HeidelbergCement starts new CI programme

HeidelbergCement has started its Aggregates-CI programme (Continuous Improvement) to continuously optimise the operational and commercial working processes in the area of aggregates (sand, gravel and crushed rock). The new programme follows the margin improvement programme CLIMB Commercial that successfully concluded at the end of 2015. Aggregates-CI will be implemented at all of the more than 500 production sites worldwide. The process enhancements shall lead to sustainable result improvements of EUR120m by the end of 2018.

"The Aggregates-CI programme is the next logical step in the very successful development of the last years in the area of aggregates,“ says Dr Bernd Scheifele, chairman of the Managing Board of HeidelbergCement.

"We will leverage the structures and processes developed in the predecessor programme CLIMB Commercial in order to further drive operational and commercial professionalism and efficiency, such as in sales and distribution. The continuous improvement of our working processes with the goal of further optimising our margins is an integral part of HeidelbergCement’s DNA.”

The predecessor programme, CLIMB Commercial, which was started at the end of 2012, focussed on margin improvement through optimisation of the product and customer mix in aggregates. The original target of EUR120m result improvement by the end of 2015 was substantially exceeded.

HeidelbergCement already runs a Continuous Improvement Program (CIP) in the cement business that started in 2014.