the total and in fourth place was wine and peripheral products, with 490,100 tons or 3.38 percent of the total.

The bulletin said that in 2010 the port of Luanda was the main point of entry in almost all areas, with a total of 10.6 million tons, followed by the port of Lobito with around1.83 million tons and by order of significance the ports of Namibe, Cabinda and Soyo.

The list of the main supplying countries in 2010 was headed by china, with 24.39 percent of the total, followed by Portugal, Brazil and Belgium, with the largest African partner being South Africa, with 3 percent of the total in ninth place overall.

PAKISTAN: Fauji Cement’s second plant to start production before April-end

Fauji Cement, a listed company, is all set to make its second production-line operational before the end of April, officials said. 

“The commissioning of our new production line is just four to five weeks away from now,” said Shahid Ghazanfer, General Manager Operations at Fauji Cement Company Limited (FFCL).

The company claimed in its annual report for 2009-2010 that its new plant would be the single largest production line of clinker in Pakistan with a production capacity of 7,200 tons per day.

Another official of the company, who requested anonymity, estimated the total cost of the new production line close to Rs20 billion. He added that their existing line was producing 3,700 tons of clinker a day. “The new line is being erected parallel to our existing plant at Taxila - 45 kilometer away from Rawalpindi.”

To construct the new plant, the company has heavily borrowed from local and international banks and lending agencies. It also avoided paying dividends to its shareholders in 2009-2010.

According to its report for Jul-Dec 2010, Fauji Cement had a total long term financing of Rs13.51 billion as on December 31, 2010, and it was liable to pay all its debt by 2018.

Asked if it would be suitable for the company to start production from its new line at a time when the consumption of cement had declined in the country and most companies were running in losses, Ghazanfer said that their focus would be more on exports of cement to Afghanistan.

From July 2010 to February 2011, the sales of Pakistan’s cement in national and international markets stood at 19.70 million tons, 10.48 percent lower than last year’s. 

He said Fauji Cement was running in profits thanks to its latest technology. The two plants of the company run on coal. 

The company posted a profit after tax of Rs251.13 million in the half-year ended December 31, 2010, against Rs193.62 million the company had earned in the same period of previous year. 

Share of the company closed at Rs4.18 on Tuesday at the Karachi Stock Exchange. 

A spokesman of All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association said that the addition of Fauji Cement’s line would enhance the country’s total capacity by 2.68 million tons to 43.91 million tons. He claimed that the capacity utilisation of the industry had been declining since 2004-05 when it hit a peak of 91.32 percent. In 2009-10, it dropped to 76.53 percent and to 71.66 in the first eight months of current fiscal. 

Asad Siddiqui, an analyst at InvestCap, said the cement demand would rise soon for reconstruction work in flood-hit areas. “Mega projects like dams are also in the offing.”

COLOMBIA: Cementos Argos reportó utilidades por $289 mil millones en 2010

Utilidad neta consolidada para el año 2010 de 289 mil millones de pesos, reportó Cementos Argos durante la Asamblea General de Accionistas que se realizó ayer en el Hotel Dann Carlton de esta ciudad.

José Alberto Vélez, presidente de la compañía, manifestó que la estrategia de diversificación regional refleja sus frutos en los resultados que se obtuvieron durante el año anterior. El incremento del 38% en la utilidad neta, los activos que subieron un 5,4% y el patrimonio que creció 15,5%, condujeron a una valorización promedio anual de la acción en los últimos dos años del 35%.

Precisó que la unión de factores externos y aspectos internos permitieron a Argos tener unos resultados muy positivos en el 2010. En Colombia el aumento de los volúmenes de venta de cemento y de concreto fueron del 7% y 40%, respectivamente. Cifras que permitieron a la organización comercializar 1,9 millones de metros cúbicos de concreto, con un excepcional incremento, que representa el volumen más alto despachado en Colombia en toda la historia de la empresa cementera.

