India: Olectra Greentech has launched Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) rebar, produced using electrical and chemical resistance (ECR) glass and epoxy resin. The Hans India newspaper has reported that GFRP rebar delivers tensile strength greater than that of steel, at 950 – 1100MPa, at just a quarter of the weight. Its non-corrosive, non-magnetic, non-conductive and water-resistant characteristics render it particularly suitable for demanding environments, according to the producer.
Romania: DVI Production has inaugurated a new €40m, 2000m³ autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) block plant in Iernut, Mureș County. The plant will produce Fortem brand blocks and serve local and export markets, employing a staff of 100 people. Economica and Puterea News has reported that the company received a €10m grant towards the project. It is the largest plant of its kind in Europe.
CEO Viorel Iacob said that the plant is expected to help DVI Production become regional market leader in AAC blocks.
US: Gillespie Precast plans to build a new precast concrete plant in Asheboro, North Carolina. The plant will cost US$10m and generate 39 new jobs. Its products will include utility vaults, manholes and other industrial precast structures. Hoodline News has reported that Gillespie Precast expects the plant to serve as its Southern US base of operations.
The state governor’s One North Carolina Fund provided a US$120,000 performance-based grant towards the construction of the plant.
UK: Holcim UK has built a 167,000kWh/yr, 464-panel solar power plant on the roof of its Callow site near Cheddar, Somerset. The Callow site includes a ready-mix concrete plant, precast concrete block plant and aggregates quarry. It will now supply 8% of its annual energy consumption from the new solar power plant.
Head Of Decarbonisation Luke Olly said that renewable energy is a ‘key component’ of Holcim UK’s net-zero strategy.
The company previously executed similar solar projects at its Bardon Hill site in Leicestershire and Hulland Ward site in Derbyshire.
