Weaker exports reduce clinker production at Toral de los Vados, Spain

Clinker production at Cementos Cosmos' Toral de los Vados factory in Spain declined by 10 per cent in 2015 to 600,840t. The drop in production has been mainly attributed to lower exports.

According to the director of the factory, Jaime Santoalla: “Our lack of competitiveness is leaving us out of some export markets. In addition, there is also the economic crisis in Brazil, a country that had become a strategic target for us and has seen a substantial reduction in clinker demand. "

In May a cargo carrying 44,000t of clinker passed through the port of La Coruña, destined for Brazil. This was the only shipment by Toral de Los Vados to the Latin American country. Toral also delivered 64,500t of clinker to the grinding plant in Arguineguín, Gran Canaria.

Parent group Votorantim Cimentos expects the plant to produce less in 2016 due to its loss of competitiveness and issues in its export markets. However, Votorantim continues to consider the works as a strategic asses and is expected to invest over EUR1.7m, mainly in environmental measures and improvements to the health and safety of its employees. Last year it invested EUR1.8m already in these areas.