Gras to increase aerated concrete production

Moscow-based Gras has launched a new plant producing 4543 Ytong cellular aerated concrete in the Saratov region of western Russia.

The project investments totalled some RUB 2.4 billion (€58.67 million).

The plant has been built using technology by 4544 Hess from the Netherlands; its capacity totals 500,000m³ a year and it employs 120 workers.

Gras already has a plant manufacturing aerated concrete slabs with the same output capacity in the Kaluga region, also western Russia, and plans to build up to 20 similar plants in various regions of Russia.

Ytong claims to be the world's largest manufacturer of aerated concrete blocks and the only company in Greece that produces autoclaved aerated concrete blocks.

The company says the blocks are simple to process and fast in construction and offer heat-insulation properties. They are also said to be earthquake-resistance, non-flammable and to have high sound insulation and absorption properties.