Heidelberg Materials France has announced a proposed restructuring that would result in the closure of its Ranville cement plant in Normandy.
The company attributed the decision to a significant decline in cement volumes amid weak French construction demand. It said the measure also forms part of the continuing optimisation of its European production network, with clinker supply being adapted to market requirements and greater emphasis placed on higher-value cements with lower clinker contents.
The proposed closure would affect 87 employees. Heidelberg Materials said it would work with employee representatives, local authorities and government bodies to develop socially responsible measures, including possible redeployment to other French sites.
The company has invested EUR650m in modernising its Airvault, Beaucaire, Bussac-Forêt and Couvrot plants as part of its French decarbonisation programme. No proposed closure date was disclosed.
