Brazil and Saudi Arabia: two of the world’s major demand pockets separated just by a lagging market sentiment? Saudi Arabia is without a doubt in a steep expansionary phase from the perspective of both cement demand and cement capacity. The number of cement plant construction projects announced in recent months and their magnitude resemble in part Brazil’s market evolution from 2011.

Nitin Bhasin, Ambit Capital’s infrastructure analyst, shares his thoughts on the current state of India’s cement market. Bhasin also touches on the trends and opportunities for the industry in 2013 and beyond.

Brazil’s economy exhibited a noticeable slowdown in the third quarter of 2012, dropping to 0.6 percent. It represented a significant drop from the high of 2.5 percent witnessed just three short years ago. Will the government’s latest intervention efforts turn this sluggish economy around?

For over a decade, Mexican-based global cement manufacturer CEMEX has led the charge for cleaner energy and alternative fuels in the industry. CemWeek touched base with Dr. Luis Farias, VP for Energy and Sustainability at CEMEX, about the company’s achievements and the role it is playing in the industry’s future development of clean energy.

In this second article in the CW Group series on cement company energy, the CW Group takes a step back and presents a possible strategic model for looking at the big topic of energy. The proposed Energy Model framework is a reflection of not radical proportions, but rather a steadfast belief in a precise, methodical and structured approach to right-engineering this central function to cement companies.

The release of the CW Group’s “2012 Middle East and Africa Cement Business Sentiment Survey” marks the third year the survey has been undertaken. The report shares a synopsis of current and emerging trends in the African and Middle Eastern region. Survey data was collected from key industry contributors throughout North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), the GCC States, other Middle East countries, and Turkey.

Global environmental concerns focus on the state of cumulative pollution, comprised of land, air, and water pollution, which seriously affect the human population and other living things. Humans are a most intelligent species, who can find a solution, as we are the ones producing the most pollutants on earth.

Shree has consistently set the bar higher when it comes to achieving the unthinkable. Applauded for its strong operational performance, the company continues to excel in breaking records for new plant construction and kiln stabilization. What underpins its success? The answer may surprise those looking for the standard matrices of success.

The housing shortage, combined with the ongoing conversion of housing stock from kutcha to pucca units, could ultimately boost cement demand long-term. The news, while promising, is tempered with the knowledge that significant obstacles still need to be addressed.

Jayaram S. Reddy has a vision for the future and that is to introduce cleaner and green technologies to produce cement and to build a world-class sustainable company focused on customer satisfaction and employee pride. As Director of Operations for Promac Engineering Industries, he is well on his way to realizing his goal.