Holcim unit in Morocco achieved a turnover of MOD1.67bn (US$215m) in 2009 first quarter, soaring 12% compared to the same period a year earlier.

Maroc Holcim posted positive results during 2009 first quarter, despite the drop that affected the international company in several countries due to the global downturn, Chairman of Holcim Maroc, Dominique Drouet, said Thursday in a press conference.

This good performance is mainly ascribed to the rising demand for the company’s products, notably cement and ballast, he added.

 As for the cement production forecasts, Drouet said a 1% fall is expected for the year 2009, while, in 2010, a drop related to the decrease of construction projects is expected.