HeidelbergCement focuses on continuous improvement in the aggregates business

HeidelbergCement has started its Aggregates-CI programme (Continuous Improvement) in order to continuously optimise the operational and commercial working processes in the area of aggregates (sand, gravel and crushed rock). The new programme follows the margin improvement programme CLIMB Commercial that successfully concluded at the end of 2015. Aggregates-CI will be implemented at all of the more than 500 production sites worldwide. The process enhancements shall lead to sustainable result improvements of €120 million by the end of 2018.

„The Aggregates-CI programme is the next logical step in the very successful development of the last years in the area of aggregates,“ says Dr. Bernd Scheifele, Chairman of the Managing Board of HeidelbergCement. „We will leverage the structures and processes developed in the predecessor programme CLIMB Commercial in order to further drive operational and commercial professionalism and efficiency, such as in sales and distribution. The continuous improvement of our working processes with the goal of further optimising our margins is an integral part of HeidelbergCement’s DNA.”

The predecessor programme CLIMB Commercial, which was started at the end of 2012, focused on margin improvement through optimisation of the product and customer mix in aggregates. The original target of €120 million result improvement by the end of 2015 was substantially exceeded. HeidelbergCement already runs a Continuous Improvement Program (CIP) in the cement business that started in 2014. 

About HeidelbergCement

HeidelbergCement is the global market leader in aggregates and a prominent player in the fields of cement, concrete, and other downstream activities, making it one of the world’s largest manufacturers of building materials. The company employs some 45,000 people at 2,300 locations in more than 40 countries.