A Solid Grip in the Cement Sector

Q: How have Mexico’s macroeconomic conditions and budget cuts affected the cement industry?

A: When Mexico faces a slower economy or recession the budget for public spending is reduced and municipalities and states must postpone some projects. Federal infrastructure like highways and railroads may remain in place but the government is generally forced to focus on other priorities such as schools and hospitals. These projects do not require large volumes of cement but they still greatly benefit society's wellbeing. The construction industry is a significant part of the Mexican economy and its deceleration can negatively affect the country’s GDP. The cement industry alone represents 1 percent of the economy. Each government has the right to decide what material will be used in their projects but they should understand that cement requires minimal maintenance when it is applied to roads. It can last up to 50 years and generates long-term savings. A diverse range of products and services are needed to keep the industry moving during an economic slump. Mexico’s economy has maintained a strong and reasonable demand for concrete products and services in real estate and other markets thanks to dynamic metropolitan areas like Mexico City. Developers such as Be Grand are growing and implementing vertical projects that are 40-50 floors high. The central Bajio region is also expanding horizontally with houses and lowrise buildings.

Q: How does sustainability optimization and compliance come into play across industries?

A: All companies can optimize things like plant facilities that not only lower overall production costs but contribute to a more rational use of water and energy. Our plant in the Isthmus of Tehuantepec in Oaxaca is number one in the country for energy savings. Sustainability does not only imply adopting simple elements like efficient light bulbs but also analyzing each phase of the production process to identify areas of opportunity. Companies should take the time to ensure each step in their process reaches and exceeds the average level of quality. If all companies and industries committed to efficiency in terms of energy consumption, the country’s energy demand would be greatly reduced. 

Q: The cement industry has a reputation as a polluter. What is being done to improve that?

A: Players around the world are working to restore the cement industry’s reputation by proving that most of the industry is in compliance with ecological norms and guidelines. Mexico significantly contributes to the use of alternative fuels, the saving of water and efficient energy use. It is concerned about generating pollution and strives not only to meet norms but to go above and beyond compliance. Green cement might seem like a marketing slogan but it requires the certification of laboratories that focus on preserving the environment. The cement industry used to place electrostatic filters in pre-heaters to capture fine particles with water and make sure they were not expelled into the atmosphere. We implemented this measure even before environmental norms became so stringent. Cruz Azul has replaced these filters with a technology that uses air instead of water to cool down the particles. Per plant, this new technology saves up to 1 million liters of potable water daily. The industry also is working on eliminating contaminants by adopting efficient methods and SEMARNAT is obligated to certify plants that want to remain operational as Clean Industry. Cruz Azul is a pioneer in replacing horizontal mills with vertical mills that reduce noise by 75 percent. We mitigate noise pollution so efficiently that visitors often are surprised by the silence. The rest of the industry is gradually following in our footsteps and adopting the same technology.

Q: What innovative products is the Mexican cement industry creating?

A: Concrete can be designed according to the nature of each project in terms of resistance, weight and fluorescence or porosity. The industry is trying to design and introduce porous concrete into the Mexican market since it is ideal for pedestrian or heavily populated areas. It allows water fluidity, prevents flooding and helps to reinstate the aquifer. Porous or permeable concrete is already being used in Europe. The construction industry in Mexico is accustomed to traditional methods and also is a strong creator of jobs. The problem is that innovation in construction could reduce labor demand, which would endanger family incomes.