| Economic Responsibility |
At Holcim, we understand that as an essential construction material, cement is a global commodity that makes important contributions to economic activity. We also realize that our economic performance has direct and indirect impacts on all of our stakeholders, including our employees, local governments, non-profit organizations, customers, suppliers, and the communities in which we operate. In an increasingly competitive global market, improving operational efficiency and performance, through more efficient use of resources, can?enhance our overall performance and enable us to?ensure?sustainable development. Customers and Sales Holcim (US) is one of the largest manufacturers of cement in the United States, with a production capacity of nearly 15 million tons of cement per year. In addition, Holcim has the capacity to annually produce over one million tons of mineral components, which are added to cement products during the finishing process or sold independently. In 2003, combined sales of these products in the US totaled more than $1 billion. This revenue figure includes sales of an additional 2.5 million tons of cement supplied through imports from other global Holcim companies. As a large cement producer, our key customers include ready-mix concrete producers, concrete products manufacturers, contractors, buildings material dealers, and oil well, mining, and waste companies. Approximately half of our product is used in government-related work such as highways, roads, and public buildings. Employees Our employees' expertise, passion, and enthusiasm are key to our performance. We strive to create a working climate that encourages personal and professional development, and to reward our employees with excellent training, career growth, and compensation. Federal, State, and Local Governments As many of our plants are located in small cities or rural areas, Holcim (US) is often one of the largest economic contributors in an area surrounding its operations, and thereby one of the largest contributors to the local tax base. Indirect Economic Impacts In contributing value to society, we recognize that our activities also create indirect economic impacts such as advances in innovation or the economic effects of changes in locations and/or operations. Our payments to employees, suppliers, and governments have indirect as well as direct economic impacts. For example, our employees purchase goods and services; pay sales, income and property taxes; and donate their time to civic causes. These activities fuel the local services industry, government programs, and community activities, thereby creating additional jobs and services. This “multiplier-effect” becomes all the more important in communities where Holcim (US) is one of the largest employers, as is the case at many of its cement plant locations. Local Communities Our “license to operate” depends upon the trust and support of the local communities where Holcim (US) operates. Holcim therefore believes it has a responsibility to share its success through contributions to community projects and activities. Decisions on the types and amounts of local expenditure are generally determined by plant management staff that live and work in the communities where we operate. |
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