International Cement Review magazine archive
The July 2006 issue interviews Holcim CEO Markus Akermann and reviews Pakistan's fast-growing cement market, including Lucky Cement's major expansion. Further articles explore alternative-fuel economics, control-system upgrades, demand forecasting and ABB's MLD optimisation of Jura Cement's mill.
In this issue
Explore the July 2006 issue of International Cement Review, the leading magazine for the global cement industry. Browse cement industry news, expert market analysis, regional reports, plant projects and technical articles covering cement production, equipment, processes and technology.
World news
All the essential news from the global cement industry. Lafarge announces three year targets. Buzzi Unicem buys stakes in two Algerian producers. Cemex expects higher operating income for 2Q06. Heidelbergcement backs Sierra Leona and Oyak Cement revises its forecasts.
Teamwork pays dividends
ICR exclusively interviews Markus Akermann, CEO of Holcim and discovers what ambitions are driving the Swiss cement giant forward, its strategies, manpower developments and market assessments.
Pakistan markets flying high
Government inspired ‘mega projects’ at home and increased demand for cement, plus exports, has signalled a flurry of expansion and increased capacity plans for Pakistan producers.
Lucky Cement expands
Lucky Cement is undergoing a massive expansion as it builds a greenfield plant near Karachi and adds a further two lines to its Pezu plant. These projects will raise Lucky Cement's capacity to 21,000tpd.
Kiln fuel profits or survival?
Future moves towards alternative fuels may be driven by a need to prevent profit loss rather than a desire to boost profits. Dr Clark investigates why fuel choice is a crucial factor in profit strategy.
Control system upgrades
Planning for future control systems upgrades is essential in today’s market when new software programmes are continually released. But is there any way to prevent plant hardware from quickly becoming obsolete?
Catalan cycle revealed
The use of models and historical data provide a real clue as to what tomorrow will bring in terms of Catalonia’s trends in cement demand and consumption levels.
Jura Cement’s MLD advantage
Jura Cement has achieved a world first by successfully applying a Mixed Logical Dynamic (MLD) system to a cement mill at its Wildegg plant, Switzerland. ABB details start to finish.
Holcim’s alternative switch
The experience of burning several alternative fuels at Holcim’s Lorca plant is discussed with relation to dosing and firing equipment as well as thermal cost savings.
Steeling the limelight
Sfarsteel has emerged as a major European steel foundry and is expanding its field of influence through direct worldwide supply of kiln support rollers and other fabricated steel items for the cement industry.