Cement Fundamental To Modern Economy

Media release for immediate use 27 November 2008

Cement Fundamental To Modern Economy

The key role played by cement in a modern developed economy is featured in a Holcim (New Zealand) Ltd newsletter being circulated to approximately 8,000 Oamaru residents this week.

The newsletter identifies Portland Cement as the foundation of the huge economic development that occurred in the twentieth century with the building of modern cities and infrastructure and provides several examples of its use in New Zealand concrete structures.

Also featured is the naming of Holcim Ltd as “Leader of the Industry” in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index. This is the fourth year in succession the company has received this acknowledgement as the company with the best sustainability performance in the building materials industry worldwide.

“At Holcim New Zealand, as elsewhere throughout the Holcim Group, sustainable development is a key strategic focus,” said Holcim New Zealand Managing Director, Jeremy Smith.

“As well as this important global recognition, Holcim New Zealand has received local recognition for its sustainability initiatives such as quarry rehabilitation at Westport and working with the community at Oparure Quarry in the King Country,” he added.

Members of the Holcim Cement Supply Options Project team have recently updated several Waitaki district service clubs on progress with the Weston cement plant option.
They were able to tell Lower Waitaki Lions Club and Waitaki Rotary Club members that, while preparations are progressing for an Environment Court hearing, a hearing date is yet to be identified. Auckland based Environment Court Judge Whiting has been appointed to hear the appeal which is due to be held in Oamaru next year.

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Holcim (New Zealand) Ltd is a leading New Zealand supplier of cement, aggregates, ready mixed concrete and lime. Its involvement in the New Zealand building industry dates back to 1888, and today it operates more than 35 sites and employs approximately 550 people. It is part of the Holcim Group, one of the world’s leading suppliers of cement, aggregates and construction-related services represented in over 70 countries on all continents.

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