Cementir is to cease clinker production from its 1.4Mta integrated Taranto works at the end of December, but milling operations are set to continue at the southern Italy-based plant.

The company reiterated that weak domestic demand has led to a reduction in production levels, although for 2014 there are early indications of a slight recovery in consumption.

Over the first nine months of the year, Cementir’s domestic deliveries were down by another 14 per cent and turnover declined by EUR17m.

Cementir will also convert its 0.8Mta integrated Arquata Scrivia into a grinding centre and the head office, commercial and distribution activities will be reduced in size with the loss of 144 jobs.