Lafarge invests 35m euros in aggregates and concrete

French group Lafarge has earmarked investments worth 125 million RON (35 million euros) to develop its aggregates and concrete unit in 2007 and 2008, both through acquisitions and the implementation of new concrete mixing stations. The French have recently acquired concrete manufacturer GHM Mixbeton Cluj-Napoca and will continue to expand throughout the year. “Lafarge’s aggregate and concrete operation in Romania pursues organic growth along with the growth of the construction market. Investments budgeted for this division in 2007-2008 amount to approximately 125 million RON,” Lafarge officials stated. The French group operates on the market of aggregates and concrete through several companies such as Lafarge Agregate si Betoane – listed on RASDAQ, Lafarge Comnord, Lafarge Betoane or Cariere Plus. Lafarge’s aggregate and concrete division has a stronger presence in the southeastern half of the country and in the northern part of Romania. The aggregate market amounted to around 50 million tonnes at the end of last year, an increase of 10% on 2006, because of the increase in the number of infrastructure projects. The most important players on the aggregate market are Carpat Agregate, Strabag, Grandemar Cluj, Tarmack and Holcim. In addition, concrete consumption will reach 350-370 million euros this year, an increase of 15-20%.