Jun 20 2007
Imerys (Paris, France) has announced its intention to invest €100 million by the end of 2011 in its clay brick production assets.
This ambitious programme includes a production capacity extension for rectified bricks in the Gironde-sur-Dropt (Gironde, France) and La Boissière du Doré (Loire Atlantique, France) units and the construction of two new plants in south-eastern and northern France.
The capacity extensions and the new unit in the south of France should come on stream gradually during 2008 and 2009. The northern project should be operational by 2011.
The company said that this capital expenditure was essential to meet high growth in the French brick market (especially Monomur brick, an insulating construction system), which is likely to be at least 5% per annum over the next five years. Clay products are replacing concrete blocks in single family housing and are developing in new market segments such as multi-family housing and tertiary construction.
Implementing this capital expenditure programme will enable the group to continue its growth in building materials and consolidate its leadership in the French clay brick market through a stronger industrial network and a broader product range.
Imerys is active in 45 countries through over 250 industrial and commercial sites. The group achieved €3.3 billion in sales in 2006.