5. - Secil

In June, under the regulated price system
which remains in force, the Government
established an increase of 7%.
Yet again and contrary to expectations
and in breach of prior commitments,
cement prices were not deregulated. It is
important to recall that during the privatisation
phases of the cement industry,
price deregulation was expressly provided
for in the relevant tender documents.
PRODUCTION
4.2.3. HUMAN RESOURCES
SCG’s total workforce amounted to 345
workers at the end of 2008, 35 less than
at the end of 2007, and the company continued
with its policy of streamlining
human resources, at the same time as
recruiting young and
qualified technical staff
for key areas with a view
to modernizing the
company.
Under the technical
assistance and technology
transfer contract
concluded with Secil, a
number of on the job
and training activities
were organized during
the year. The company
also continued to support
social schemes and
several regional and
national funds.
4. Tunisia
4.2.2. PRODUCTION
Clinker output stood at slightly over one
million tons, up by 1% on the previous year.
Significant increases in the prices for
thermal fuels and electricity had a significant
negative effect on clinker production costs.
Production of cement and artificial lime
stood at 1.3 million tons, up significantly
on the previous year (+ 11%).
4.2.4. INVESTMENT
Investment totalled 3.1 million euros,
including the installation of a third generation
separator in one of its cement mills
and, a system for recovering by-pass dust
and transporting it to the cement mills.
2007 2008 VARIATION
Cement 1 000t 1 101 1 236 + 12%
Artificial Lime 1 000t 65 61 - 5%
Total 1 000t 1 166 1 298 + 11%
SC Gabès Plant
In view of the potential growth in the
domestic and export markets within the
natural area of influence of the Gabès
plant, approval was obtained from the
authorities in 2008 for a project to expand
plant capacity. The plans and schedule
for implementation of
this project are currently
being evaluated.
4.2.5. RESULTS
SCG recorded a downturn
in performance.
Although turnover was
up by 17%, EBITDA fell
by 15% to 13.9 million
euros. In effect, growth
in sales on the domestic
and foreign markets
was not sufficient to
compensate exceptional
increases in the cost
price of thermal fuels
and electricity.