HeidelbergCement expands cement capacity in Poland

HeidelbergCement completed the capacity expansion project at its cement plant in Górazdze/Poland (Fig.), with the commissioning of a new cement mill. The new mill, which is the largest ball mill in Europe, has a capacity of 1.4 million t/a and ideally complements last year’s increased kiln capacity. In 2012, total cement capacity in Poland rises to 5.6 million t. “With the new mill we successfully complete another important project of our investment programme in attractive growth markets,” explains Dr. Bernd Scheifele, Chairman of the Board of HeidelbergCement. “The expansion of both kiln and mill capacity was done in a very capital efficient way with total investment costs of less than 80 €/t of cement. The expanded capacities enable us to better meet rising demand for building materials in Poland, while continuing to strengthen our position as the market leader in the country. With the new mill we are able to manufacture various types of cement, depending on the market and customers’ demand.” Górazdze is HeidelbergCement’s largest, most modern cement plant in Europe. In 2011, the clinker capacity was expanded from 3.1 to 4.0 million t/a. By using state-of-the-art technology, HeidelbergCement reduced specific energy consumption and CO₂ emissions per tonne of cement and increased the use of alternative fuels. With the installation of the new ball mill, the cement grinding capacity is increased in line with the expanded clinker capacity. In the next three to four years, strong cement consumption is anticipated for Poland. Domestic demand will increase, in particular, as a result of the further development of infrastructure investments and the growing demand in residential construction.