Lafarge’s annual R&D spend hits €120m

To improve the quality of its products and efficiently address specific needs of consumers, Lafarge Plc invests €120 million annually on Research and Development( R&D) annaully.

This was disclosed by Chris Lobel, general manager, ReadyMix, Lafarge Nigeria, while presenting a paper entitled  ‘Commercial ReadyMix concrete as a project enabler-benefits for owners and contractors,’ during the stakeholders meeting on building a durable concrete for West Africa construction in Lagos.

According to Lobel, Lafarge ReadyMix Nigeria has a clear strategy as a project enabler as it drives quality and innovation forward, while  promoting a sustainable environment for generations to come.

He said the company achieves the development by working closely with its valued customers and partners.

“As a member of the Lafarge Group, we have a unique opportunity to draw on the expertise of our employees worldwide to bring innovative value to our Nigerian customers,” he said, adding tht Lafarge is one of the few full-service concrete producers capable of manufacturing an extremely wide range of concretes.

“Our technical expertise, state-of-the-art plants, and commitment to innovation enable us to make a concrete that can assist our customers with all their construction needs. Our portfolio includes products ranging from standard concrete used in everyday driveways and sidewalks to customised mixes used in complex high-rises that must meet strict design specifications to our proprietary technology, Chronolia, which lets users strip a wall from just a few hours after the concrete arrives on the jobsite,” he said.

Also speaking , Loren Zanin, managing director, ReadyMix/Aggregates  and country key accounts director, Lafarge Nigeria Limited, said Lafarge enjoys doing business in Nigeria and will continually invest in the economy by building on its values to make the best cement and concrete solutions available in all parts of the country – not just the best cement and concrete solutions, but its building expertise as well.

“We take pride in producing and safely delivering quality concrete that meets the specifications ordered. Our quality culture encompasses on-site quality control personnel, laboratory technicians who stay behind the scenes testing and improving the performance of our mixes, and trained plant managers and batchers who watch each load to ensure that the right concrete leaves our plant”, he stated.

ODINAKA ANUDU