2013: a busy time for the aggregates industry

The aggregates industry certainly looks in better shape as 2013 draws to a close than it did a couple of years ago.

So it is a good time to reflect on the last 12 months and also look forward to 2014.

While earlier in the year aggregates companies reported varying figures, reflecting a harsh winter, they end 2013 with improved results and more optimism for 2014.

Manufacturers have also been busy over the last 12 months, with investment in research and development seeing the launch of new and upgraded plant at a series of open days and events such as 386 Bauma 2013; the 1153 CTT show in Moscow, Russia, and 1162 SAIE in Bologna, Italy, as well as at important new events including 7345 Plantworx 2013 in the UK and 7460 Bauma Africa in Johannesburg, South Africa, an “impressive premiere” for 5655 Messe München International.

Looking ahead there is a number of important events in 2014 including 7579 Intermat Middle East; 404 Conexpo-CON/AGG 2014 in the USA; 463 Smopyc in Spain 3739 Samoter and Asphaltica 2014 in Italy; 7578 Conexpo Russia 2014 and 427 Hillhead 2014 in the UK, where further advances in plant and equipment technology will be undoubtedly be unveiled.

For me it has been an interesting and informative year, visiting many of the shows as well as conferences and quarries to find out first-hand how companies and manufacturers are coping with the current situation. As you will read in the Quarry Profile in this issue of Aggregates Business Europe, one quarry has invested some €10 million upgrading facilities while continuing with production. It, like many other operations I visited, is looking to the future. In Greece, quarries are finding that production cannot keep up with the demand for marble, particularly from China already the world’s largest producer of aggregates and consumer of cement (source: Freedonia).

In 2014 many companies have expanded with new facilities and personnel, seeing emerging markets such as those in Asia, Africa and the Middle East as offering major opportunities.

Interesting developments indeed and it is against this background that Route One Publishing (publishers of Aggregates Business Europe) will be increasing the regularity of its Aggregates Business International magazine covering these three regions.

Following successful launch issues this year, Aggregates Business International will be published six times in 2014.

It will have a wide range of articles, including regular in-depth features on Crushing/Screening; Hauling and Loading, and as always I would be interested to hear about any developments relating to the sector.

These are just a few of the recent highlights in this diverse, fascinating and vital industry, which is heading into 2014 with new promise.

Thank-you to everyone for your assistance in the past year, and I look forward to meeting up over the coming months.