Lafarge

Lafarge set to apply for permit to use third sustainable fuel at Hope works

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 09:52:43 GMT

In a move which will help reduce its carbon footprint and control escalating energy costs, Lafarge Cement UK has announced it is applying to the Environment Agency for permission to use Processed Sewage Pellets (PSP) as an additional waste-derived fuel at its Hope Works in Derbyshire.

The Works already uses a range of traditional fuels including coal, as well as sustainable alternatives, scrap tyre chips and Meat and Bone Meal (MBM). Now the company has announced that it will be applying for a permit to also use PSP - a fuel classed as ‘carbon neutral biomass'¹.

Hope Works manager Ashley Bryan explains what PSP is and how they plan to use it: "These pellets are made from the sludge that remains after sewage treatment. (Almost a million tonnes of this sludge is generated in the UK each year.) The sludge is then further heat-treated, making it as harmless as garden soil. In some parts of the country this material is used as an agricultural fertiliser. What we offer is a route to use this material in a very positive way, gaining valuable energy from a waste.

"Waste-derived fuels continue to offer many benefits to our business - they help us maintain our environmental performance, reduce our carbon emissions and manage our very high energy costs. At a time like this when we are operating in a very tough market, this fuel offers us an economically viable and environmentally beneficial solution.

"PSP would be used as an additional option for a waste-derived, sustainable fuel for our process, alongside those for which we already have permits. PSP can be incorporated without any major change to our plant as it can be fed into our system using the equipment already established for MBM. This makes it even more attractive as a fuel option for Hope Works."

PSP is already used as an effective fuel in the cement-making process in many countries including Austria, Spain, France and South Korea. It has also been used for over six years at Hope Works' sister plant in Cauldon, Staffordshire.

It is estimated that by using 30,000 tonnes of PSP each year, 20,000 tonnes of coal will be replaced (which is enough coal to power around 6,000 homes for a year); and emissions of CO₂ will be reduced by approximately 50,000 tonnes, compared with burning fossil fuels.

The company is consulting with the local community around Hope to find out people's views on the plans to use PSP. A newsletter is being issued to 5,000 households and exhibitions are also being held at the company's Social Club, adjacent to the Works on:

Friday 19 March 4-7pm

Saturday 20 March 10-12noon

(Lafarge Social Club, off Pindale Road, Hope, S33 6RP - please note that the Club has its own turning off Pindale Road and its own car park. Visitors should avoid taking the Works turning.)

Ashley Bryan continues: "As with all significant developments at this plant, we are keen to let our neighbours know about our plans to use PSP and encourage them to come along to one of these exhibitions to find out more. Supported by other members of my team, I will be there to answer any questions local people may have. We are keen to hear their views.

"The use of PSP is safe and proven technology which offers benefits all round for Hope Works, including helping us retain our competitive position in a market which is going through a downturn."

'Bio-mass' - a term for vegetable or some organic matter that can be used as a source of energy - they are classified as 'carbon neutral' because the carbon dioxide released when burnt is equal to the amount captured during their growth.

- ends -

Notes to Editors:

Lafarge is the world leader in building materials, with top-ranking positions in all of its businesses: Cement, Aggregates & Concrete and Gypsum. With 78,000 employees in 78 countries, Lafarge posted sales of Euros 15.8 billion in 2009. In 2010 and for the sixth year in a row, Lafarge was listed in the "Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World". With the world's leading building materials research facility, Lafarge places innovation at the heart of its priorities, working for sustainable construction and architectural creativity. Additional information is available on the web site at www.lafarge.com

Lafarge Cement UK is the country's largest cement maker, supplying around 50 per cent of the market with its famous Blue Circle brand cements.
The company has six cement works, complemented by a network of depots and terminals around the country.
Hope Works has capacity to make up to 1.3 million tonnes of cement a year.
Around 200 people are employed at the site, where cement-making started in 1929. The site celebrated 80 years of operation last year.

Lafarge Cement is first to win responsible sourcing status

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 09:52:33 GMT

The UK's leading cement manufacturer, Lafarge, has been awarded the prestigious BES 6001 Responsible Sourcing Certificate developed by BRE Global. It is the first UK cement producer to receive this accolade.

The 'Very Good' classification applies to all bulk and packed cements from Lafarge Cement as well as its packed ready-to-use range. It has also achieved 'Good' classification for its bulk loads of BS EN450-1 Fly Ash meaning that products supplied to ready mix, precast or packed customers are now responsibly sourced.

The BES 6001 framework standard is an independent certification scheme, launched at the start of 2009 to assess responsible sourcing policies and practices throughout the construction product supply chain. The universal rating system enables architects, specifiers and builders to more easily meet sustainability targets and move towards zero carbon buildings.

To meet the scheme's strict criteria, Lafarge Cement had to demonstrate compliance in three categories: organisational management, supply chain management and environmental and social issues. Products were assessed under a range of criteria relating to quality, emissions, raw material minimisation, biodiversity and supporting management systems.

