France: Hoffmann Green Cement Technologies has signed a strategic partnership with Norway-based paper producer Norske Skog Golbey to integrate ash from paper production into its alternative cement production. The partners have been collaborating since January 2024, with the first shipment of ash delivered to Hoffmann Green Cement Technologies in Bournezeau, Pays de la Loire, in May 2025.
Spain: Componentes y Unidades Constructivas plans to build a plant in Villanueva de la Reina, in Andalusia’s Jaén, to produce concrete components for use in the construction of prefabricated homes. Noticias Financieras News has reported that the plant will have the capacity to supply 5000 new home construction projects annually, doubling the speed of production while reducing costs by 30% compared to established production processes. Property developer Manuel Molina Jiménez and investment fund Rubicon International will supply financial backing for the projects. The plant’s 12 automated production lines are scheduled to become operational by May 2026.
Indonesia: PT HSG Material Indonesia, a subsidiary of China-based Fujian Hongsheng Material Technology, has broken ground on its upcoming concrete plant in Kendal Special Economic Zone near Semarang in Central Java. The plant will produce prefabricated concrete pipes, square piles and other components for the domestic and export markets. It will additionally have 150,000m²/yr of ready-mix concrete production capacity. Indonesia Business Post News has reported that PT HSG Material Indonesia will also handle 3000 – 5000t/day of materials for import and export via the site’s port facilities, following the start of operations in 2026.
Fujian Hongsheng Material Technology Chair He Bao Ping said that the project aligns with the group’s global strategy and highlighted Indonesia’s role as a strategic hub.
US: Knife River Corporation reported sales of US$354m in the first quarter of 2025, up by 7% year-on-year, driven by higher pricing and contracting services activity. However, it recorded an operating loss of US$82.7m, up by 54%, and a net loss of US$68.7m, up by 44%, amid rises in costs. The company sold 416,000m³ of ready-mix concrete and 3.87Mt of aggregates during the quarter. It also completed its acquisition of Strata Corporation, adding 24 ready-mix plants and long-term aggregate reserves to its Central segment.
The company’s West regional segment reported 5% sales growth, with increased market demand in Hawaii and California. Meanwhile, its Mountain segment’s sales grew by 10%, due mainly to increased contracting services activity in Idaho. Its Central segment also increased sales volumes across all product lines.
Looking ahead to the rest of 2025, Knife River Corporation expects strong performance in public-sector projects, which comprise approximately US$751m (87%) of its US$939m backlog. It anticipates consistent full-year 2025 contracting service margins year-on-year.
