Italcementi has completed the modernisation of its Devnya cement plant in Bulgaria, taking the plant’s capacity to 1.5Mta and employing best available technology.
“With one of the largest investments made in the country over the past 25 years, we have helped to make our business more efficient from an industry perspective and aligned with best available techniques to protect the environment. The new facility will allow us to respond appropriately to the demands of both the domestic market and to those of the neighbouring areas of eastern Europe,” said Carlo Pesenti, CEO of Italcementi Group.”
Italcementi completes the revamp of its Devnya cement works in Bulgaria involving an investment of EUR160m
Modernisation of the plant, which began in April 2012, involved the conversion into a dry-process plant with a clinker production capacity of 4000tpd. Italcementi highlighted that particular attention has been given to the energy efficiency of the plant which uses alternative fuels such as biomass and RDF, as well as employing equipment that mitigates CO2 emissions.
The completion of this project will make it possible for the group to consolidate its presence in Bulgaria, where it also operates the Vulkan grinding plant in Dimitrovgrad. The company will also be able to enhance exports given Devnya’s close proximity to the port of Varna which offers an outlet point to all countries on the Black Sea and eastern Mediterranean coast.
The group’s close attention to sustainable development has also led the company to receive the 'Green Business 2013' award from Bulgaria’s Ministry of Environment. It was also recognised under the ‘Investor of the Year/ and ‘Investor in Human Capital’ categories.
Italcementi entered the Bulgarian market in 1998 with the acquisition of Devnya Cement, followed by the purchase of Vulkan Cement. During 2013, the group recorded revenues of EUR59m in Bulgaria.
This year, the company will also reopen its modernised Rezzato cement plant in Brescia, Italy, involving an investment of EUR150m. Together with the Devnya revamp, both plants will be completed in time to celebrate Italcementi’s 150th anniversary.