Lafarge Cement's recognition is the latest in a series of major investments made by the business to help customers strengthen their sustainability credentials. As well as demonstrating Lafarge's strong ethics as a global supplier, it enables concrete producers and builders using cement products to improve their own sustainability rating.

Erdogan Pekenc, Managing Director of Lafarge Cement UK, comments: "Gaining this prestigious accreditation is a major step forward for us in demonstrating our commitment to reducing CO₂ and waste to landfill, by recovering and re-using using other industries' waste by-products in our cements. But more importantly, it supports our customers in boosting their own sustainability credentials. Now, if they wish to get their products assessed and our cement is used in them, the process is very simple - they can use our Responsible Sourcing certificate which immediately demonstrates their credibility in using a sustainable supplier."

The certification is particularly important for developers and the public sector preparing to meet increasing sustainability building codes and the up and coming Code for Sustainable Homes Level 4 from April 2010.

Erdogan explains: "Having products responsibly sourced wins additional credits under the Materials section of the Code for Sustainable Homes and BREEAM; it adds vital extra credits towards the Code targets, which is important for clients working to improve their rating."

ENDS

Notes to editors

Lafarge Cement is part of the Lafarge Group, the world leader in building materials, with top-ranking positions in all of its businesses: Cement, Aggregates & Concrete and Gypsum.

Lafarge is the only company in the construction materials sector to be listed in the 2008 '100 Global Most Sustainable Corporations in the World'. Lafarge has been committed to sustainable development for many years, pursuing a strategy that combines industrial know-how with performance, value creation, respect for employees and local cultures, environmental protection and the conservation of natural resources and energy. It offers the construction industry and the public innovative solutions bringing greater safety, comfort and quality to their everyday surroundings. Additional information is available on the web site at www.lafarge.com.

For product information and guidance on application please log onto www.lafarge.co.uk or contact the Lafarge Cement technical helpline on 0845 812 6232.

For further media information, please contact Sarah Taylor or Emily Luscombe at Camargue on 020 7636 7366 or via email at staylor@camarguepr.com / eluscombe@camarguepr.com

Lafarge continues to back Jack Green as he strides towards Olympic success

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 09:52:34 GMT

Lafarge Cement UK is once again backing one of England's brightest young hopes for the 2012 Olympics.

Jack, who lives in Snodland, near to Lafarge's proposed new cement works, has competed in track events since joining Ashford Athletics Club at the age of 9. But 17-year-old Jack real talent is hurdling. In his first under seventeen 400m hurdles race he leapt to second in the UK despite having had no previous hurdles training.

Since then Jack has gone from strength to strength, being selected to run for England at the Schools International where he won gold for the hurdles and gold as part of a 400m relay team. Last season Jack went on to represented Great Britain at the European Junior Championships with the fastest time ever run by a 17-year-old in this country.

Since last year Jack record speaks for itself including:

Fastest 17 year old in Europe
2nd fastest 17 year old in the World
UK Age 17 Record
Malta International Champion (400 & 400H)
6th Fastest under 20 in Europe
Represented Great Britain 3 times out of a possible 3. (400H and 4x400m Relay).

David Simms, land and planning director for Lafarge Cement UK commented:

"We are delighted to be again supporting such a promising youngster and wish him every success with his Olympic ambitions. Jack is a supremely talented, dedicated and inspiring athlete and we are looking forward to seeing how his hurdling career progresses."

- Ends -

Large wins top buisness award for Hope Works rail project

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 09:52:21 GMT

Lafarge Cement is celebrating a second major national award for its ambitious £20 million rail scheme at Hope Works in Derbyshire. Last year it was chosen to receive a ‘Special Judges' Award' by the Rail Freight Group. This week the company adds another Award to its collection - it has won the VTG Rail Freight Excellence Award at the Eversholt Rail Business Awards.

These Rail Business Awards were launched in 1998, making the scheme the longest established initiative recognising business excellence across the rail industry. Lafarge Cement's Hope Works was among 16 organisations and individuals who took away top prizes from the Awards event which was held in London last week.

Hope Works manager Ashley Bryan comments: "We see this Award as another badge of business excellence and a significant ‘well done' to all those who worked behind the scenes to make our now thriving rail set-up come to fruition.

"At a time when the market for our products is depressed, the flexibility our rail set-up adds to our supply chain is invaluable. This award is recognition for all those people who worked hard to get us to this point and it also reinforces rail's place in our future business plans."

The Rail Business Awards category judge, rail and freight consultant Bert Blissett says: "The most impressive part of this project has been Lafarge's ability to co-ordinate the expansion with new sidings on a complex site, the introduction of new wagons and supply switches from other sources to the Hope site."

