Holcim to close five Belgian concrete plants

Holcim Belgique announced the closure of five concrete plants in Belgium to union representatives. The step will affect around 60 employees in Brugge, Herentals, Izegem, Oostende and Veurne.

“The concrete market in Belgium is stagnating and there exists overcapacity in the sector, which has increasingly deteriorated from year to year,” said the company.

“As a result, the activity of Holcim Belgique in the sector has been challenged by overcapacity in view of demand. This has affected prices, which have decreased, while costs have remained high. Business results in the concrete segment have seen loss-making operations for several years.”