: Lafarge

Lafarge Appoints John Stull President and CEO – United States

Fri, 04 May 2012 19:17:57 GMT

Reston, VA

Lafarge North America Inc.

The Board of Directors of Lafarge North America Inc. has appointed John Stull as Lafarge's senior leader for all aggregate, cement and concrete operations in the United States.

This appointment, which brings these Lafarge business lines in the US together under a single leader, will further the Company's customer focus as it delivers sustainable solutions to the construction industry.

"I am honored and excited to lead the Company's talented US management team, which is not only dedicated to serving our customers, but also cares very deeply about the health and safety of all the Company's employees," Mr. Stull said. "I am confident that together we can build on the foundation that is already in place and continue to meet and exceed our customers' needs in sustainable and innovative ways."

Mr. Stull has more than 20 years of experience with the Lafarge Group, including assignments in the United States and Paris. Most recently, he managed Lafarge Group businesses in Latin America and Sub-Saharan Africa. He has a chemical engineering degree from the University of Akron and is a graduate of the executive management program at Harvard Business School.

Lafarge North America Creates Environmental Win with Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge

Tue, 01 May 2012 20:30:43 GMT

Westminster, Colorado

Lafarge North America Inc.

Lafarge North America is pleased to announce that it finalized agreements with the U.S. Department of Energy, The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, The State of Colorado, Jefferson and Boulder Counties and the City of Boulder to help preserve and protect natural resources within and adjacent to the Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge.

Lafarge held leases to extract sand and gravel on three properties totaling approximately 1,300 acres around the Wildlife Refuge. It had been working in cooperation with the aforementioned agencies and jurisdictions as they developed intergovernmental proposals, which included their purchase of Lafarge's leased mining interests in the area and ultimately expand the Rocky Flats Wildlife Refuge. The first lease was terminated and the mining permit for 640 acres was recently transferred to Boulder County. The second lease of 605 acres was terminated and is undergoing final reclamation in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Energy. The mining rights on the third parcel are expected to be turned over to the U.S. Department of Energy later this year.

"This agreement represents a unique opportunity to protect natural habitat through a public / private partnership," explained Steve Peterson, VP of Lafarge West. "We are excited that this project came to fruition. It supports our company's sustainability ambitions and reinforces our environmental commitment," continued Peterson.

"This is a great win for the Refuge, the State of Colorado, and the surrounding communities," added Scott Surovchak, Rocky Flats Site Manager with US Department of Energy. "It's a satisfying accomplishment when agencies at all levels, along with local business and landowners, can work together for the good of wildlife habitat."

Lafarge Leading Cement Bag Market with Safety Mindset

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 21:13:34 GMT

Calgary, Alberta

Lafarge Canada Inc.

Lafarge is committed to improving the health and safety of its employees, customers and other stakeholders worldwide. Based on the Canadian Center for Occupational Health & Safety's (CCOHS) heavy lifting recommendations, Lafarge has introduced new bagged portland cement packaging in Canada's Prairies market.

CCOHS states that 23 kilograms is the most an individual should lift on a regular basis. After studying customer usage of the traditional 40kg cement bags, Lafarge chose a 20kg bag so that mix designs can easily be adjusted.

"We recognize that people seriously injure their backs when repeatedly lifting heavy items both at home and at work," comments Bob Cooper, President- Cement in Western Canada. "Lafarge is proud to lead the bagged cement market by putting Health & Safety as a first priority," he continued.

The new 20kg cement bag also follows a broader packaged good trend. From stones to flour, 20kg is a standard size for easy transport and use. Lafarge has branded its 20kg offering as the Backsaver Bag. It is available in local lumber stores and do-it-yourself retailers across the Canadian Provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba this month.

Lafarge Appoints President and CEOs For Canadian Operations

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 20:17:57 GMT

René Thibault in Western Canada

Bob Cartmel in Eastern Canada

Calgary, Alberta and Toronto, Ontario

Lafarge Canada Inc.

René Thibault and Bob Cartmel have been appointed by the Board of Directors of Lafarge Canada Inc. as its senior leaders for all markets and product lines in Canada. Mr. Thibault will oversee the 7 Western Provinces as well as the Pacific Northwest and Dakotas in the U.S. Mr. Cartmel will oversee the 6 Eastern Provinces.

The President & CEOs have responsibilities including all operational, marketing and functional elements of the aggregates, asphalt, cement, concrete (ready-mix, pipe and precast), and construction and paving businesses in their markets. The Western Canada teams will be led from a head office in Calgary, AB. The Eastern Canada head office is in Toronto, ON.

