Holcim (Deutschland) turnover down

The Moroccan division of Swiss building materials company Holcim is reported to have generated turnover of MAD 1.5 billion (€133.87 million) in the first half of 2013, down 18.7% year-on-year.

Overall cement consumption was down 12.6% over the same period, and EBITDA was established at MAD 695.50mn (€62.07 million), down 21.2%.

Due to good economic conditions in Asia and Latin America and growing demand for construction materials in North America and Africa Middle East consolidated cement deliveries from the Holcim Group increased in the first quarter of 2012. Higher shipments were achieved particularly by the group companies in India, the US, Thailand, the Philippines and Indonesia as well as in Russia and Azerbaijan. Holcim says consolidated net sales increased by 2.2% to CHF 4.8 billion. In absolute terms, Asia Pacific ranked

Global economic growth in the first half of 2013 was weaker than foreseen, says Holcim in its first-half results for 2013. Construction activity was hurt by the severe winter as well as the bad weather encountered in many regions, and demand fell short of expectations particularly in India, Canada, Mexico and Morocco. By contrast, the economic climate was significantly better in the Philippines and Ecuador, among other markets. Holcim succeeded in increasing group net income and cash flow from operating act