Holcim Morocco's Turnover Increased by 12%
8 October 2009
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Holcim Morocco's turnover increased by 12% during the first half of the year.
Good performance for Holcim Morocco. The turnover of this cement group increased by 12% during the first half of 2009 compared to the same period in 2008. These results were revealed during a press conference held on Thursday, October 1st in Casablanca, by Dominique Drouet, CEO of Holcim, who presented the mid-year 2009 results. Several factors contributed to this increase. Mr. Drouet noted an increase in cement sales, reaching 1,948 thousand tons in 2009 compared to 1,908 thousand tons in 2008.
Aggregate sales reached 459 thousand tons in 2009 compared to 396 thousand tons in 2008. Aggregate sales remain promising. In this regard, Mr. Drouet stated: "We are optimistic about aggregates." Furthermore, cement market growth is estimated at +1%. However, a stagnation of the smoothed annual volume at 14 million tons nationally is noted. Ready-mix concrete continues to gain market share. Sales reached 292 thousand m3 in 2009 compared to 280 thousand m3 in 2008. The management of major production equipment maintenance is well correlated following the drop in volumes at the beginning of the year. Among other things, fixed costs remain well controlled. In addition, Mr. Drouet mentioned the "Batipro" building materials franchise network, which is being deployed with the modernization of numerous points of sale. The gross operating surplus increased by 10% during the first half of 2009. And like the turnover, the operating result increased by 12%. Furthermore, the growth forecast for cement activity: "They are in the order of -1% in 2009," indicated the CEO of the cement group. Within this outlook, he also noted the significant decline in the market in 2010 linked to a sharp decrease in construction starts in 2009 in the housing sector. That is why, "the non-start of new projects is worrying," he stated. Furthermore, after a long period of uninterrupted growth in the ready-mix concrete market, the group anticipates a declining market in 2010: "We expect a difficult period next year," emphasized the CEO. Faced with these prospects, Holcim Morocco aims to reduce costs. During the years 2004-2007, this group defined a strategy for developing projects. "Today, faced with the economic situation and for this strategy to evolve, we must have the best production costs," specified Mr. Drouet.
Salima Guisser
Published October 7, 2009
Posted online October 7, 2009
aujourdhui.ma
Good performance for Holcim Morocco. The turnover of this cement group increased by 12% during the first half of 2009 compared to the same period in 2008. These results were revealed during a press conference held on Thursday, October 1st in Casablanca, by Dominique Drouet, CEO of Holcim, who presented the mid-year 2009 results. Several factors contributed to this increase. Mr. Drouet noted an increase in cement sales, reaching 1,948 thousand tons in 2009 compared to 1,908 thousand tons in 2008.
Aggregate sales reached 459 thousand tons in 2009 compared to 396 thousand tons in 2008. Aggregate sales remain promising. In this regard, Mr. Drouet stated: "We are optimistic about aggregates." Furthermore, cement market growth is estimated at +1%. However, a stagnation of the smoothed annual volume at 14 million tons nationally is noted. Ready-mix concrete continues to gain market share. Sales reached 292 thousand m3 in 2009 compared to 280 thousand m3 in 2008. The management of major production equipment maintenance is well correlated following the drop in volumes at the beginning of the year. Among other things, fixed costs remain well controlled. In addition, Mr. Drouet mentioned the "Batipro" building materials franchise network, which is being deployed with the modernization of numerous points of sale. The gross operating surplus increased by 10% during the first half of 2009. And like the turnover, the operating result increased by 12%. Furthermore, the growth forecast for cement activity: "They are in the order of -1% in 2009," indicated the CEO of the cement group. Within this outlook, he also noted the significant decline in the market in 2010 linked to a sharp decrease in construction starts in 2009 in the housing sector. That is why, "the non-start of new projects is worrying," he stated. Furthermore, after a long period of uninterrupted growth in the ready-mix concrete market, the group anticipates a declining market in 2010: "We expect a difficult period next year," emphasized the CEO. Faced with these prospects, Holcim Morocco aims to reduce costs. During the years 2004-2007, this group defined a strategy for developing projects. "Today, faced with the economic situation and for this strategy to evolve, we must have the best production costs," specified Mr. Drouet.
Salima Guisser
Published October 7, 2009
Posted online October 7, 2009
aujourdhui.ma
