Cemtech Europe was successfully held at the Swissotel The Bosphorus from 26-29 September. The event attracted 390 delegates from 40 countries, including a large representation from the Turkish cement sector.

Mr Adnan Ignebekçili, Chairman of the Turkish Cement Manufacturers’ Association, provided an in-depth overview of the local industry, which now accounts for over 100Mta capacity and leads the world in cement and clinker exports. Other presentations covered the construction market outlook in Europe, post-financial crisis corporate trends, and detailed assessment of the key markets of Russia, Iran, Eastern Europe and Egypt, as well as trade in the Mediterranean and West Africa.

The technical programme incorporated all aspects of cement manufacture and engaged directly with the conference theme: “Managing a Sustainable Recovery”. In his keynote address, Dr Bruno Vanderborght, Senior Vice-President Environmental Strategy at Holcim, provided an impressive analysis of the current status of environmental policy and sustainability practices in the cement industry and was followed by presentations and case studies by Cemex, Adana Çimento, Akçansa Çimento and a host of other producers and equipment suppliers.

The programme was further enhanced by workshops covering practical aspects of cement production including cement milling, led by Christian Pfeiffer, and low CO2 cement production, led by Dr Michael Clark (CemNet e-Learning). Producers wishing to explore the latest equipment and cement manufacturing technologies were able to visit over 40 exhibitors in the extensive exhibition area located adjacent to the conference venue. Finally, a visit to Büyükçekmece cement plant, operated by the Akçansa/HeidelbergCement joint-venture, allowed delegates to learn about alternative fuels utilisation in the Turkish industry at this pioneer plant.

To conclude the event, delegates were invited to attend a spectacular Gala Dinner, hosted at the Esma Sultan Mansion, a famous Istanbul palace that provided the perfect backdrop to celebrate the conclusion of this major international event.

Conference organiser, Thomas Armstrong, commented after the event: “This is one of the most successful Cemtech conferences to date, and the high turnout proves that the international cement industry is looking forward to the future with confidence after a difficult year in 2009. We now look forward to staging Cemtech Middle East in February.”