Heidelberg Materials to close 500,000 mt/year cement plant in northern France

Cement giant Heidelberg Materials plans to close its 500,000 metric ton/year cement plant in Ranville, France, the company said Sept. 16.

Heidelberg said the closure is due to challenging economic conditions and is part of its efforts to "optimize" its European production network. In addition to its 450,000 mt/year cement capacity, the plant has a clinker production capacity of 340,000 mt/year. Heidelberg also said the move is part of its decarbonization strategy.

"The step comes after a significant decline in cement volumes following weak construction demand in France due to the current economic environment," Heidelberg said in a statement. "The company is advancing its cement portfolio towards higher added-value products with lower clinker content, thereby reducing CO₂ emissions."

Clinker is the most emissions-intensive component of traditional cement.

Heidelberg did not disclose the date it expects to officially close the plant.

"Against the backdrop of a challenging economic environment, Heidelberg Materials France is pursuing an ambitious decarbonization strategy," the company said. "To date, the company has invested €650 million in modernizing its sites in Airvault, Beaucaire, Bussac-Forêt, and Couvrot."

In July, the Heidelberg reported that European cement sales volumes in the first half of 2026 had declined due to adverse weather and challenging economic conditions.

Platts, part of S&P Global Energy, assessed ordinary Portland cement (CEM I 42.5R) (bulk) at $57/mt CEMDEX Turkey on Sept. 10, up 0.9% year over year.

Platts assessed cement clinker at $46.50/mt CLX Turkey, down 1.1% year over year.