German cement manufacturer Holcim Deutschland AG, a subsidiary of the Holcim group, posted a record-high net loss of 40.4 mln euro ($49.2m) for 2003, it was reported on March 30, 2004.  No comparative figures were available. The net turnover of Holcim Deutschland, formerly known as Alsen AG, fell to 184 mln euro ($224m) for 2003 from 202.4 mln euro ($246.5m) for 2002. The average revenue fell to some 30 euro ($36.5) per tonne of cement for 2003, due to the construction sector slowdown in Germany and the low level of public construction orders, which led to a decrease in cement consumption in the country.  Holcim Deutschland expects to register improved financial results for 2004 in comparison to 2003, as a result of optimised cost structure and capacity increase. The company closed its factory in Lower Saxony in 2003.  Holcim Deutschland increased its cement price in two stages, in December 2003 and in February 2004, by a total 20 euro ($24.4). Published under Cement News