The Moroccan cement market is expected to show not much change in 2015 from the previous year, according to Mario Bracci, CEO of Ciments du Maroc.

The Italcementi-owned cement producer delivered sales in 2014 in line with a 5.4 per cent domestic market contraction. Ciments du Maroc responded to the downturn by increasing the use of alternative fuels and improving operating efficiency, efforts which will continue in 2015.

“Our goal for 2015 is to maintain our sales despite market forecasts at best stable compared to 2014, given the slowdown in the construction industry, particularly social housing. I expect 2015 to cement market at best equal to that of 2014,” said Mr Bracci.

He also said Italcementi would be launching projects in Africa, including a grinding unit in Guinea-Conakry. In Morocco, a grinding centre in the northern region will allow Ciments du Maroc to expand its geographic coverage.