These appointments, bringing all of Lafarge's businesses together under a single leader in each geography, will provide further career development opportunities for employees, strengthen the company's customer approach as it delivers sustainable solutions to the construction industry and allow our community investment projects to be more focused. Working safely will continue to be the number one priority of every Lafarge employee.

Mr. Thibault has over twenty years of experience with Lafarge spanning Canada and including an assignment at Group headquarters in Paris, France. He has an Engineering degree from Queen's University and has completed executive studies at Harvard Business School.

Mr. Cartmel has over 25 years of experience with Lafarge spanning Canada, the United States and Latin America. He has a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Wilfrid Laurier University.

Lafarge Appoints René Thibault President and CEO Western Canada

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 19:50:34 GMT

Calgary, Alberta

Lafarge Canada Inc.

René Thibault has been appointed by the Board of Directors of Lafarge Canada Inc. as its senior leader for all markets and product lines in Western Canada.

His responsibilities include all operational, marketing and functional elements of the aggregates, asphalt, cement, concrete (ready-mix, pipe and precast), and construction and paving businesses. Mr. Thibault will lead these teams from the Western Canada head office in Calgary, AB.

This appointment, bringing all of Lafarge's businesses together under a single leader, will provide further career development opportunities for employees, strengthen the company's customer approach as it delivers sustainable solutions to the construction industry and allow our community investment projects to be more focused.

Under Mr. Thibault's leadership Lafarge in Western Canada will introduce a range of building systems calling on the company's international leadership in innovation. His vision is to change the way that Lafarge interacts with customers, adding more value to the relationship at all levels.

Lafarge Appoints Bob Cartmel President and CEO Eastern Canada

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 19:49:27 GMT

Toronto, Ontario

Lafarge Canada Inc.

Bob Cartmel has been appointed by the Board of Directors of Lafarge Canada Inc. as its senior leader for all markets and product lines in Eastern Canada.

His responsibilities include all operational, marketing and functional elements of the aggregates, cement and ready-mix concrete businesses. Mr. Cartmel will lead these teams from the Eastern Canada head office in Toronto, ON.

This appointment, bringing all of Lafarge's businesses together under a single leader and the new organization being put in place, will allow us to further leverage all of the talented people and physical assets that we have in Eastern Canada. Working safely will continue to be our number one priority and we will add to this a greater focus on our markets and customers, which will allow us to provide better solutions to meet their needs.

Mr. Cartmel has over 25 years of experience with Lafarge spanning Canada, the United States and Latin America. He has a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Wilfrid Laurier University.

He has served on the Banff Centre Board of Governors and as President of both the Ready Mixed Concrete Association of Ontario and the Colorado Rock Products Association. Mr. Cartmel recently joined the Board of the Cement Association of Canada.

Lafarge Sponsors “Women Building Futures” Ready-Mix Driver Program

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 19:06:03 GMT

Edmonton, Alberta

Lafarge Canada Inc.

For the second year, Lafarge is helping women gain skills and jobs in Edmonton. A unique partnership has been forged with Women Building Futures (WBF), an Alberta based non-profit that is quickly becoming the go-to place for women choosing a career in non-traditional employment and for employers wishing to hire them.

"Lafarge was challenged to find and retain experienced drivers with a strong safety mindset and customer orientation", explains Larry Diduck, General Manager in Edmonton. "In a brainstorming session WBF was put on the table as an alternate training and recruiting source. We are proud to be involved with WBF and support their model whole heartedly", he continued.

"Women Building Futures is thrilled that Lafarge identifies women as a key component to growing their workforce" says JudyLynn Archer, President & CEO. "The partnership exemplifies what can be achieved when organizations think beyond what's been done before. We tip our hat to Lafarge for their innovation and leadership; it is a win-win for everyone involved."

Lafarge values diversity and seeks to attract more women at all levels. The Ready-Mix Driver Program offered by WBF is approved by the Province of Alberta and provides graduates with experience in air brakes, load securement, ergonomics, and workplace culture as well as 30 hours of in-truck driving.

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Lafarge Announces Shutdown of the Joppa Illinois Cement Plant’s Kiln 2

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 16:02:21 GMT

Joppa, Illinois

LAfarge North America Inc.

Lafarge North America today announced the mothballing of the Joppa Illinois Cement Plant's Kiln 2 due to the continued challenging economic environment in the US. The mothballing of the kiln line will take place immediately.