The upgraded rail set-up at Hope Works was a vital part of a major national scheme by Lafarge to strengthen the service and the flexibility it could offer to customers. The Hope rail development has transformed the way Lafarge distributes its cement products:

it has increased the volumes of cement it is able to transport via rail from Hope to up to 900,000 tonnes each year
it has enabled the company to reduce lorry loads on local roads around Hope by up to 6,800 each year
it has helped Lafarge enhance the sustainability of its operations at Hope Works
it has improved the company's customer service by ensuring an environmentally sound, smooth supply chain for customers in many areas.

At the same time, the investment has helped the plant maintain its competitive edge during a period when the construction materials market is at its most challenging.

- ends -

Lafarge Cement cleans up at national merchant awards ceremony

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 09:52:52 GMT

World leading cement manufacturer Lafarge Cement swept up a record number of wins at the prestigious National Buying Group (NBG) Awards ceremony.

The NBG is an independent and fast growing group of privately owned builder's merchants throughout the UK. Its annual ceremony recognises businesses across the construction materials sector who have invested in developing innovative solutions to meet the challenges faced by today's merchants. Nominated and voted for by the NBG's 76-strong partnership, representing over 250 nationwide branches, it celebrates the creme de la crème of the UK's building product manufacturers.

Lafarge Cement UK won four of the six awards given by the NBG at the Manchester-based ceremony. This is the first time in the history of the awards that one manufacturer has won every single category that they could have been eligible for. As well as scooping Environmental Supplier of the Year, Marketing Initiative of the Year and Heavyside Supplier of the Year, Lafarge Cement stole the show with the NBG's Grand Award for Supplier of the Year. NBG has over 150 suppliers.

Andy Murphy, Sales & Marketing Director for Lafarge Cement UK, comments: "We are delighted to have been awarded these prestigious accolades. Each of these awards demonstrate the investment and effort going in to enhancing Lafarge Cement's service for our merchant customers. From sustainable building solutions through service improvements to intelligent marketing, we are dedicated to ensuring our customers can drive up sales, meet their own customers' changing demands and thrive in a tough marketplace. It's great to see that the NBG's partners recognise this and we look forward to working closely with them throughout 2010."

Speaking about Lafarge's success, Allan Durning, Executive Chairman of the NBG explains: "Lafarge Cement's success across the board this year reflects the strong relationship the company has with the National Buying Group and its merchant members. The Heavyside category is highly competitive but Lafarge is leading the field with the development of innovative sustainable product technologies as well as providing crucial support to merchants in a tough business climate. An example of this was the launch of Lafarge Cement's new packed product architecture, which has been well-received by our partners and has given the market a welcome boost in a difficult year."

ENDS

Win a truck-load of concrete!

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 09:52:48 GMT

Lafarge launches ‘Readymix Month’ with weekly concrete competition

Lafarge, the world-leader in innovative concrete solutions, is launching ‘Readymix Month’ in February. To launch the month of events that celebrates and promotes innovation in concrete development Lafarge has launched a competition with a difference. Instead of the usual array of prizes Lafarge will be giving away a truck-load of concrete, delivered to a nearby customer’s address every week during February!

In addition to the competition, which is launched on February 1st, Lafarge, recognised for innovation in building materials, is undertaking a range of other activities including: a number of housekeeping and site improvement activities; waste and energy reduction initiatives; customer demonstrations and service improvements at many of Lafarge’s 97 UK Readymix sites.

The competition will enable customers to win up to 4m³ of concrete delivered to an address within 20 miles of one of Lafarge’s 97 UK Readymix sites! More information on Lafarge’s site locations can be found at www.lafarge-aggregates.co.uk and the competition can be entered by emailing Readymix.Month@lafarge.com saying why they should win the competition and what the delivery address is.

Entrants can win either Lafarge’s standard readymix concrete, or one of Lafarge’s innovative concrete products such as: Agilia™, our self-compacting concrete, or Artevia™, our decorative and coloured concrete for indoor or outdoor use.

Managing Director for Lafarge Readymix Jeremy Greenwood, on launching ‘Readymix Month’ and the competition said: “’Readymix Month’ has both a serious side and a fun side. On the serious side, we want to draw attention to the value concrete has in the world around us. As the second most consumed commodity in the world today it’s a vital part of everything we do and everything we see around us. This is worth celebrating.”

Jeremy continued by saying: “At Lafarge we are passionate about innovation. We develop unique and world-leading technologies that improve an ancient product enabling it to do so much more in today’s world. We are proud of this and want to share it with our customers. On the fun side, we thought we would launch a competition to win up to 4M³ delivered to a nearby customer’s address from one of our 97 UK sites! So, if you are laying a new path, foundations for a shed or garage, or footings of some description then enter as soon as you can. Your usual competition prizes of Spa-days or theatre tickets are all well and good but this prize will last a lifetime!”

New safety man joins Lafarge Cement's Hope Works

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 09:52:58 GMT

As the company celebrates its best UK safety record so far, Lafarge Cement's Hope Works in Derbyshire welcomes Martin Murray as its new health and safety coordinator.

