HeidelbergCement expands its presence in Turkey

Akçansa, a joint venture of HeidelbergCement and Sabanci Holding, has acquired the Ladik cement plant in an auction process carried out by the Turkish government. The plant with a clinker capacity of approximately 580,000t has a good market position due to its favourable location in the Black Sea region. With its bid of US$140m Akçansa won the auction in a tough competition.

Akçansa, the leading cement and ready-mixed concrete producer in Turkey, has operations mainly in the Istanbul area and on the Aegean cost. The geographical expansion will further strengthen the leading market position of the company. Turkey’s overall economic development has been further stimulated by the beginning of the accession talks with the European Union. For HeidelbergCement the expansion in Turkey is a logical step in its strategy to strengthen its position in growth markets.