News

Godwin, manufacturer of the Dri-Prime automatic self-priming, dry-running pump, has made the first donation under its newly-formed Charitable Contributions Committee.The donation went to St Jude Children's Research Hospital, the first and only pediatric cancer centre to be designated as a comprehensive cancer centre by the National Cancer Institute.

The UK's RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds), Naturschutzbund Deutschland and Vlaamse Landmaatschappij are seeking a French project partner to work together on issues related to the restoration of spent minerals sites.

Finland's Betset is to launch Phase I of its new plant for reinforced concrete structures in Pushkin near St Petersburg, Russia.

Granite from Lafarge’s Mountsorrel Quarry in county Leicestershire, central England, will be keeping the country’s railways on the right track for the next five years, after the company secured a prestigious contract.

Cemex’s consolidated net sales increased by 5% during the third quarter of 2011 to approximately US$3.9billion (approximately €2.75billion) compared to the comparable period in 2010. Operating EBITDA increased by 1% during the third quarter of 2011 to $658million (€465million) versus the same period in 2010.

Despite an income fall of 32%, Holcim is pinning its hopes for consistent growth in the emerging markets of Latin America and Asia. The company's third quarter results show that income fell by nearly 32% to CHF418 million (approximately €339 million) in the third quarter from CHF612 million (€497 million) in the second quarter of 2011.

Lafarge, the world's largest cement maker, aims to cut €500 million in costs in 2012 after reporting a decline in third-quarter profits. However, the group continues to see cement demand rising, driven by emerging markets, and maintained its estimate of market growth of 2 to 5 percent in 2011.

HeidelbergCement has posted a better-than-expected adjusted operating profit in the third quarter of 2011 with growth in Asia-Pacific and Africa helping to offset rising energy costs.

The Mineral Products Association's prestigious Health and Safety Conference and Awards celebrated and shared outstanding examples of best practice by MPA members, in order to inspire and help the industry to achieve the highest standards in health and safety. Overall, the awards attracted 126 entries from 28 companies, the highest level of participation ever and up on 2010's record level.

Sandvik has announced that it is to reduce its workforce in Sweden by 365 employees. The reduction affects employees at Sandvik Materials Technology and Sandvik Mining and Construction in Sandviken as well as employees at Sandvik Materials Technology in Hallstahammar.

Tarmac, continuing its focus on sustainability and exploring alternative fuels, says it is the first company in the quarrying and aggregates industry to trial hydrogen powered-vehicles.

Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) has signed an agreement with CeDe Group that will see a range of specialised machines made available for customers working in specific applications.

Hanson is restructuring its concrete, asphalt and contracting business to improve efficiency and customer service and prepare for the challenges which lie ahead in 2012 and beyond.