Derby-based Martin joins Hope Works from the chemicals Industry. His move to the world of cement comes at a good time - Lafarge Cement UK has just completed its safest year yet with a reduction in UK-wide injuries of 70 per cent in 2009 in comparison with 2008.

Martin brings to Lafarge seven years experience in the fields of health, safety and the environment. He supports Hope Works manager Ashley Bryan in his work to continue to improve health and safety performance at the plant which produces up to 1.3 million tonnes of cement each year.

Ashley Bryan comments: "Martin has only just joined us but already he is making a significant contribution to the team here and to the continued strive for safety in all aspects of our operation. Safety is our number one business priority and whilst Lafarge has always operated to very stringent safety standards and guidelines, Martin brings new ideas and a fresh pair of eyes which will help us continue to improve."

Martin adds: "I am delighted to be given this role at Hope Works. It has given me the chance to help, support and coach a dynamic team at Hope in the quest to improve on the site's health, safety and environment goals.

- ends -

Lafarge Cement Works achieves safety milestone

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 09:52:06 GMT

Lafarge Cement's Cauldon Works in Staffordshire, which employs around 130 people and produces up to one million tonnes of cement each year, is celebrating a significant safety milestone. It has achieved a year without a ‘Lost Time Injury' - an injury that prevents an employee or contractor returning to work the next day.

Reaching this record firmly demonstrates the Lafarge team's commitment to safety. The Cauldon team's achievement also makes a major contribution to an important company milestone - Lafarge Cement UK's best ever safety record, with a reduction in UK-wide injuries of 70 per cent in 2009 in comparison with 2008.

As the Moorlands cement operation's team celebrates its Lost Time Inury-free year, it also welcomes a new health and safety coordinator, Vicky Allen.

Derby-based Vicky joins Lafarge from British Gypsum where she held the role of safety and environment coordinator. Vicky reports to Cauldon Works manager Allan Ruxton who moved to the Works from Lafarge's Aberthaw plant in South Wales in 2009.

Allan Ruxton comments: "The safety of everyone working on and visiting this site is our number one priority and I am proud that the team here - both employees and contractors - has kept its focus in a particularly challenging period.

"Every person has been committed to getting the job done both effectively and safely and this vigilance has paid off. Using risk assessment and safe working procedures to challenge the way we do things helps keep us all safe and avoid unnecessary risks.

"Well done to everyone who has contributed to this Lost Time Injury-free year. Also welcome to Vicky. She joins at a time when we have achieved good results with our safety performance, but also at a time when the construction materials market is going through an extremely challenging time. Vicky, along with the rest of the team here, will be working hard to continue with our focus on safety."

Vicky adds: "I am delighted to be given this role at Cauldon Works and to come into the business at a time when both this plant, and the UK-wide company has made such good progress with safety. I look forward to working with everyone here to keep this positive performance going."

- ENDS -

Sustainable Construction has ‘key part to play in reducing energy demand’

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 09:52:12 GMT

As the usage of Natural Gas in the UK reaches a record daily high of 454 million cubic metres, resulting in some businesses being asked to switch supply to alternative forms of energy, Lafarge is setting out its priority for the year and reinforcing the key role Sustainable Construction and building innovation has in significantly reducing future energy demand from the UK’s 27 million homes.

UK homes currently account for 30% (and rising) of the country’s energy consumption. Sustainable Construction techniques, innovation and products have a tremendous part to play in significantly reducing this figure. In particular to:

Develop new materials, products and applications that minimise a building’s heat loss, improve it’s energy efficiency and drastically reduce it’s energy consumption throughout its life:
- For example: the social housing scheme developed, using innovative Lafarge products, in partnership with SEArch architects at Long Sutton in Lincolnshire, where residents consume a fraction of the energy of an average home and while generating a surplus of energy for which they receive payments from the energy company of between £160-180 per year
Demonstrate practical ways to introduce sustainable construction techniques into new and existing homes
- For example the ‘Greening the Box’ scheme www.greeningthebox.co.uk in Norfolk, developed in close partnership with Wherry Housing Association, to retro-fit a standard 1950’s council house dramatically reducing the building’s energy loss and consumption

“Delivering sustainable construction technology in both new and existing properties is at the heart of reducing the energy we consume in the UK. Last week’s double warning from National Grid via their Gas Balancing Alert is a reminder of the huge, and immediate impact domestic consumption has on our energy supply”, said Robert Whetstone, Managing Director of Lafarge’s Aggregates division.

Continuing Mr Whetstone said; “Since 1999 we have been developing innovative products and materials at our unique research centre that respond to this challenge. We have also been developing partnerships and links with architects, engineers and Housing Associations to prove how it’s possible to significantly reduce domestic consumption in the home; new and old. We believe Government, Local Authorities and large-scale social landlords have a real opportunity, working with industry experts, to tackle this issue head-on. To help them do this we will be continuing our long-standing commitment to these issues and using 2010 to share our expertise and experience. This means developing new, and existing partnerships, and bringing forward new, exciting initiatives that drive forward the sustainable construction industry to deliver these goals”.

