At the helm of Calucem’s eco-friendly transformation is the visionary CEO, Yuri Bouwhuis. With a goal to improve the company’s positive impact on the community and the environment, Yuri’s leadership has led to the successful completion of this multi-million investment, providing additional flexibility in the use of raw materials during production.
Q: Thank you for joining me today, Yuri. Could you tell us more about Calucem’s recent investment in the Pula facility?
Yuri Bouwhuis: Of course, I’d be happy to. Calucem invested roughly 3 million euros, in upgrading our Pula facility. Our goal was to significantly address the noise and dust issue in Pula as well as throughout the Istrian peninsula. This investment is actually the largest industrial investment in Pula in recent years.
Q: That’s quite impressive. How did this investment contribute to eco-friendliness?
Yuri Bouwhuis: One of the main features of the upgraded facility is the newly installed briquetting plant. This contributes to reducing CO2 and developing a circular economy, giving an additional boost to more ecological and greener production. We no longer need to use the services of an external supplier in the briquetting process. Now we carry out the process where it is necessary – at the heart of the factory.
Q: That sounds like a significant improvement. Can you tell us more about the briquetting process?
Yuri Bouwhuis: Sure. The briquetting process allows us to use finely ground milling product that would otherwise be useless in production as a raw material. This waste material is now returned to the production process, providing additional flexibility in the use of raw materials during production.
Q: That’s a great way to reduce waste and increase efficiency. How does the briquetting system work?
Yuri Bouwhuis: The modern briquetting system uses the latest technology and is managed by highly trained staff. At the same time, the manufacturer supports us online and can immediately help or set up the system remotely. With the completion of the investment, jobs were created for 5 new employees.
Q: That’s fantastic. How does this investment fit into Calucem’s overall strategy?
Yuri Bouwhuis: This investment is part of Calucem’s strategy to grow as a company and increase flexibility in the production of a special type of cement – CAC calcium aluminate cement. It is only the first step in transforming the company towards eco-friendliness. We still have a lot of work to do, but we have to start somewhere.
Q: It’s great to see a company taking a proactive approach to sustainability. How does this investment impact Calucem’s customers?
Yuri Bouwhuis: Calucem is focused on creating a positive work environment, and by investing in environmentally friendly manufacturing, we have a positive impact on the market and follow our key customers across their facilities worldwide. We export to more than 60 countries, making us the second-largest producer and supplier of calcium aluminate cement in the world.
Thank you for taking the time to speak with me today, Yuri. It’s clear that Calucem is committed to sustainable production and leading the way in the cement industry.
