Holcim UK has revealed the next steps for its Tilbury Cement Works project as it moves closer to operation later this year.
The company confirmed construction works on the site are continuing with the steelwork and mechanical equipment installation of its new vertical roller mill (VRM) targeted for completion in Spring 2026. Electrical installation, testing and commissioning of the full grinding system are planned for completion by the end of 2026.
The VRM will be able to grind a range of raw materials, including Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GBFS) and Recycled Concrete Fines (RCF), enabling the production of low-carbon cementitious products.
“Tilbury is built around one clear promise, which is making sustainable construction a reality. The systems being installed at our Tilbury Cement Works are not only investments in innovative equipment and infrastructure, but a commitment to our sustainable innovation pipeline,” Holcim UK project manager Tim Fry said.
“Alongside our promise to increase our low-carbon and circular products portfolio, we will provide absolute reliability with a consistent supply of cementitious materials.”
The Tilbury Cement Works is designed to supply customers across the south of England with a range of Holcim UK’s products around the clock through its six loading heads and five weighbridges.
The project has involved significant investments, including a ship-to-shore conveyor, a raw material storage hall and a cement dome silo.
“This investment is about more than just capacity – it is about our impact,” Holcim UK managing director for the cement division Mohamed Alami said.
“Tilbury embodies our strategy in action, bringing together innovation, sustainability, and scale to shape the next generation of construction in the UK.”