Lafarge will continue to operate the plant and its associated Cave-In-Rock Quarry and manufacture specialty well cement on its Kiln 1. Lafarge will continue to provide cement to its Type I/II customers from other manufacturing sources without interruption.

The current economic environment has had a major impact on the construction industry and consequently on cement manufacturing. Portland Cement sales have fallen approximately 44% since 2006, according to the PCA (Portland Cement Association).

The Joppa Cement plant was purchased by Lafarge in 1991. The plant employed 105 people and operated two long dry kilns, Kiln 1 and Kiln 2, with a total plant output of 1.25 million tons per year. In 2006, Lafarge announced the construction of a new 7,200 ton per day preheater-precalciner kiln. Construction of the new kiln and related equipment continues and it is anticipated to be ready for operation when cement demand returns.

With roughly half the facility shutdown, staffing will be reduced to meet operating demands. Consequently one-third of the positions at the Joppa Plant will be eliminated, in addition to some employees at Lafarge's neighboring Cave-In-Rock quarry.

John Stull, the Lafarge CEO for US aggregate, concrete and cement operations said: "The Joppa and Cave-In-Rock employees have demonstrated tremendous professionalism and commitment over the years and many have worked at the plant for decades. We recognize the impact this decision will have on their lives and their families and we will help them during this difficult transition. Lafarge looks forward to many years of continued operation in Southern Illinois, both with Kiln 1 and its specialty products, and when the new kiln comes on line."

Lafarge Resource Recovery Efforts Wins Prestigious Colorado Reclamation Award

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 20:12:45 GMT

Westminster, CO

Lafarge North America Inc.

Lafarge North America's Resource Recovery Mine was recently awarded the prestigious Jack Starner Memorial Reclamation Award.

This award was presented by the Colorado Mined Land Reclamation Board and the Colorado Stone, Sand and Gravel Association in recognition of Lafarge's outstanding reclamation activities. The site was held up as a positive example of a public-private partnership used to preserve and enhance wildlife habitat, to protect sensitive riparian lands and to provide accessible open space for the Northern Colorado community.

Due to the high amount of overburden on site, undulating hills were created with naturalistic slopes during reclamation. The diverse site hydrology has created a unique ecosystem at Resource Recovery composed of uplands, wetlands and riparian plant communities of native plant materials. A meandering stream runs through the site and drains out to the Poudre River. The designated post mining land use of wildlife habitat has been expertly created to expand the size, ecosystem value and function of public natural areas on the Poudre River. The northern portion is now home to the Colorado Visitors Bureau.

"We appreciate the recognition this award brings," said Steve Peterson, Business Unit General Manager for Aggregates, Asphalt and Paving for Lafarge West U.S. "Our reclamation work is part of the way we do business. This is another example of how we give back to the communities in which we operate and how strongly we honor our environmental commitments," continued Peterson.

Lafarge Ready Mix Wins Big with Sustainable Construction Project in Kansas City at 2011 Excellence in Concrete Awards

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 03:25:37 GMT

Sugar Creek, MO

Lafarge North America Inc.

Lafarge North America's Kansas City Ready Mix operations recently received six 2011 Excellence in Concrete Awards from the Concrete Promotional Group for projects completed in the Kansas City area. Among the six projects recognized was one of Lafarge's sustainable construction projects. Also, the company won the Overall Concrete/Judges Choice award.

The Lafarge project that won in the Sustainable/Green category recognized company's work on the John Deere Sales Facility in Olathe, Kansas. The 126,150 square-foot facility was designed to accommodate up to 500 marketing professionals and aspire to meet Gold Certification under the USGBC's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Rating System. Lafarge developed and promoted a concept to John Deere that offered a construction waste management service, bundled with cement and concrete sales. Specifically, Lafarge explained to John Deere that they could reduce its environmental impact through the use of alternative raw materials and fuels with a quantified recycled content of 24% and 32% recovered energy for its Type I/II Cement.

By utilizing all of Lafarge's capabilities and product portfolio, Lafarge was selected as the supplier of choice for the entire project. The facility opened in September 2011.

"Through our sustainable construction commitment, Lafarge is looking to be more than a supplier of building materials, but rather a provider of solutions. We are able to be a source of information, knowledge and consultation to our partners throughout the entire construction process," said Jarrod Huntley, General Manager for Lafarge's Kansas and Missouri Ready Mix operations. "Being recognized with these types of awards from the industry is a clear step in that direction."