Lafarge Cement named as 2009 Sustainability Champion

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 09:52:05 GMT

Lafarge Cement UK has been named as British Precast's Sustainability Champion for the second year running.

The award recognises the associate member who has achieved the most by supporting and investing in the UK precast concrete industry's sustainability programme over the last 12 months.

Lafarge Cement was commended for its achievements in reducing CO₂ in the cement production process through its use of biomass alternative fuels and its industry leading Phoenix cement which uses fly ash, a by-product of the power industry.

The company's investment in reducing water consumption, its successful partnerships with stakeholders and local communities and its exemplary safety skills training programme were also lauded by judges for demonstrating Lafarge's dedication to sustainability at all levels of the business.

This follows Lafarge Cement's success in winning the 2008 Sustainability Champion accolade for waste management, recycling and its sustainable supply chain initiatives.

Martin Clarke, Chief Executive of British Precast, commented, "I am delighted to announce that Lafarge Cement is this year's Sustainability Champion. They ‘get' sustainability and understand what our manufacturing members are trying to do. Lafarge Cement, along with the other UK producers, is playing a major role in the greening of concrete and is helping the precast sector to reduce its carbon footprint significantly."

He continues: "It is a pleasure to work with Lafarge Cement on the Concrete Industry Sustainable Construction Forum where together we are working to put concrete at the top of the materials leader-board by 2012. Every one of our valued Associate members has an important role to play in our green agenda and we look forward to an even stronger push in 2010."

Erdogan Pekenc, Managing Director of Lafarge Cement UK, adds: "Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do - and is the key to the long-term health of the construction industry. We are proud to be leading the industry towards a more sustainable future and honoured to receive this recognition. 2010 will see us take sustainable business to a new level as we strive to meet new goals and we hope to inspire others in the industry to do the same."

Lafarge Cement UK will be showcasing its sustainable business innovations at Ecobuild, the world's biggest event dedicated to sustainable design, construction and the built environment, from 2-4 March 2010 at Earls Court, London. For more information go to www.lafarge.co.uk

ENDS

Lafarge is Sustain-Able at Ecobuild

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 09:52:04 GMT

World leader in sustainable building materials Lafarge has announced that it will exhibit at Ecobuild 2010 - the world's biggest event dedicated to sustainable design, construction and the built environment.

As well as showcasing its latest innovations in sustainable building products, Lafarge will use the exhibition as a platform for its new ‘Sustain-Able' campaign, empowering the industry to improve its environmental performance by selecting building materials that demonstrate strong sustainability credentials.

Lafarge will showcase its pioneering sustainable bulk cement, Phoenix^TM, and packed cements alongside its range of innovative sustainable readymix concretes, including self-compacting Agilia^TM, low-shrink Extensia^TM rapid-setting Chronolia^TM and Sustainable Asphalt Envirophalt^TM from 2-4 March 2010 at Earls Court, London. All of these are unique to the Lafarge portfolio.

As part of the Sustain-Able campaign Lafarge is championing the use of waste by-products from other industries both as fuels and as components of the finished cement. An example of this is the use of fly-ash in Phoenix, which is the principal sustainable cement in Lafarge bulk portfolio and offers end-users a material which has a lower embodied CO₂ value than standard Portland cement. Additionally, visitors to Ecobuild can talk to experts about Lafarge's range of specialist packed products including Postcrete, Quality Assured Mortar Mix and Extra-Rapid, which have been developed with a focus on reduced waste and hence eco-efficiency.

Lafarge's Land and Planning team will be on hand to talk about some of Lafarge Cement's sustainable regeneration projects. One of the developments that will be showcased is the regeneration of the Magheramorne cement quarry in Northern Ireland. When finished this will be the first One Planet Living Community in the UK, and one of a select group of projects worldwide that the WWF has chosen to give accreditation. Visitors can also see plans for the former cement works at Weardale, County Durham, which will be the first location in the UK with all five land-based forms of renewable energy on site. Lafarge will also be providing information relating to the 2010 Year of Biodiversity and the wider construction industry's efforts to reach its sustainability objectives.

Jim Rushworth, Business Sustainability Manager at Lafarge Cement, comments: "Lafarge Cement is hoping to receive Responsible Sourcing status, our latest investment to help customers strengthen their sustainability credentials, and Lafarge Readymix already has this. We have also reduced our carbon emissions by 40% and this has partly been achieved through the use of waste derived fuels such as tyres to replace the burning of fossil fuels for power."

He continues: "The Lafarge Group in the UK is committed to sourcing its materials and managing its supply chain in a responsible and sustainable way. Through the development of new technologies that reduce CO₂ emissions and our efforts to increase recycling across the supply chain we are helping move the construction industry towards its target of reducing its carbon footprint by 15% by 2012."

