Holcim Expands Operations in Aotearoa New Zealand with Ready-mix Concrete

• AML Limited announced the conclusion of the joint venture in September

• Holcim will operate 20 ready-mix concrete plants in the North Island, Ashby’s Ready Mixed in Christchurch

• Low-carbon concrete products will further Holcim’s decarbonisation journey in Aotearoa New Zealand

Leading global building materials supplier, Holcim, today announced that it has concluded its joint venture with AML Limited under the Allied Concrete brand. As a result of this, Holcim is now operating 20 ready-mix concrete plants in the North Island and Ashby’s Ready Mixed in Christchurch.

George Agriogiannis, CEO Holcim ANZ said, “With the commencement of our ready-mix operations in Aotearoa New Zealand under the Holcim and Ashby’s brands, and our range of  innovative and sustainable building products and solutions, we are putting our expertise to work to help decarbonise the construction industry in Aotearoa New Zealand. Today’s announcement will enable Holcim to further deliver on our pledge to transition to net zero by 2050, building progress for a low-carbon future.”

Image: In addition to Holcim’s range of low-carbon cement products launched this year, the expansion of concrete operations paves the way for Holcim to introduce ECOPact, its globally-recognised low-carbon concrete product range.

Commenting on Holcim’s commitment to the New Zealand economy, Holcim New Zealand Executive General Manager, Kevin Larcombe said: “With a proud history of more than 130 years in New Zealand’s building and construction industry, Holcim is dedicated to upholding our commitment to supporting the local economy. Where applicable, we are transitioning the ready-mix concrete employees across to Holcim and actively recruiting for new roles.”

“With the expansion of our concrete services, we are committed to a smooth transition for employees and customers, and look forward to providing sustainable solutions into the future.”

In August, New Zealand Minister for Climate Change, James Shaw, launched the concrete industry’s Roadmap to Net Carbon Zero 2050. Speaking after the event, Barbara Nebel, chief executive of thinkstep-anz, leading sustainability consultants responsible for developing the roadmap, said, “In fact, the industry has already started its decarbonisation journey, with an 11% reduction in CO2 emissions achieved between 2005 and 2018, even though ready mixed concrete use increased significantly during that time.” 

“Based on this roadmap, New Zealand’s concrete industry can achieve a 44% decrease from 2020 levels by 2030 and, ultimately, net zero carbon by 2050.”

Today’s announcement follows Holcim’s initiatives in April this year when the company opened a new low-carbon cement facility at Ports of Auckland and launched ECOPlanet, a range of low-carbon cement, along with ENVIROCore cement replacements.