Annual Report 2011 Holcim Ltd

Holcim Germany, Nord Stream offshore gas pipeline
Holcim Germany’s contribution to the successful
completion of the Nord Stream gas pipeline, through
the Baltic Sea between Russia and Germany, demonstrated
that it is more than a producer of high-performance
products by delivering a tailor-made cement
logistics solution for the customer. The Group company
supplied a total of over 400,000 tonnes of sulfateresistant,
low-alkali Portland cement with high durability
and early strength development over the course
of the construction.
Holcim Switzerland, Zurich cross-city rail link project
Two bridges, a train station, a tunnel, and an underground
train station expansion underneath the existing
Zurich main station are the constituent parts of a
major project being carried out for the Swiss Federal
Railways in and around Zurich. The Group company is
not only delivering cement and aggregates, but also
acts as the project contact for cement technology
within an environmentally friendly logistics concept.
More than 90 percent of all material transport is
handled by rail, minimizing the impact on the surrounding
urban environment.
Cemento Polpaico, Chile, mine expansion project
An extreme construction environment demanded a
creative approach to delivery and safety. Despite the
remote location in the Andes at an altitude of 3,500
meters above sea-level, and harsh winter conditions
with temperatures down to –25°C, Cemento Polpaico’s
engineering skills and commitment to safety meant
it was able to guarantee the continuous, safe delivery
of 240,000 cubic meters of ready-mix concrete from
three ready-mix plants. Safety was the top priority for
the customer, and here Cemento Polpaico’s tailored
management system delivered as promised, with zero
‘lost time injuries’ meeting the goal of “zero harm”.
Holcim France, Créateurs de Sols Béton
The Créateurs de Sols Béton network markets decorative
concrete directly to end-users, whether they be
private individuals, local authorities or architects.
Surfacing products for driveways, flooring, pavements,
cycle paths, communal spaces, kerbs and tramways are
presented and promoted as integrated solutions via
the internet and cross-media. The network connects
consumers with local, Holcim certified concreting
companies, adding new value for the company and
the customers.
Aggregate Industries UK, Sustainable Drainage System
Flourishing development of urban, suburban and
brownfield sites has led to an increased incidence of
flooding in the UK, often causing significant damage.
Aggregate Industries’ Sustainable Drainage Systems
(SUDS) range improves soil water absorption and
reduces flood risk. The unparalleled SUDS range now
provides a tailored solution to the differing drainage
demands encountered on today’s construction projects.
As well as excellent source control, SUDS can be
designed to include pollution control, attenuation,
rainwater harvesting, and infiltration near buildings.
Holcim Apasco, Mexico, Durable Flooring Solution
The Durable Flooring Solution for industrial and
commercial use means that the Group company is
not just delivering concrete, but rather providing a
complete, integrated solution with structural design,
placing and finishing, and a warranty. This turn-key
customer solution is offered together with a global
flooring company as a partner. A direct relationship
with a major North American retailer has now been
established, allowing Apasco to become involved in
the specification stage of construction projects and
be better positioned in the competitive environment.
47
Innovation