Holcim expanding in Romania: New kiln line to be built

Holcim (Romania) will be investing more than CHF 150 million in modernising and expanding cement production capacity over the 2005-2008 period, underpinning the company’s objective to continue profiting from the market’s dynamic growth. The construction of the country’s largest kiln line in Campulung (annualcapacity: 1.5Mta of cement) will mark the final stage of a multi-year process of renewal implemented by Holcim Romania at all its cement plants. With cement consumption likely to go up by more than five per cent in 2005, the company will be well positioned to provide customers in Romania’s fast-growing building materials market with an optimum service. Holcim Romania’s investment program will also further enhance cost leadership. At the same time, the company is making a crucial contribution
to environmental protection. The new kiln line also provides modern secure jobs as well as promoting business development in the region.

While the fully modernized Alesd plant supplies mainly customers in the northwest of the country, the refurbished Turda plant produces white cement for local and international markets. The Campulung plant mainly serves customers in Central Romania, including the capital city Bucharest. Additionally, Holcim Romania operates 12 ready-mix concrete facilities and four gravel works.