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This strategic alliance is a landmark in the Indian cement industry as it will bring significant advantages to the shareholders of both the partners and their commitments to the growth of cement markets in India.

— Paul Hugentobler, Whole-Time Director Executive Committee Member, Holcim

IN 90 years, Holcim has grown from humble beginnings in a Swiss village to become one of the world's leading cement companies.

Holcim was founded in the village of Holderbank, in Canton Aargau, Switzerland.

From an early stage it became clear that the domestic market could offer only limited opportunities for expansion.

By the early 1920s the company began investing in cement businesses in other European countries.

This trend was quickly followed by investments in Egypt, Lebanon and South Africa.

After 1945, and particularly in the 1950s and 1960s, a network of holdings began to develop in North and Latin America.

In the early 1970s ventures in the emerging markets of the Asia-Pacific began.

In the 1980s, Holcim continued to expand into new markets, including Eastern Europe. A greater focus on aggregates (sand and gravel) and ready-mixed concrete production strengthened the company's position as a vertically integrated market leader.

A strong focus on core business activities in cement, concrete and aggregates characterised Holcim activities during the 1990s.

Continuing professional development programmes for employees, coupled with a best practices policy, ensured that challenges were met with creative solutions and company performance was enhanced.

Entry into new markets, particularly within Asia, expanded opportunities for the group

The name of the group changed from "Holderbank" Financière Glaris Ltd to Holcim Ltd in May 2001.

Today, the international presence of Holcim consists of a balanced mix of companies in industrialised and emerging markets.

The group employs more than 48,000 people. It has capacities in excess of 140 million tonnes, revenues of $9.2 billion, and a market capitalisation of $12 billion.

Mr Markus Ackermann is the CEO of the company (source: www.holcim.com) .

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