Cement News tagged under: USA

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PCA, MSHA renew safety alliance, USA

22 October 2012, Published under Cement News

The Portland Cement Association (PCA) and the U.S. Department of Labor's Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) renewed an alliance designed to foster safer and more healthful working conditions in the cement industry.??Originally signed in 2008, the agreement allows PCA and MSHA to combine resources and expertise to provide cement industry personnel with information, guidance and access to training resources that will help protect the health and safety of all cement manufacturing empl...

Five Holcim plants receive Energy Star, USA

18 October 2012, Published under Cement News

Holcim (US) Inc announced today that five of its plants have earned the US Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) prestigious ENERGY STAR®. "It is with great pride that once again Holcim is recognized by the EPA for our continued commitment to environmentally sound practices with the ENERGY STAR® Awards," said Filiberto Ruiz, deputy chief executive officer of Holcim (US). "Protecting the environment is a priority at Holcim, and these awards reflect the determination of every Holcim employe...

US shipments rise 14% YoY, Jan-July 2012

10 October 2012, Published under Cement News

Total shipments of Portland and blended cement in the United States and Puerto Rico for the year through July were 44.4Mt, up by about 14%, data from the US Geological Survey (USGS) showed. The leading producing states in July were Texas, California, Missouri, Michigan, and Florida, in descending order and accounted for about 43 per cent of total output. The leading consuming States (Texas, California, Florida, Ohio, and Illinois, in descending order) received about 35 per cent of the Jul...

Construction held by challenging macroeconomic environment

08 October 2012, Published under Cement News

A recent research note by analysts at CM-CIC Securities sees four main themes for the global construction sector in light of a prevailing harsh macroeconomic environment. While diverse trends are being witnessed in the US and Europe and emerging markets are expected to see a slowdown in growth, a turning point could be reached in 2012-13 in terms of margins.   Taking a historical look, the France-based research house highlights that today's construction industry crisis, which was fuelled by...

Lafarge divests in US assets to Eagle, market improves

01 October 2012, Published under Cement News

Last week, Lafarge announced the disposal of two cement works and a network of ready-mix concrete plants in Missouri and Oklahoma, USA, to Eagle Materials Inc, adding US$446m (EUR344m) to its coffers. With the deal, Eagle Materials acquires the 1Mta Kansas City (MO) and the 0.6Mta unit in Tulsa (OK) as well as related distribution terminals, two aggregate quarries, eight ready-mixed concrete businesses and a fly ash firm. The move is seen by some as a win-win for both parties. Eagle secures...

Texas Industries reduces quarterly net loss, USA

28 September 2012, Published under Cement News

Texas Industries, Inc reported a net loss of US$2.7m for the quarter ended 31 August 2012, against a loss of US$7.4m in the same period of last year as shipments and pricing improve. "Though not back to pre-recession levels, our results reflect improvement in our markets," stated Mel Brekhus, Chief Executive Officer. "Shipments are up, pricing is improving and we are seeing the benefits of our margin enhancement initiatives." "I am looking forward to beginning the commissioning of our ne...

Continental Cement Co to upgrade clinker storage facilities

27 September 2012, Published under Cement News

Continental Cement Company LLC has agreed to complete a Supplemental Environmental Project (SEP) valued at US$300,000 at its Hannibal (MO) facility. The SEP is part of a consent agreement with The Environmental Protection Agency Region 7 in which Continental Cement has also agreed to pay a US$22,025 civil penalty to settle alleged violations of the federal Clean Air Act in 2007 and 2008. The project will see the replacement of the outside clinker storage pile with the associated material ...

Boral announces new CEO, Australia

18 September 2012, Published under Cement News

Mike Kane has been appointed Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Boral Limited, effective 1 October 2012. Mike Kane will replace Ross Batstone who became Boral’s Chief Executive Officer in May 2012 when Mark Selway stood down from the role. At that time the Board commenced a comprehensive international search for a new Chief Executive Officer. Mr Kane joined Boral in February 2010 in the role of President Boral USA. He has spent the past two and half years significantly realig...

Global market outlook

17 September 2012, Published under Cement News

Analysts at Jefferies International have recently provided an update on their expectations for global cement markets. While prospects for the US are improving, emerging markets are beginning to face uncertainties and the outlook for Europe is weaker than it previously anticipated. US markets have performed stronger than expected in 2012, having risen 15 per cent in the first half to 37Mt. While growth slowed in June and the rate is expected to ease to around three per cent for the remaind...

PCA announces management changes, USA

07 September 2012, Published under Cement News

Portland Cement Association (PCA) announced management changes designed to shift leadership to Washington, DC, in support of a renewed emphasis on national advocacy efforts in our nation’s capitol. “Over the past 10 years, we have debated the merits of our national association becoming more ‘DC-centric,” said PCA Chairman of the Board Aris Papadopoulos in an announcement of the changes.“The time has come to adapt to this new reality of the cement industry.” Effective September 6, 2012,...