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[Nov 2005]
Lafarge to Build New Roof Tile Plant in France
Lafarge Couverture is to strengthen its industrial facilities in northern France in 2006 with the construction of a production unit for clay roof tiles in Signy l'Abbaye in the Champagne-Ardennes region.
Designed to produce 50 million clay tiles annually, or nearly 4 million sq.m. of tiles and accessories, the new plant will create at least 70 direct jobs and another 70 jobs indirectly. The 14-hectare site will house the new production facility and a storage area for finished products awaiting sale.
The Signy l'Abbaye site was chosen because of numerous advantages, including its central geographical location and abundant clay reserves. Clay extraction from the neighbouring 25-hectare quarry combined with 101 hectares of clay reserves will supply site operations for over 50 years.
Construction is to be carried out in two phases. The first phase, scheduled for 2006, consists of the installation of two clay tile production lines, a production line for accessories and a kiln. The goal is to begin producing by autumn 2007 large tiles, low profile and flat look adapted for both newbuild and renovation work, using styles typical of northern France and Europe. Investment in this first phase is estimated at about 55 million euro.
The second phase will begin as soon as the first phase is fully operational (2008). It will consist of the construction of another kiln and production line for a new tile concept to be launched in 2009.
ENDS