w w w . a F R I C A o u t l o o k m a g . c o m
LAFARGE CEMENT WAPCO NIGERIA PLC Taking pride in their ability to provide innovative cement services and solutions
www
.
lafarge
.
com
.
ng
Lc Ao FmARGE p a n y n ni a gm e re i a
Cementing Nigeria’s Future
2
www.aFRICAoutlookmag.com
f C
o en
sa t
rt
u
u c
t ri
o en
Lafarge has embraced the housing and infrastructure challenges in the Nigerian construction sector, in order to support the country’s socio-economic development Writer Matt Bone Project Manager Tom Cullum
afarge Cement WAPCO Nigeria Plc is one of the foremost cement manufacturing and marketing companies in Nigeria. Since its establishment in 1959, the company has grown sustainably and made a tremendous contribution to the availability of cement in the country. As a result of its take-over in February 2008, Lafarge SA became the majority shareholder in WAPCO, culminating in the change of name from West African Portland Cement Plc to Lafarge Cement WAPCO Nigeria Plc. A subsidiary of Lafarge SA, the world’s largest cement manufacturer and leader in building materials with a presence in 64 countries, Lafarge WAPCO has been and will continue to be the driving force for quality in Nigeria’s construction industry and positions innovation at the heart of its priorities, working towards sustainable construction and architectural creativity in every project. The company has three plants in Nigeria - one in Sagamu and two in Ewekoro - with a current production capacity of 4.5 million metric tonnes. With an objective of increasing the overall availability of cement to Nigerians, as well as assisting in achieving the Federal Government’s drive for affordable housing, Lafarge WAPCO has made immense investments in supporting Nigeria’s socio-economic development.
Building Better Cities
Lafarge Cement WAPCO Nigeria Plc is in the business of ‘Building Better Cities’, a vision that is expressed through the innovative solutions and services their operations offer. Two such areas that has really benefitted from the innovation of Lafarge is the housing and infrastructures sectors, which have seen huge inputs from the company over recent years including
www.aFRICAoutlookmag.com
3
L afarge
nigeria
the building of communities areas and better road transport links. Lafarge Cement WAPCO Nigeria Plc have been operational for over 55 years, and during that time, they have built up a positive and enduring legacy on the nation’s individual landscape. The construction market is a hotly contested one, where being the preferred choice can be the difference between profit and loss. Lafarge Cement WAPCO Nigeria Plc is well placed to become the number one trusted and preferred partner of Nigerian construction professionals and home builders alike. The company is doing its utmost to achieve this goal by ensuring that it delivers cement and concrete solutions that are high quality, environmentally sustainable and available nationwide at an affordable cost.
A Rising Housing Demand
Due to the rapid population growth and urbanisation over the last 10 years in Nigeria, Lafarge has seen the need for affordable housing rise dramatically during that time. There is still a significant need for affordable housing in Nigeria, as well as a strong need for the upgrading of infrastructure in order to cope with this growth; and Lafarge has stepped up to this challenge by working in partnership with the government to build 75,000 homes a year for low- to middle-income earners. With several large scale slums being demolished in recent years, more and more of the country’s poor are looking for new homes. Lafarge Cement WAPCO Nigeria Plc have been working to try and meet this burgeoning need for housing with an estimated 5000 homes being earmarked for building in Lagos alone. It is this level of commitment Lafarge Cement WAPCO Nigeria Plc has for its own country that continues to make it a company for the people.
6
www.aFRICAoutlookmag.com
RICHBON
R
ichbon Nigeria Limited is a leading and foremost indigenous automobile company in Nigeria that deals on high quality heavy duty trucks, construction equipment, trailers, axles, OEM spare parts/Accessories and provide excellent after sales services to our highly esteemed customers in Nigeria.
Tel 0700RICHBON, 08099930389, 08099344447 and 08099930412 www.richbontruck.com
of these trucks on safe driving and give them a better understanding of the functional components of the trucks such as engine, transmission, axle, brake and the electrical systems. The training also comprises of road signs, road accident prevention, health of the operators and motivational talks. As a matter of policy, no driver is permitted to take delivery of trucks from Richbon without undergoing the rigorous intensive three days free and compulsory training which is fully funded by Richbon.