Adicionalmente, la organización se consolidó como un importante aliado del desarrollo de la infraestructura de las regiones donde tiene presencia: Colombia, el Caribe y Estados Unidos. Muestra de ello, la participación en megaproyectos como las vías para la competitividad, la Ruta del Sol, Hidrosogamoso y la ampliación de la Refinería de Cartagena; en Centroamérica en la ampliación del Canal de Panamá, y en Estados Unidos en la construcción de autopistas como la I-26 y la NC-540, entre otros proyectos que contarán con el sello de la marca Argos.

Destacó la inversión en una molienda de clínker y un puerto en Surinam; la inversión en una terminal de recepción y empaque de cemento en Curacao; la nueva línea de producción de la planta Cartagena y el inicio de la producción y despacho de Cemento Petrolero Clase G desde la Planta San Gil; y la apertura del Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en la universidad Eafit en Medellín.

Vélez expresó que todas estas estrategias permitieron a la compañía obtener ingresos operacionales superiores a los $3 billones, un Ebitda (utilidad antes de impuesto) de $539 mil millones y un margen del 18%. Además de una utilidad operacional de $219 mil millones e impuestos pagados por más de $300 mil millones.

Entre los logros destacó que Argos entró a formar parte del Consejo Mundial para el Desarrollo Sostenible, un conjunto de más de 200 empresas de talla mundial y de su Iniciativa de Cementos Sostenible (CSI), un grupo de 24 compañías de cemento, de las que sólo cuatro son únicamente latinoamericanas. En lo social, Vélez dijo que trabajan con 672 diferentes comunidades de influencia en países como Colombia, Haití, República Dominicana y Panamá.

PARAGUAY: Se reinició producción de clínker de la INC

El miércoles a las 14:45 se reinició la producción del horno de clínker de la Industria Nacional del Cemento (INC). La llegada de 2.000 metros cúbicos de fueloíl permitió retomar la marcha luego de 31 horas de paralización.

Según datos de técnicos de la INC en Vallemí, donde se encuentra el horno refractario, están en camino seis barcazas con otros 10.000 metros cúbicos de combustible. 

Cuando llegue el cargamento completo, se podrá garantizar la producción del insumo por aproximadamente dos meses, ya que el horno precisa quemar cerca de 180 metros cúbicos por día para estar en funcionamiento. Pero con los 2.000 metros cúbicos que se tienen ahora, se aseguran solo cinco días de trabajo. 

En cuanto a la cantidad de producción, los funcionarios del área técnica explicaron que hasta ayer por la tarde aún no se alcanzó la capacidad nominal diaria de 2.000 toneladas, ya que se estaba logrando las 1.900 ton/día. 

Stock de clínker 

La INC tiene en su planta de Villeta, donde se encuentra el molino principal, alrededor de 7.000 toneladas de clínker, según informes de la dirección de fábrica. 

Esa cantidad de insumo permitirá producir solo 193.200 bolsas de cemento, para el despacho de cuatro días más, entregando 45.000 bolsas por día. Esta cantidad atiende a poco más del 50% de los requerimientos locales, que llegan a 80.000 bolsas por día. 

Hasta el miércoles, había en planta de Villeta 550 toneladas de clínker y se estaba descargando el convoy “Mburuvicha”, que trajo de Vallemí (donde se encuentra el horno de clínker) 8.395 toneladas del insumo. 

En tránsito se encuentra otra barcaza con 2.970 toneladas, según datos oficiales de INC. El stock de cemento es mínimo, solo 20.000 bolsas, y el promedio de despacho diario de las últimas semanas es de 45.000 bolsas. 

Según datos de técnicos de Vallemí, en esa fábrica se tiene un stock de 5.815 toneladas de clínker, para producir 160.494 bolsas del material de construcción.

Despacho en Vallemí

En esa ciudad en enero se despacharon 261.540 bolsas de cemento (un promedio de 13.077 bolsas por día) y en febrero, 8.366 (8.366/día). Hasta mediados de marzo la entrega fue 84.750 toneladas (8.474/día). Pero la mayor parte de esta producción es entregada a pedidos de Central, incluso hay cargas destinadas a “maletineros”, amigos y hasta políticos, según comprobó ABC. 

