US: Canada-based CarbiCrete has launched its CarbiFlo cement-free paving grids in the US market. It says that CarbiFlo paving grids allow permeation for stormwater runoff and soil stabilisation. Maine-based retailer Gagne & Son will distribute the product.

UK: Utranazz has secured a contract to become exclusive UK distributor for IMER Group, an Italy-based concrete plant equipment supplier. Construction Index News has reported that IMER Group’s offering includes ready-mix and precast concrete plants, vibroforming machines and concrete mixer trucks.

Brazil: China-based Huaxin Cement has acquired Embu Engenharia e Comércio for US$186m. Migalhas News has reported that Embu Engenharia e Comércio mines 8.8Mt/yr of aggregates across its four quarries in São Paulo Metropolitan Region.

The completed acquisition marks the entry of the global top-10 cement producer into the Brazilian market. It previously acquired Brazil-based InterCement’s South African business in December 2023.

Azerbaijan: Ready-mix concrete production was 5.02Mt in 2024, up by 12% year-on-year from 2023 levels, Azer-Press News has reported. Production of precast concrete elements also grew, by 41% year-on-year, to 46,300m³.