| Building trust! |
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Production optimization in Kirchberg/Switzerland The Swiss building materials market is going very well. For Holcim Switzerland, the first priority is not only capacity expansion, but also production optimization. |
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The gravel plant in Kirchberg near Wil in eastern Switzerland is still a major construction site. It will not open for another few months. However, computer-generated images already give a good idea of how well the entire plant will blend into the surrounding countryside. Although more than 30 meters high, the plant is sunk approximately 10 meters into the ground, and barely sticks out in the gently rolling landscape. The shape of the roof and the color scheme of the new plant have been purposely designed to fit in with the barns of surrounding farms. Irrespective of the vantage point from which you view the gravel works, they come across as remarkably discreet. |
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Impressive acceptance by the local community The people of the small community of Kirchberg are committed to the new gravel works. This is borne out by the fact that not a single objection has been launched against the planned construction of this new plant. This is no mean feat given that this plant is in Switzerland,where people regularly use their rights of recourse. This general acceptance is even more impressive when the plant’s history is considered. Gravel has been processed here since 1963. The road to the gravel plant previously led directly through the village. For decades from Monday to Friday, dozens of heavy trucks drove up and down the main street. When the approved gravel reserves were used up, the former owner was unable to obtain new excavation approval; the residents of Kirchberg, although perfectly aware that gravel was a necessary industrial product, were no longer prepared to put up with the inconvenience in their daily lives. In 1994, Holcim Switzerland took over the plant and immediately set about trying to reach a good understanding with the local authorities and the local population. This involved taking a number of practical measures. To improve the traffic situation, Holcim Switzerland built a private road that circumvented the heart of the community. Not only did this take the pressure off the village center, it also shortened the transport route by about three kilometers. Calculated in annual terms, this brought considerable savings not only to clients but also to Holcim Switzerland itself. After Holcim Switzerland had taken over two other gravel works in the local region, the management decided to consolidate its activities in Kirchberg. The idea was to combine the three smaller plants to make one large one. At that time, the Kirchberg plant not only had insufficient capacity, but also did not meet the latest technical requirements. Moreover, the old plant could not produce the high level of quality now expected by clients of Holcim Switzerland – a level of quality that had become the new Swiss concrete standard. |
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Close collaboration with residents In 2001, the plant was shut down, but with the intention of reopening it after a comprehensive renovation process. Holcim Switzerland sought to collaborate closely with the municipality and the residents of Kirchberg, staging information events and listening carefully to the wishes of local people. They sat down with environmental groups and showed them how Holcim Switzerland was recultivating gravel works in such a way once the reserves were exhausted that high-quality new biotopes would grow up to support flora and fauna. Holcim Switzerland’s good reputation played a huge part in facilitating collaboration with the different interest groups. This Group company has built its reputation over decades, for example in Kirchberg itself with the construction of a new cycle path. Around three years after the old plant was shut down and after numerous discussions and the publication of an environmental compatibility report, Holcim Switzerland was able to get down to the detailed planning of the new facility in 2006. Once all the approvals were in place,work began to dismantle the old facilities and construct the new one. In the middle of 2008, one of the most modern gravel works will commence operations in Kirchberg. Not only will it be able to produce around 400,000 tonnes of high-quality gravel every year, it will also be able to maintain quality at a consistently high level. Clients will benefit from the large product range being offered from one location. As the plant will also boast high silo capacity, all of the products will be available at all times. |
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Even though many objectives have been achieved, the close contact between Holcim Switzerland and the local community of Kirchberg is set to continue even after the new gravel works have been opened. The Swiss Group company is understandably interested in longterm relationships. As gravel will continue to be excavated in Kirchberg for many more years. |
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