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| Germany's HeidelbergCement performance improves In April and May 2009, HeidelbergCement's operational performance has improved compared to the first quarter of 2009. The Group's total turnover reached EUR 4.3 billion in the first five months of 2009; this is a decline of 19.2% before any currency impact compared to the same period of the previous year. In the same period, HeidelbergCement's operating income before depreciation (OIBD) amounted to EUR 608 million (a decrease of 30.6% before any currency impact compared to last year). HeidelbergCement has proactively responded to the economic decline and has adjusted capacities and production structures accordingly. "The OIBD margin for April and May clearly reflects the success of our early started cost measures, " explains Dr. Bernd Scheifele, CEO of HeidelbergCement. "We were able to improve the margin from 8.5% in the first quarter to 21% for the period April to May 2009. In the previous year, the first quarter margin of 13% rose to 22% in the April-May period." Sales volumes in the second quarter show initial signs of stabilisation but overall remain below 2008 levels. Stronger demand in Asia and additional cement capacity in Africa could partially compensate for the decline in other core markets like North America and the UK. Consolidated cement and clinker sales volumes decreased by 14.9% to 37.8 million tonnes (previous year: 44.4) in the first six months. While volumes fell by 18.1% in the first quarter, the rate of decline slowed down to 12.4% in the second quarter. Countries like China, Bangladesh, India, Turkey, Africa and Sweden are either above or in line with the prior year. Deliveries of aggregates declined by 24.6% to 107.7 million tonnes (previous year: 142.9) in the first six months. Deliveries of ready-mixed concrete decreased by 24.5% to 16.8 million cubic metres (previous year: 22.2). Supported by upcoming infrastructure activities asphalt sales volumes came to 4.4 million tonnes (previous year: 4.9), which represents a decline of 9.8%. write your comments about the article :: © 2009 Construction News :: home page |