Visitors to Ecobuild can talk to Lafarge at Stand 2131 at Earls Court, London from 2-4 March 2010.

ENDS

Lafarge Cement donates Mastercrete to firefighters memorial garden

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 09:52:59 GMT

Lafarge Cement has donated two pallets of cement for the construction of a memorial garden built to remember the lives of two firefighters from Alcester who died tragically in a fire in November 2007.

Following the death of Darren Yates-Badley and Ashley Stephens from Alcester fire station, friends and family felt it would be fitting to build a memorial garden next to the station, where they worked.

The garden was officially opened on 5 September by the two firefighters' mothers. Close friends and relatives attended the opening, which included a buffet lunch for everybody who had contributed to its construction.

The Alcester branch of Travis Perkins coordinated the supply of £14,500 of materials to build the garden and contacted a number of suppliers, including Lafarge Cement, to make a donation. Lafarge was pleased to donate two pallets of Mastercrete in Plastic, which was used to lay the paving stone and build the boundary walls of the garden.

Dave Wrafter, Branch Manager at Travis Perkins (Alcester), says: "We specified Lafarge Cement's Mastercrete because it can be used in many different applications but always gives a consistently good finish.

He continues: "With its plastic packaging we were able to leave the Mastercrete on site during construction without the product or bags being weather damaged, which was crucial as the garden was being built over the ‘British Summer!'"

Cath James, Area Sales Manager for Lafarge Cement, adds: "After hearing about the Alcester fire-fighters' plans for the memorial garden, we were very keen to support this worthwhile cause. The loss of two young men's lives is devastating and we wanted to contribute to the creation of a space that others can enjoy in remembrance for many years to come."

ENDS

Road opening to famous lighthouse

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 09:52:39 GMT

A brand new one kilometre access road to famous tourist and local landmark, the Barns Ness lighthouse, will be officially opened this Friday (18 December) by VisitScotland.

The road, which has been built by Scottish Borders Council staff under the management of Dunbar's Lafarge Cement works, provides wider and easier access to the lighthouse from Dunbar, and links it with the new campsite, built last year, via a more scenic, coastal route.

Lafarge quarry manager Dave Hurcombe project-managed the road construction; he says the new route improves safety because of better visibility of oncoming traffic and clearly marked passing places. He adds it also provides a shorter and more obvious route to the lighthouse from Dunbar. "It's great that we can have this road open in time for the Christmas holidays; we're sure lots of locals and any seasonal tourists will be keen to use it over the break."

The road is 3.5m wide and is comprised of an estimated 900 cubic metres of tar macadam weighing 1800 tonnes, on top of 2600 tonnes of aggregate. Construction took approximately three months with up to eight men working on it at a time.

The opening will be performed at 2pm by VisitScotland's regional director for Edinburgh and East Central, Sinead Feltoe.

-ends-

Retired Cauldon workers celebrate Christmas in style

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 09:52:53 GMT

On 2nd December almost 90 former Lafarge Cement Cauldon Works employees had an opportunity to celebrate the festive season in style as they got together for their annual veterans' party.

The party - held at The Three Horse Shoes, Blackshaw Moor - involved a delicious Christmas lunch followed by dancing the afternoon away. The event was sponsored by Lafarge Cement who covered the costs of the venue which included wine for each table.

Cauldon Works manager Allan Ruxton gave a speech and a quiz was also held for the retired employees who ranged from in their 50s to early 90s.

Allan Ruxton comments: "It is a very important event for us to maintain our links with former employees as it gives us an opportunity to continue to show our appreciation for the hard work and loyalty these people contributed to our business. They have played a significant role in making Cauldon Works the successful operation it is for almost 50 years.

"The party was a big success and we look forward to celebrating with them again next year."

Through a network of veteran contact officers, Lafarge keeps up to date with its ex-employees around the UK throughout the year. For Cauldon Works these officers (also retired Lafarge workers), Bill Hughes, John Bridget, Fred Eyre, Bill Hughes, Keith Worthington, Roger Davis, Ernie Hughes, John Bridgett, Peter Mallory and Dennis Higton work hard to ensure they are up to date and the Christmas party goes smoothly.

- ENDS -

Northern Ireland minister visits site of Lafarge Cement’s proposed new eco-village

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 09:52:40 GMT

Northern Ireland's Environment Minister Edwin Poots has given his seal of approval to the new Magheramorne village being developed on the site of Lafarge Cement's former works and quarry, near Larne.

The visit follows the granting of outline planning permission earlier this year by the former Environment Minister for the redevelopment of the site into a world class sustainable eco-village - a first for the cement industry, and the largest brownfield site currently awaiting redevelopment in Northern Ireland.