Richbon is the authorized distributor of SINOTRUK brand of trucks in Nigeria, (a brand that has been adjudged the fastest selling truck in Nigeria for 3 consecutive years by the Nigerian Auto Awards.) The company Richbon also brands the drivers of their is also the sole distributor of the famous XGMA customers and re-orientate their mindset brand of construction equipment in Nigeria. from the primitive conceptualization of the word ‘driver’ to making them know Richbon is proud to be associated with they are ‘drivers-of-business’ and partners Lafarge WAPCO a foremost multinational in the profitability/ turnover of the haulage cement manufacturing and marketing business. Richbon gives the drivers free company. Lafarge is driving excellence in corporate dressing and the result is that 95% the building industry and infrastructural these trained drivers have an overall better development in the country. It is also worthy performance than the untrained ones. of commendation that Lafarge has made immense contributions and investments Richbon is currently marketing the in supporting Nigeria’s Socio-economic following products which would be very development especially in the creation useful to Lafarge and its transporters. These of employment opportunities and in the products include the bulk cement tank provision of high quality cement for building trailer, 6x4 tractors, 6x4 dump trucks, 4x2 and the construction industry. tractors; fully fortified with camel back spring, fully air-conditioned, manual and Richbon has been providing to Lafarge 60 ton wall sided flatbeds. This implies that and its transporters quality, affordable and transporters that had been lifting 30-40 ton time tested trucks to complement Lafarge’s of cement now have the opportunity to lift business model of achieving excellence. 60 tons of cement in a single trip. Richbon SINOTRUK brand of trucks are built to also has the concrete mixers, water tanks, effectively cope with the vagaries of our road light trucks and SINOTRUK (HOWO) City conditions in Nigeria. and Mini buses. In line with the high safety standards of Lafarge, Richbon always train the operators
HEAD OFFICE Plot 242 Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, Odolowu Bus Stop, Lagos
www.aFRICAoutlookmag.com
7
L afarge
nigeria
With an approach based on careful planning and research, Lafarge Cement WAPCO Nigeria aim to ensure that the solutions they offer to their customers are always tailored for individual project needs. By utilising state-of-the-art systems and solutions that greatly increase the available options in the construction of foundations, facades and floorings, the company has quickly been widely recognised as an innovative company who do not reuse old ideas, but continually strive for excellence. Lafarge always try to combine several materials to ensure optimal performance in terms of cost, insulation and strength. The company is constantly looking for new and more advanced techniques to offer the industry, techniques which are being developed and refined by the dedicated R&D teams at the company, ensuring that Lafarge Cement WAPCO Nigeria is always ahead of the curve.
8
Investing in Nigeria
Lafarge Cement Wapco Nigeria Plc is demonstrating its commitment as a fixture in the Nigerian economy with the plan to invest additional ÂŁ800 million (N220 billion) over the next three to five years on expansion programmes across the country. This is something that the company has prided itself on, having already invested well over ÂŁ750 million between 2009 and 2012. This new investment is to enable the company complete the expansion of its plant in Calabar, as well as in Ashaka Cement in the North. The sign of a truly market leading construction company is that it works within all sectors in the building industry of Nigeria, from do-it-yourself builders to large construction companies. Lafarge Cement WAPCO Nigeria Plc is certainly a market leader, who does
www.aFRICAoutlookmag.com
not just work with builders but also with local architects and artisans. Whether supplying high-quality cement to a craftsman or helping leading architects explore and deliver creative possibilities, Lafarge is committed to providing solutions that are tailored to the needs of all their clients. Lafarge Cement WAPCO Nigeria Plc take pride in their ability to provide services and solutions beyond the traditional building materials market.Through innovation and performance, the company intends to meet the challenge of urbanisation head on, by helping develop and redefine Nigerian Cities. Individual clients can also benefit from the technical expertise and product innovations that have become the hallmark of Lafarge. Lafarge Cement WAPCO Nigeria Plc always strives to understand the
Groundbreaking Partners Tll llllll flllll wlll ellllle ll lllelel plllltile le lll llle fll lllleflllltilll el .lllllllle wl pllvlel plllllllle lxpelelvle llllllelel lle lxplltiel llll llllllle llllvltivl lxlllltill wlll lll lelllle’ lllleflllltivl plllleelel elelle ellwlle elpplltile lppllllllll & elelvlllle elllleee wl lll Groundbreaking Partners. .llllllll le elellll’e ellelle Expelelvle Cllpllll Wl lll lll pllllll eleltille pllvlell ll lll lllelllltille lllllee llllll lle lle lxpellltill elllllel
EmaillllllllllllllllllllllllllMobileeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee www.aFRICAoutlookmag.com
9
L afarge
nigeria
crux of a project with the client, and ensure that the client’s vision of a project becomes a reality. It is this client relationship that puts Lafarge Cement WAPCO Nigeria Plc head and shoulders above the competition.
