Holcim investments reach 3m euros

Holcim Romania, the local branch of the Swiss construction supplies group, has so far invested 3 million euros in modernising the cement producing lines at its facilities in Campulung (Arges) and Alesd (Brasov). The modifications will make it possible to use more than 100 types of refuse in the cement production process, company officials announced. “The waste that can be co-incinerated in the furnaces at Holcim Romania’s cement factories include petroleum waste (from used oils to tars and contaminated soil), plastic waste, paper, cardboard, textile, leather, packaging (either industrial or household waste), rubber (including used tyres), wood, organic compounds produced by the chemical industry or muds resulted from the water purifying process,” says Markus Wirth, Holcim Romania country manager. The Swiss group entered the cement market in Romania in 1997. Holcim now has three facilities (Campulung, Alesd and Turda), which account for about one third of the cement market, and is facing strong competition from Lafarge Romcim and CarpatCement Holding Romania. The three cement producers have in recent years made extensive investments in environmental protection and emission reduction measures. ZF