Lafarge operated as a cement manufacturer at the Northern Ireland site for almost 100 years and is redeveloping it in partnership with WWF. The regeneration plans comprise an eco-village, a world class mountain biking centre, film studios, a railway heritage site and nature conservation areas. Once built, Mageramorne village will become a WWF One Planet Community, adhering to the principle of residents using only their fair share of the earth's resources.

On visiting the site Minister Edwin Poots commended the project: "This development has great potential to not only benefit Northern Ireland, but to show how Northern Ireland can be at the forefront of sustainable living. I am pleased to have the opportunity to visit this wonderful site which is set to become the home of the first One Planet Living Community on the island of Ireland."

Geoff Nuttall, Head of WWF Northern Ireland, said: "This project will be an exemplar of sustainable living for the rest of the world and shows us how we should all aspire to be living in the future."

Lafarge Cement's Magheramorne project manager, Lloyd McInally commented: "We're delighted to be working with WWF Northern Ireland on this project. The site - equivalent in size to 220 football pitches - represents a unique opportunity to transform the fortunes of the local and regional economy."

ENDS

Lafarge helps RHWS primary school children stay safe and be seen!

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 09:52:40 GMT

Employees at Lafarge Cement UK's Aberthaw Works have recently celebrated achieving the safety milestone of reaching one year without a single lost time injury (LTI).

In recognition of this achievement and to promote community safety, the Works has donated clip-on fluorescent reflectors for every child at Rhws Primary School so that they can be clearly seen by road users whilst walking to and from school.

Works Manager, James Kirkpatrick said ‘The safety of our employees is our number one priority and we are delighted to have completed an entire year of operations without sustaining a lost-time injury.

To celebrate this milestone we wanted to share our commitment to safety with the community in which we operate and who offer us so much support. We hope our donation will increase the safe and visibility of children during the winter months.'

Rhws Primary School Head teacher Louise Lynn said ‘We are delighted to accept Lafarge's kind offer of the clip-on reflectors and will be encouraging the children to use them on their way to and from school'.

- ends -

College recognises Lafarge's Hope works for its partnership with education

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 09:52:29 GMT

Lafarge Cement's Hope Works has been recognised for its long-standing partnership with nearby Hope Valley College. The company has received a certificate at the recent Derbyshire Education Business Partnership ‘Employer Celebration Event'.

The College has a close working relationship with the plant which manufactures up to 1.3 million tonnes of cement each year. Commending Lafarge, College principal Bernie Hunter said in his nomination: "As a College, we felt it was essential to recognise the huge amount of sustained support we receive from Lafarge Cement's Hope works. The plant continually provides us with a magnitude of wide ranging support including backing which aids the delivery of our applied and work based learning courses.

"As an a prime example in the last few weeks the company has supported us with the donation of a second set of overalls for use on the construction courses we run here including the new Construction and Built Environment Diploma.

"Other examples over the years include work experience placements; access to conference facilities; provision of extensive health and safety expertise as well as an annual Health and Safety exhibition event; offering vocational opportunities for Diploma courses; and the donation of materials for construction and facility development."

Receiving the certificate on behalf of Lafarge Cement, Hope Works manager Ashley Bryan commented: "As a company we believe in supporting education and industry links wherever possible and it was gratifying to receive recognition for the work we do with Hope Valley College. We are pleased and proud to continue our links with the College."

Derbyshire Education Business Partnership (DEBP) - who help set up and maintain links between schools and businesses - recently invited Lafarge to attend an Employer Celebration event to formally thank the company for its work. Pam Bond, education business adviser for the DEBP said:

"The commitment and energy that businesses such as Lafarge show in their work with schools and colleges is invaluable. We wanted to recognise these efforts and encourage other businesses to get involved too".

Derbyshire Education Business Partnership aims to enhance and support work-related learning through employer involvement, in order to:

raise students' aspirations and achievements

improve employability skills, and

develop enterprise capabilities.

If you would like further information about education business links please visit the DEBP website:
www.debp.co.uk

Lafarge sponsorship boost for Leek swimmers

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 09:52:42 GMT

Leek swimmers are recovering from a busy weekend - they have just taken part in the Leek Amateur Swimming Club Winter Championships, thanks in part to a generous financial boost from Lafarge Cement's Cauldon Works.

The company donated £350 towards the costs of the event in which 69 swimmers took part in 31 races over the weekend of 21 and 22 November at Brough Park Leisure Centre in Leek.

The Club's chair Chris McFadden comments: "The Galas were a great success and very much supported by our parents and volunteers. We are a very enthusiastic Club with a total of 86 swimmers from eight to 18 years of age. We are also a non-profit making organisation. Our success is totally down to the dedicated team of coaches and staff who give their time free of charge to offer young people an opportunity to build their skills in the water. As such we are very grateful to sponsors like Lafarge for giving us a boost and enabling us to continue to progress."

Lafarge Cement Cauldon Works manager Allan Ruxton comments: "This Club is doing amazingly well considering its size - it is really good to see a real community sports club achieving so much for so many young people. It was a pleasure to be able to give them some well deserved support."

