Global Concrete News

Saudi Arabia: Al-Kifah Precast says that it is preparing to expand into other Middle Eastern countries, having more than tripled its sales since 2020. CEO Ehab Abu Salim says that the producer was a strategic supplier of precast concrete for Red Sea Global’s Red Sea Project in Tabuk Province, and now aims to support other major projects like the Neom new city and Amaala resort, also in Tabuk Province. Gulf Construction News has reported that the company has invested in research and development to establish best practices, as in its partnership with a UK-based company to produce marine concrete elements. It has reduced its CO₂ emissions through the use of alternative materials such as fibreglass, steel rebar and pozzolans.

Abu Salim said “Having a facility in the Red Sea Project was a strategic move. The plant produces all types of precast elements and we are also looking to improve the facility. We have an expansion planned; very soon it will be serving the entire region." He added “Precast technology helps to speed up projects, is more sustainable, offers higher quality, and the price is on par and sometimes even lower than using traditional construction solutions.”

Estonia: Germany-based Schwenk has acquired all outstanding shares of Betoonimeister. Baltic Business Daily News has reported that the concrete producer will continue operations under its existing name and management structure.

Betoonimeister general director Kalle Suitslepp said that the sale continues the companies’ existing collaboration, which began in February 2023, when Schwenk acquired 66% of shares in Betoonimeister.

Schwenk managing director Sergei Mironov said "Vertical integration is part of Schwenk's business strategy in all markets and we are pleased to see Betoonimeister fully joining our family as of today."

India: The Haryana Forest Department has reclaimed 1.2 hectares of woodland in Basai, Haryana, from the Gurgaon Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA). The Times of India newspaper has reported that the GDMA had allotted the land to a proposed ready-mix concrete plant project. The land was reportedly subject to no official agreement as to its use, raising fears of unlawful development.

The Haryana Forest Department said "The reclamation of this forest land is a significant conservation effort for Gurgaon. It sends a clear message that the protection of natural habitats is top priority for us and no kind of encroachment on protected land will be tolerated."

Canada: US-based Arclin has concluded a deal to acquire fellow construction polymers producer RG Dispersants from CPS Performance Materials. RG Dispersants employs 150 people across its operations, with plants in Candiac, Quebec, and Cedartown, US.

Arclin president and CEO Bradley Bolduc said "The addition of RG Dispersants will add applications such as wallboard, speciality concrete and speciality rubber/tyre production."

UAE: France-based Saint-Gobain has entered a definitive agreement to acquire construction chemicals producer Fosroc for US$1.03bn. Fosroc produces concrete admixtures, sealants and waterproofing products. It operates 20 plants and employs 3000 people, with a strong presence in Asia-Pacific and the Middle East. Completion of the deal is expected by 30 June 2025.

Saint-Gobain chair and CEO Benoit Bazin said "The acquisition of Fosroc is perfectly aligned with our Grow & Impact strategic plan: it is a unique opportunity for Saint-Gobain to further reinforce its worldwide presence in construction chemicals, and to strengthen its presence in high-growth emerging markets, in particular in India and the Middle East. I am very impressed with Fosroc's leadership, its strategy and its impressive development, as well as the team's track record of excellent execution and profitable growth. The combination of the two groups will allow us to expand our profitable growth platform in construction chemicals. I am looking forward to warmly welcoming the Fosroc teams into the group and I am very confident about the combination of our joint forces."

Fosroc CEO Rob Bonnici said "The opportunity to join Saint-Gobain, worldwide leader in light and sustainable construction and a global player in construction chemicals is the perfect next step to enhance our offer by leveraging Saint-Gobain's innovation and technology in construction chemicals. I look forward to continuing our growth journey within Saint-Gobain."