85 / 140
/ 83
Terminal in Rochefort
France has traditionally been one of the largest markets
in Europe for white cement consumption, with a mature
and high-demand customer base for quality, value-added
services, and innovation. Aalborg White
®
Cement, produced
in Cementir’s European plant in Aalborg, Denmark, has
been present in this market for many years. Within the
strategic path of developing key markets, with a direct
and local approach alongside, Aalborg Portland began in
2013 – 2014 to further develop its presence by enhancing
the route to a market model. This was done by establishing
a local sales structure with the opening of Aalborg Portland
France, as well as by investing into the logistics platform
with a long-term perspective. In 2014, Aalborg Portland
underwent a demanding certification process, which
resulted in Aalborg White products becoming certified
under Norme Francaise. After obtaining this highly
recognised certification in 2015, Aalborg Portland has
paved the way for expanding business activities in its French
market, namely the import terminal in Rochefort.
After a series of investigations and a comparison
of pros and cons, the river port of Rochefort, close to
La Rochelle, was determined to be the best location
for a cement storage terminal. This was decided both
for the highly-efficient logistics of the location and
environmental protection considerations. Furthermore,
cement could be shipped directly to France from the
cement plant in Aalborg, which would significantly
reduce environmental pollution.
“Cementir Group regards the Rochefort Terminal
as an important strategic deployment of its white
cement business in a key market like France,” said
Michele Di Marino, Chief of Sales, Marketing, and
Commercial Development Officer at Cementir Holding.
“With approximately
E
3 million investment, Aalborg
White has strengthened its local presence in France,
where the supply chain capability for French customers
with minimal transport is the primary matter to be
emphasised. This strategic investment will also further
develop Aalborg White’s leading position in the
French white cement market, as part of a long-term
commitment to customers in France, with continuous
product supply and a stable high-level services
offering.”