En ese sentido, los distribuidores y profesionales del área de la construcción de Vallemí vienen quejándose de las trabas que pone INC para proveerles cemento. El material se produce en el pequeño molino que la estatal tiene en esa ciudad, capaz de elaborar 12.000 bolsas por día, pero la mayor parte se trae a Central.

JAPAN: HeidelbergCement sees demand spike after Japan quake

* Sees Japan switch to cement importer, from exporter

* 2010 net profit triples to 511 million euros

* 2010 sales up 5.8 percent to 11.8 bln eur

* Expects North America, Germany, Scandinavia boost in 2011

* Shares up 4 percent, outperform index

- HeidelbergCement expects to supply the reconstruction effort in japan as the earthquake-stricken country is forced to import the building material to meet demand.

HeidelbergCement Chief Executive Bernd Scheifele said on Thursday he expects Japan to switch to being an importer of cement from an exporter following the disaster.

"The result (of the Japan earthquake) could be a cement and clinker shortage in Asia," Scheifele, said at a press conference.

HeidelbergCement is one of the world's largest cement makers with a major presence in Asia, owning a majority stake in Indonesia's biggest cement maker by market value, PT Indocement Tunggal Perkasa.

HeidelbergCement shares were 4 percent higher by 1333 GMT, outperforming the wider STOXX 600 European Construction and Materials index which was up 1.7 percent.

One construction sector analyst, who asked not to be named, said.

"HeidelbergCement is not saying that the crisis in Japan is good in any way, all they are saying is that they are in a position to take advantage of opportunities created by the situation," he said, adding that this was driving share prices.

HeidelbergCement said on Thursday that sales had increased by 5.8 percent to 11.8 billion euros in 2010, and that net profit had tripled to 511 million euros.

The German company, which competes with Switzerland's Holcim and France's Lafarge, added that it expects improving demand in Scandinavia, Germany, the United States and Canada.

HeidelbergCement was hard hit during the financial crisis, especially by plummeting demand in its key North American market, where commercial construction and postponements of U.S. state and local spending dented profits. U.S. stimulus spending was slow to pick up, too.

Scheifele warned that the sharp rise in energy costs, as well as inflationary pressures, could burden sales in 2011.

"In view of the slow recovery in the mature markets and the rising costs and inflationary pressure, we are maintaining our focus on cash flow and stable margins in order to reduce our debt", Scheifele said in a statement.

Data from Thomson Reuters StarMine shows HeidelbergCement trading at 12.0 times its 12-month forward earnings, in line with Lafarge but below Holcim, at a multiple of 15.1.

AFRICA: ZIMBABWE: Larfage revenue up in Zimbabwe, sees growth in 2011

Zimbabwean group Lafarge Cement reported flat full-year earnings as a tax expense offset strong revenue growth, and said it expected further sales growth as the economy recovers.

"Profit attributable to shareholders remained largely the same ... despite increased sales revenues, due to a tax expense incurred for the year, as opposed to a tax credit in 2009," chairman Muchadeyi Masunda said on Thursday.

The unit of the French company Lafarge said basic 2010 earnings per share were flat at 0.03 cents.

The company was hit by a $1.05 million tax expense which lowered profit to $2.68 million from $2.69 million in 2009.

Revenue rose 47 percent to $41.7 million, boosted by a 55 percent rise in domestic sales.

Masunda said local demand for cement would remain strong, anchored by growth in mining and construction.

Zimbabwe's economy, ravaged a few years ago by hyperinflation which reached 500 billion percent, grew in 2009 under a unity government led by President Robert Mugabe and bitter rival Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai.

Inflation slowed to 3 percent last month after the coalition government adopted multi-currencies two years ago.

Finance minister Tendai Biti said early this month annual inflation would end 2011 at 4.5 percent and reiterated the economy would grow as much as 9.3 percent.

INDIA: Danish firm to set up cement equipment plant in Haryana

Chandigarh, March 20 (IANS) Danish multinational EEL Private Limited, a subsidiary of the FL Smidth group, will set up a new project in Haryana to manufacture hi-tech machines for cement and its allied industries, a senior official said Sunday.

