India: Property developer Gaurs Group plans to invest US$27.3m to build a precast concrete elements and modular systems plant in Noida, Uttar Pradesh. The Business Standard newspaper has reported that the producer signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the project with precast concrete plant supplier Elematic India. A Phase 1, US$10.9m plant will commence operations in mid-late 2026.

Gaurs Group director Veshesh Gaur said the plant would enable the company to shorten its construction project delivery times by 6 – 12 months.

US: Utilities provider Georgia Power is extracting and transporting 2Mt of coal ash currently stored at its former Arkwright coal-fired power plant in Macon, Georgia. The ash is destined for Georgia Power’s nearby Branch power plant in Milledgeville. From there, the company plans to supply it for use in cement and concrete production. Tex Energy Report News has reported that shipments will commence in 2027 and continue until 2033, at an investment cost of US$8.5m. Georgia Power expects sales revenues to offset costs.

New US Environmental Protection Agency rules mandate the closure and clearance of all unlined coal ash ponds in the US.

Canada/Switzerland: Concrete testing specialist Giatec has announced a commercial partnership with construction chemicals producer Sika. Together, the companies will work to advance the adoption of digital, data-driven technologies in concrete production.

US: Mexico-based GCC has completed the acquisition of three companies operating in the ready-mix concrete, aggregates and asphalt segments in El Paso, Texas, Reuters has reported. The group says that the acquisitions will incorporate a platform with US$30m in annual sales. Financial details of the deals remain undisclosed.

GCC said "The transaction includes aggregates reserves with an estimated useful life of around 50 years, which supports long-term supply in that market. The transaction expects to generate operational synergies and contribute positively to its cash flow generation starting in 2026."