HeidelbergCement reported a strong start to the year as sales volumes in emerging markets helped to compensate for a depressed market in Europe, owing to a harsh winter and lost working days. Group revenue for the period from January to March 2013 decreased -1.4 per cent to €2.76 billion, compared with €2.80 billion in Q1, 2012.
The company reported growth in cement volumes in North America, Asia, and Africa. Its cement and clinker volumes saw a decline of -0.7 per cent from 18.2 million tonne in 2012 to 18.1 million tonne.
Asphalt volumes fell -8.6 per cent to 1.3 million tonne. Operating income before depreciation rose by +3.5 per cent to €219 million, while operating income increased by +35 per cent to €16 million. Successful price increases, cost saving programmes and reducing energy costs all helped improve profit margins for HeidelbergCement.