According to Rajeev Arora, managing director of Haryana State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (HSIIDC), the foundation stone of the project will be laid Tuesday in Bawal industrial area, 90 km from New Delhi.

The project is spread over 30 acres at the Growth Centre in the industrial area.

The company from Denmark, a world leader in cement technology and equipment, will commence first phase production by March 2012. The project will be completed by November 2013, Arora said.

'The project would generate direct employment opportunities for more than 1,750 people besides supporting ancillaries within the state,' added Arora.

The EEL, which has majopr clients in the Indian cement industry, is setting up the plant to meet this increased demand for allied products from cement manufacturing units.

The company already has its presence through a manufacturing facility in Gurgaon since 1998, employing over 750 workers.

Spread in nearly 3,375 acres, the Growth Centre at Bawal is located by the national highway in Rewari district.

It has been developed as a mega-industrial hub. The centre comprises service ancillaries, commercial services and other essential services catering to auto-components, light-engineering, chemicals, machinery and equipment, electronic components, pharmaceuticals and textile products.

Multinationals like YKK (Japan), Becton Dickinson (US), Mitsui, Indo-Japan Lighting, Posco, Liberty Group, Asahi India Glass, Guetermann AG (Germany) and others have already established their units in Bawal.

AFRICA: EGYPT: Suez Cement counts cost of unrest

Suez Cement (SUCE.CA: Quote) (SUCEq.L: Quote), Egypt's biggest listed cement maker by market value, said the political unrest that ousted Hosni Mubarak cost it and a subsidiary 80 million Egyptian pounds ($13.5 million).

"The firm lost a total of nine days during the events of the months of January and February 2011, while the company's estimated total losses were 30 million pounds due to the interruptions," it said in a statement on Sunday.

Suez said its 99-percent owned Helwan Cement unit lost another 50 million pounds after its plants stopped operations for 16 days.

The firm, a subsidiary of Italcementi (ITAI.MI: Quote), said it will pay a 3.90 pound per share cash dividend after its 2010 net profits declined 4.9 percent to 1.2 billion pounds. [ID:nLDE72F1TE] [ID:nWEB1472]

Suez has about 26 percent of Egypt's grey cement market and 42 percent of its white cement market. ($1=5.931 Egyptian Pound) (Reporting by Sarah Mikhail; Editing by Patrick Werr and Alexander Smith)

NEW ZELAND: Cement plant planned for Waikato

Plans are under way for a $25 million cement plant near Te Kuiti, producing 80,000 tonnes a year, with Perry Group about to lodge a resource consent application for the project.

The planned site for the plant is at Te Kumi, five kilometres north of Te Kuiti at a lime quarry owned by Ravensdown Fertilizer, which Perry Resources has a long-term contract to supply.

The site is already intensively quarried, producing high-grade agricultural lime, and burnt lime for the pulp and paper and road industries.

Perry Resources general manager Peter Walsh said the company was hoping to have its resource consent application to the Waitomo District Council ready by May. Consultation was to take place after that.

The area was already zoned industrial and its location meant it was ideal for a cement plant, he said.

Construction was expected to take 12 to 18 months after consents are granted, and the plant was expected to be commissioned in mid-2013.

The plant would supply customers throughout Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Auckland.

"Our operation is close to major markets and decreases the significant costs associated with shipping and ports infrastructure," Walsh said.

He said the operation would be a lot smaller, at 80,000 tonnes per year, than the country's two biggest cement suppliers, Holcim and Golden Bay.

EEUU: Holcim plans to mothball NY cement plant.

Waltham-based Holcim (US) Inc. said it will mothball its cement plant in Catskill, N.Y., in June in response to continued economic challenges and market conditions, a move expected to affect about 100 hourly and salaried employees.

According to a Holcim (US) Inc. press release, mothballing includes ending production operations and securing the plant in such a way that operating permits and equipment will be preserved for possible future operations.

Holcim (US) Inc. is a subsidiary of Holcim Ltd. Holcim (US) Inc. has about 2,000 employees, and it operates 13 manufacturing plants and 70 distribution facilities in the United States.