Despite being small, the Club is going from strength to strength. Recently it won the second round of the prestigious National Arena Swimming League, held at Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire. The Leek team was a clear 14 points ahead of the runner-up team and the Club is now confident of securing a position in Division One for next year.

The Club's fundraising and sponsorship secretary, Angela Leach concludes: "The club has an excellent reputation and is going from strength to strength. We pride ourselves on being a very friendly club with a strong team spirit that is clearly reflected in our results."

For more information about the Leek Amateur Swimming Club please go to http://leekasc.webs.com/

- Ends -

Jacob's design chosen for Lafarge Christmas card

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 09:52:04 GMT

Bamford Primary School pupil, eight-year-old Jacob Bacon is celebrating the festive season early after being chosen as the winner of Lafarge Cement Hope Works' Christmas card design competition.

The competition, which was launched by a very early visit from Father Christmas back in July, was open to local Primary and Junior Schools. Pupils in two age groups (four-seven and eight-eleven) were invited to come up with a creative picture which fitted a Christmas theme, but which also reflected the Lafarge cement-making operation in some way.

Judges Joanne Werth (from Lafarge Cement UK's head office human resources department) and Hope Works manager Ashley Bryan chose Jacob's picture from 180 entries submitted by schools around Hope Works which this year celebrates its 80^th year of operation.

They chose his picture which depicted a ‘Christmassy' scene because it showed several parts of the Works operation including the chimney, the works and the rail wagons.

Jacob's prizes included £100 worth of book tokens for his school (£25 for the school taking part and £75 for being the winning school); a framed copy of his picture and a certificate. He also got to see his design incorporated into the Hope Works corporate Christmas cards which were all printed in time for the winner's visit to the Works.

The full list of competition winners is as follows:

8 -11 years age group

1st prize (and overall winner) - Jacob Bacon (8) - Bamford Primary School

2nd prize - Jess Bentley (9) - Castleton CofE Primary School

3rd prize - Harry Knox-Waller (10) - Hope Primary School

4 - 7 years age group

1^st prize - Charlie Haslam (5) - Castleton CofE Primary School

2^nd prize - Reuben Bland (7) - Bamford Primary School

3rd prize - Christopher Green (7) - Bradwell Junior School

Every school that entered received £25 of book tokens.

Lafarge Cement's Hope Works manager Ashley Bryan comments: "Joanne and I really enjoyed judging this competition for a design for our Christmas card in a very special year for the Works. To be honest I thought it was real challenge for these youngsters to create a festive picture with a cement works theme! But they came up with some fantastic ideas and it was a pleasure to have all the winners and their families into the plant to present them with their awards. Well done and congratulations in particular to Jacob and his school. We hope they enjoy choosing a new lot of books."

- ends -

Lafarge backs walks fro brownies

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:52:27 GMT

The 3^rd Ashbourne Brownies will soon be adding more walking badges to their collections, thanks in part to sponsorship from Lafarge Cement's Cauldon Works.

The company donated £220 to cover the costs for ‘advanced walking' training for two of the three Troupe's leaders, Heidi Markwell (Brown Owl) and Gill Bayliss. The third leader, Rowen Brooks (Snowy Owl) was sponsored by the Derbyshire Girlguiding organisation.

The three leaders had already completed a Girlguiding Level 1 walking qualification but were spurred on to tackle the next level. Once this is fully completed, they will be able to safely lead the Brownies on more challenging walks.

Brown Owl Heidi Markwell comments: "The training involved a weekend residential outdoor first aid course and a weekend of Level 2 walking training in the Hope Valley in Derbyshire. The cost of both of these would far exceed anything that the Brownie unit could fund so the Lafarge donation helped tremendously - without this sponsorship, the training could not have gone ahead."

The leaders still have a long way to go before they can set off as walk leaders in the local countryside - they now have to log 20 Level 2 walks and return for another weekend residential assessment, as well as complete an assessed walk.

Heidi continues: "The courses have been extremely well run and packed full of learning. The First aid course involved ‘real life' outdoor scenarios with limited equipment, and the training weekend involved lots of compass and map work on Kinder Scout, as well as a night time navigation. We live in such a lovely part of the country it will be wonderful to be able to explore it further with the Brownies.

"Hopefully if we achieve this qualification we will be able to take the Brownies out further afield and we will be able to be used by other Brownie and Guide units in the district. Because of the nature of the terrain, even going up Thorpe Cloud with Brownies requires this level of training."

Lafarge Cement's Cauldon Works manager Allan Ruxton adds: "We were very pleased to be able to help the Brownie leaders progress their training. I very much hope they can complete the rest of the training soon and the 3^rd Ashbourne Brownies can look forward to some challenging walks in the New Year, with the reassurance that their walk leaders have a high level of walk and safety training."

- ends -