Global Concrete News

UK: Shane Clee has acquired Forden Concrete Products, with the help of a €54,000 loan from the Development Bank of Wales. Forden Concrete Products specialises in feed and water troughs, slurry systems and foot baths for the dairy sector. Business Sale Report News has reported that the company is planning to expand its product range with an upcoming line of concrete wall panels for use in garden fencing.

Director Shane Clee said “After 24 years with Forden, this is a great opportunity to take on the business myself and work with our close-knit team to continue doing what we love and know best.”

Development Bank of Wales investment executive James Ryan said “We’re pleased to have been able to help Shane to become the new owner of Forden, particularly as it is a well-established business that employs local people. We wish the team every success.”

New Zealand: Holcim New Zealand has acquired a ready-mix concrete plant in Wanaka, Otago, and associated assets from WeMix Concrete. Quarry Magazine News has reported that Holcim New Zealand previously operated 21 ready-mix concrete plants, but just one on New Zealand’s South Island, in Christchurch, Canterbury.

Holcim New Zealand general manager Michael Miller said "WeMix Wanaka has built a strong reputation in Central Otago, and we are excited to welcome and integrate their business into the Holcim family. The purchase and expansion allow us to solidify our presence in the South Island, strengthening our commitment to innovative, sustainable building solutions across New Zealand, while continuing the high-quality service customers have come to expect from WeMix."

US: Netherlands-based Basilisk has launched its bacterially-enhanced Basilisk Self-Healing Concrete in the US. The product self-heals cracks with new limestone, sealing them shut without the need for additional maintenance.

Japan: Taiheiyo Cement says it is progressing with its C4S project to develop a novel concrete imbued with CO₂ from direct air capture (DAC). The project is a collaboration with the University of Tokyo, with support from the Japanese New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organisation (NEDO). Taiheiyo Cement says that concrete developed by the partnership aids faster CO₂ capture via DAC, increasing strength, confirmed seismic resistance and carbon neutrality per full life-cycle assessment.

Taiheiyo Cement says that the eventual certification of DAC-carbonated concrete will play a significant role in the decarbonisation of the Japanese construction sector.

India: Research institution Sasthra Vedhi has developed a method for the disposal of hazardous wastes like nickel-cadmium batteries and flourescent light bulbs in hollow concrete blocks called Blue Blocks. Blue Blocks can contain mercury leaks and other hazards while meeting strength standards by transferring the entire load into the solid concrete of the block.