Holcim Ltd - HCMLY STOCK NEWS

Lafarge Canada has announced the acquisition of Mathers’ St-Eustache Quarry and Asphalt operations in Quebec, marking the largest aggregates acquisition in Eastern Canada for the company in over a decade. This strategic investment aligns with Lafarge's Strategy 2025, which focuses on expanding its Aggregates business through critical acquisitions. The deal enhances Lafarge's position in the Montreal region and incorporates over 80 new employees from Mathers’ operations. The acquisition aims to integrate sustainable practices, improve operational capacities, and support the growing infrastructure demands in Quebec.

Thinkproject has appointed three new executive leaders to enhance its market position in Europe. Daniel Csillag is the new Chief Revenue Officer, bringing essential industry experience, while Markus Scheuermann joins as Chief Financial Officer, succeeding Ralf Gruesshaber who leaves at month-end. Juliska Del Degan has been promoted from interim CMO, underscoring the company's commitment to strong leadership amid its objective to digitize the construction sector. These appointments aim to strengthen Thinkproject's growth trajectory and market leadership.

Solidia Technologies has appointed Kathleen Walton as Chief Financial Officer, bringing over 20 years of experience in investment banking and commercial growth to the company. Walton previously served as CFO for NITROcrete, where she managed significant operational improvements and financial restructuring. Her expertise spans various sectors, including cleantech and private equity. Solidia is focused on providing sustainable solutions to the construction industry, enhancing its position in the market.

Lafarge Canada has announced the full conversion of its Bath Cement Plant to produce reduced carbon portland limestone cement, branded as OneCem. This eco-efficient product significantly lowers CO2 emissions while maintaining performance. Since 2018, Lafarge has saved over 140,000 tonnes of CO2 by transitioning to OneCem, equating to taking nearly 43,000 cars off the road. The company has produced over 6 million metric tonnes of OneCem since 2011, underscoring its commitment to sustainability in the construction industry across Eastern Canada.

Holcim North America has announced a financial investment in Blue Planet Systems Corporation to advance their carbon capture and mineralization technology. This innovation has the potential to sequester up to 440 kg of CO2 per tonne in aggregate, turning concrete carbon-negative. The collaboration aims to utilize industrial waste, reduce the carbon footprint of cement operations, and support Holcim's strategy towards becoming a net-zero company. The initiative will have implications for operations across the Holcim Group globally.

Hyliion Holdings Corp (NYSE: HYLN) has received a purchase order from Holcim US for 10 units of its Hypertruck ERX™, aimed at replacing diesel trucks in operations across Texas and Oklahoma. This order, backed by deposits, aligns with Holcim's goal of reducing its transportation carbon footprint. The Hypertruck ERX™ utilizes an electric powertrain charged by a natural gas generator, enabling net-negative carbon emissions when fueled with renewable natural gas. This partnership highlights both companies' commitment to sustainability in commercial trucking.

The U.S. Department of Energy has awarded $2.1 million to Solidia Technologies to enhance its low-carbon manufacturing processes. This funding will support the development and testing of synthetic supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) via CO₂ capture from cement plants. Solidia aims to create an efficient carbonation method for Solidia Cement, which could offer a sustainable alternative in concrete production. The initiative seeks to address the declining availability of traditional SCMs while reducing the carbon footprint of construction materials.

Holcim has signed a binding agreement for Adani Group to acquire its full stakes in Ambuja Cement and ACC for CHF 6.4 billion.

This includes Holcim's 63.11% stake in Ambuja Cement and a direct 4.48% stake in ACC. The transaction, pending regulatory approval, aims to enhance Holcim's focus on expanding its Solutions & Products segment after recently investing CHF 5 billion. The deal is seen as a strategic move to bolster growth and sustainability in India's construction sector.

The Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA) announced the first six start-ups selected for its Innovandi ‘Open Challenge’, which aims to support innovative technologies in the drive to achieve net zero by 2050. These start-ups, chosen from over 100 entrants, will collaborate with leading cement companies to develop low-carbon concrete and carbon capture solutions. Key technologies include carbon capture utilization and storage (CCUS) from companies like CarbonOrO and Fortera. GCCA plans to establish ten industrial-scale carbon capture plants by 2030 as part of its Net Zero Roadmap.