Additionally, for the second year in a row, Lafarge North America won the overall concrete award, the Judges Choice Award, for its work on the LIVESTRONG^TM Sporting Park in Kansas City, KS. This project used a combination of Lafarge's Value Added Products including Artevia® and Agilia®. The highlight of the project was the creation of a soccer ball, made out of Lafarge's decorative concrete, Artevia®, which was placed as the focal point of the entrance to the new soccer stadium.

Lafarge Exshaw Recognized for Health & Safety Leadership

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 22:35:27 GMT

Exshaw, Alberta

Lafarge Canada Inc.

Over 200,000 hours of safe operation is being celebrated this week at Lafarge Canada's Exshaw cement plant. The 150 labourers, equipment operators, millwrights, electricians, engineers and managers at the cement plant have good reason to be proud as they have worked injury free for the better part of 2011and the streak continues into 2012.

Achieving this milestone means that even the "so called", minor injuries have been avoided through safe work, good decision making, a focus on risk assessments, and a common goal to build a work culture that puts value on the safety of workers. Beyond employees not having missed even a single day work as a result of injury, there has not been a stitch, sprain or broken finger incurred by employees during this period. Lafarge Canada's President for Western Cement, Bob Cooper recognizes such high standards with his own "President's Award" for Safety.

Mr. Cooper hosted a special lunch and recognition ceremony at Exshaw's Legion Hall to share congratulations and commented, "I am so proud of the safety culture which has taken root at Exshaw. Lafarge has put a great deal of work into assuring safe work practices and providing training, but it comes down to employee's personal behavior and feeling of concern for each other that assures we all go home safely."

Lafarge’s Port Metro Vancouver Ready-Mix Site Praised for Environmental Excellence – Eagles Return to Award Winning Plant

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:30:14 GMT

Vancouver, British Columbia

Lafarge Canada Inc.

The National Ready Mixed Concrete Association has honored Lafarge Canada's Harbour plant at Port Metro Vancouver with its Environmental Excellence Award. This recognition signifies outstanding contribution in protecting the environment and maintaining sound environmental management practices.

The award program salutes companies that have not only met, but surpassed governmental compliance requirements and demonstrated a commitment to environmental excellence through plant and staff investment.

Lafarge's Harbour plant also stands out for its community and biodiversity outreach. Hancock Wildlife Foundation is following a bald eagle's nest on plant property and neighboring Hastings Elementary School benefits from tours and program support.

The bald eagles' nest on-site has garnered attention from the community and conservationist since the careful development of the plant in 2010 to assure their stability in a tree overlooking Burrard Inlet. Since then the pair have produced a set of young and once again this season returned to nest, proving that the plant is an environmentally friendly home.

Launch of Aggneo™, A Consistent Range of Recycled Aggregates for A Wider Range of Applications

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 14:31:20 GMT

Concord, Ontario

Lafarge Canada Inc.

Today, Lafarge Canada Inc. announces the launch of Aggneo, a new range of high standard recycled aggregates. Aggneo is a Lafarge Group global initiative with the goal to offer a reliable and sustainable construction solution starting at the foundation of customer's needs.

"Lafarge's commitment to the environment is a top priority," says Bruce Semkowski, Vice President & General Manager, Aggregates, Lafarge Eastern Canada. "The introduction of Aggneo not only responds to the challenges of sustainable construction, but also raises the bar for reliable, recycled aggregates. This innovation is the result of almost two years of development by the Lafarge Group."

Traditionally, recycled materials are often limited to non sensitive applications such as general fills. Thanks to its performance, Aggneo is a consistent and reliable alternative to virgin aggregates for a wider range of applications, including base for heavy traffic roads.

As a worldwide aggregates producer, the Lafarge Group uses the highest quality of recycled materials and ensures that high frequency and rigorous quality controls are implemented at each step of the process - from sourcing to delivery.

"The Lafarge Group is constantly seeking ways to increase its performance with 50 percent of the Group's Research and development investments dedicated to sustainable construction," says Bruce Semkowski. "By encouraging recycling through Aggneo, we have found one more way to provide innovative, sustainable solutions that our customers can use."

Aggneo diverts used materials away from landfills and preserves natural aggregate reserves by using recycled concrete. Often, our recycling yards are also closer to job sites where aggregates are consumed, reducing CO2 emissions through shorter transport distances. This proximity meets the need of contractors for local products allowing them to reduce their consumption of natural resources and eases the demand of increasing landfill costs.

Aggneo has already been introduced in the United Kingdom and will progressively be rolled out in North America starting with Eastern Canada. For more information on Aggneo, please visit the Lafarge North America web site: www.lafarge-na.com/aggneo