Value Centric Ventures
Lafarge Cement WAPCO Nigeria Plc has gained a reputation for putting values at the forefront of their business and the company is continuing to push its strong values of health and safety, environmental protection, corporate governance and social responsibility in as many of their projects as possible. Through intensive training and exchange programmes, Lafarge has developed a highly competent workforce in order to ensure smooth operations across their plants and offices. The company has placed an increased emphasis on informal onthe-job training in recent years, which has seen positive results and feedback from the workers. However, external training programmes provided by specialised organisations and business schools may be offered to meet specific individual needs or for more dedicated role-training. In addition to the formal training programme, Lafarge also promotes the iLearn mindset (I Learn Everyday Acting and Reflecting with my Network). This approach gives a broader spectrum to learning, empowering the individuals to be active in their own on-the-job development. This has been warmly received by workers, who feel that they have a greater input into their own training and personal development.
trying to balance cost and quality is a tough act indeed. However, they have strived to bring down the cost of building in the country. Having reduced overall project expenditure, Lafarge want to continue project construction without compromising on the same high level of quality that they currently offer. The aim is to use more alternative fuels in order to reduce their energy bill and over-reliance on both fossil fuels and non-renewable energy. One such sustainable construction compromise is by improving the thermal inertia of buildings at a design stage in order to reduce heating and air-conditioning costs as well as CO2 emissions. Other such sustainable construction methods that the company is undertaking includes reusing recycled materials during construction stages and the incorporation of renewable energy sources, such as solar power, into new build designs.
Cutting Construction Costs
One of the biggest challenges the construction sector has been facing in Nigeria, is cost. Lafarge Cement WAPCO Nigeria Plc is very aware that
10
www.aFRICAoutlookmag.com
Nigachem Our services Our company has been providing services for a large number of her clients on: Cement Industry Extraction of limestone, a major raw material in cement manufacturing. Mining Iron ore | Coal | Barytes | Gem stones Quarrying & Construction Commercial stone aggregate production | Railway ballast production | Stone dust | Asphalt - for buildings, roads, airports, dams & bridges | Harbour works | Dredging & marine salvage operations Oil Exploration Services Our products are used in energy generation for seismic data acquisition. Technical Support Services to Clients Our team of experienced engineers have requisite competence to render dependable technical back-up to our clients anywhere in Nigeria. Tel +234 803 6303122 Email info@nigachem.ng
www.nigachem.ng
Training for the Future
Nigeria Plc is very aware that trying to balance cost and quality is a tough act indeed. However, they have strived to bring down the cost of building in the country”
For Lafarge Cement WAPCO Nigeria Plc, training is an investment into both the company’s and the country’s future. Accomplished and content employees will always play an important role in the longterm success of any business and Lafarge Cement WAPCO Nigeria Plc is enthusiastic about ensuring their workers are proficient in their roles. By offering training and job related development internally, employees can take control of their own careers and further their knowledge. The learning resources available to company employees are not limited to just job related training. Lafarge created its own University in 2003. It was designed to improve management skills and encourage managers to act in compliance with the Group’s Principles of Action. This corporate university works in partnership with some of the best business schools in the world:
construction
DEPENDABLE SUPPORT SERVICES FOR NATION BUILDING BRANCH OFFICE: 11, Banjul Street, Off Monrovia Street, Off Aminu Kano Crescent, Wuse II, Abuja.
HEAD OFFICE: 20, Sule Abuka Crescent, Off Opebi Road, Ikeja - Lagos.
Tel: +234-803-6303122, +234-803-5921128, +234-803-4030601 Email: info@nigachem.com.ng / nigachem_lgn@yahoo.com Web: www.nigachem.com.ng
SITE MIXED EMULSION (BULK EXPLOSIVES) NIGACHEM NIGERIA LIMITED (NNL) was incorporated in 1987 as a wholly owned company to carry on the business of importation, stocking, marketing and sales of Commercial (Civil) Explosives and Blasting Accessories. NNL in concert with her JV partners, SOLAR INDUSTRIED INDIA LIMITED has established a state-of-the-art Emulsion Explosives plant, which is fully commissioned by the Honourable Minister of Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development and it is designed to accommodate manufacture of both cartridge explosives for Mining/Quarrying/Civil Works and Seismic exploration.
INSEAD and Henley in Europe and Duke University and Chicago GSB in the United States. These programmes help to build networks between managers and encourage knowledge sharing and the development of best practices. Content is regularly updated and enriched. For example, Lafarge University is working with the Executive Finance Committee to implement a programme on the ways financial directors can add value in their management committee. With Lafarge Cement WAPCO Nigeria driving down the costs of high quality construction projects in Nigeria, the country is beginning to reap the benefits. The number of in-demand, affordable houses has risen, enabling families who were previously unable to purchase a house to do so. The company will continue to raise the standard of construction in the country through civil and corporate projects and are well placed to live up to their motto: Building Better Cities.
www.aFRICAoutlookmag.com
11
E n q u iries Tel (UK): +44 (0) 1603 559 151 Tel (SA): +27 (0) 21 527 0053 ben.weaver@outlookpublishing.com
SUBSCRIPTIONS Tel (UK): +44 (0) 1603 559 152 matthew.bone@outlookpublishing.com
www.africaoutlookmag.com
LAFARGE NIGERIA 27B Gerrard Road Ikoyi Lagos Nigeria Tel: +234-1-271-3990 Ext 8719 Fax: +234-1-271-4614 Email: wapco@lafarge.com.ng
www.lafarge.com.ng