Buzzi boosted by Eastern Europe, Mexico

Buzzi boosted by Eastern Europe, Mexico
09 February 2007


Buzzi Unicem increased turnover by 8.6% to EUR 3205m in 2006, which represents an increase of 12.2% on a like for like basis.  The net debt declined by 42.2% to EUR610m at the end of December, compared with EUR1,051m a year earlier.  Cement deliveries rose by 3.3% last year to 33.3Mt, while ready-mixed concrete shipments advanced by 5.7% to 16.5Mm³. 
 
Italian turnover increased by 6.8% to
EUR1004.0m, as cement shipments, including exports, were helped by mild and dry weather in the final quarter and rose by 2.1% in 2006 to 8.56Mt.  Average selling prices also improved, having been under pressure in the previous year. Ready-mixed concrete deliveries increased by 1.2% to 7.65Mm³ in spite of a reduction in volumes going to major public works projects.  
 
Turnover from the German and Luxembourg operations declined by 12.2% to
EUR563.6m was a result of the sale of the Eurobeton concrete products activities.  Cement and clinker volumes declined by 1.6% in Germany, but rose by 6.3% in Luxembourg.  In central and eastern Europe, turnover rose by 34.5% to EUR523.9m thanks to higher volumes and prices.  Over all cement shipments rose by 11.2%, ranging from just 0.7% in Russia, because of capacity constraints, to 26.7% in Poland, with the other three countries averaging around 14%.
 
The United States contributed a turnover 10.8% higher at €925.1m.  Higher prices accounted for the increase in turnover, while cement shipments declined by 0.7% to 9.77Mt as a result of lower volumes in the second half, essentially in the north-eastern band Midwest markets. Ready-mixed concrete deliveries are dominated by Texas, and rose by 1.6% to 1.88Mm³. 

The Mexican associate Corporaciòn Moctezuma increased turnover by 20.8% to EUR197.0m, with cement shipments increasing by some 17% to more than 4.1Mt and ready-mixed concrete deliveries rose by 14.7% to 1.42Mm³
Published under Cement News