Holcim to give up production of white cement in Turda

Holcim Romania, the local subsidiary of the Swiss group Holcim, will halt the production of white cement at its factory in Turda at the end of this year, following the increase in the price of natural gases, which has had a negative impact on both production costs and sales. “Our vision is to offer products at competitive prices. When this is no longer possible, we see it as our duty to stop making such products,” stated the companyes general manager, Markus Wirth. The company will ensure white cement deliveries until the end of 2007. The decision to stop production of white cement came after a continuous increase in the price of natural gas. The hike in the price of gas has a negative influence on production costs, which shows in the level of white cement sales, according to Holcim representatives. The price of gas went up by some 15% last year. The plant in Turda will continue to produce grey cement and aggregates and will get investments worth four million euros this year.