Consolidation and networking on a global scale

In 2010 we consolidated our Group-wide research and development activities related to cement and concrete into the new Heidelberg Technology Center (Global HTC) in Heidelberg, Germany. The centre’s global focus serves to supplement and support the four existing HTCs in the Group areas.

The primary task of the Global HTC is to optimise the transfer of knowledge and the coordination of technology activities and major construction projects all over the world. One of the most important aspects of this process is the development of products with minimal CO2 emissions. With this in mind, we are planning to further increase the number of employees at the centre in 2011.

Two of the four existing regional HTCs are located in Europe, one is in North America, and one is in Asia. The HTCs assist our plants with all technical issues, ranging from safeguarding raw materials to process optimisation and control, as well as quality assurance. In some cases, the HTCs remain involved in plant investment projects right up to commissioning. Our Competence Center Materials (CCM) provides support in a similar manner to Group companies that do business with aggregates, ready-mixed concrete and asphalt. The close contact between the HTCs or the CCM and the Group locations is a key element of our continual improvement processes. It also ensures that all of the available optimisation opportunities are efficiently exploited.