: Lafarge

Highly effective solution to pavement drainage

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 07:52:17 GMT

Lafarge Readymix has launched Hydromedia^TM, a new fast draining concrete pavement solution in South Africa. Hydromedia^TM provides rapid storm water removal from streets, parking surfaces, driveways and walkways.

With the dramatic escalation in urbanisation, efficient storm water management is an increasing challenge to reduce the risk of flash flooding and sustain natural water cycles. Adding to their market-leading track record for introducing cutting-edge technology concretes to the local construction industry, Lafarge Readymix has launched Hydromedia^TM, a new fast draining concrete pavement solution in South Africa.

The advanced drainage technology in Hydromedia^TM has been developed by the international Lafarge group, world leader in building materials. While this unique product outperforms traditional permeable pavements, it also minimises the cost and long-term maintenance for local authorities and developers of storm water management infrastructure.

"Hydromedia^TM represents a significant technological advance in addressing important environmental issues associated with residential developments," comments Lafarge's Neville Wearne, National Marketing Manager for Readymix. "This porous pavement concrete is instrumental in recharging groundwater while reducing storm water runoff and can form part of a cost-effective Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SUDS). It also allows more efficient land use by eliminating the need for retention ponds, catchment basins and other storm water management devices. In addition, the product acts as a filter mitigating contamination of groundwater by surface pollutants."

"Water is a scarce resource in South Africa and requires very careful management, planning and protection: this includes our precious ground water which is often forgotten. In urban areas, permeable paving is an important type of sustainable urban drainage system (SUDS). GBCSA welcomes and values innovative design SUDS solutions that protect and conserve our environment," says Manfred Braune, Technical Executive of the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA).

The key to the unique properties of Hydromedia^TM is Lafarge's breakthrough in paste technology to create a no-fines concrete that uses sufficient paste to coat and bind the aggregate particles together, forming a system of highly permeable, interconnected voids that drain freely and quickly. The mix is particularly fluid in application but highly robust and resilient after placing and curing. It results in a much simpler application, improving not only the workability of the concrete mix but also its consistency. The rheological properties that have been achieved strike a balance between fluidity and viscosity, producing short-term flexibility and long-term strength.

"We are proud to have adapted this world-class technology for the benefit of South Africa's construction industry," Wearne adds. "We work closely with all players in the construction chain in order to channel our unparalleled technical strength at innovation into improving construction processes," he concluded. In the case of Hydromedia^TM this means that, in addition to its superior permeability performance of 150-1000 litres/min/m², the product has high fluidity making it easy to place as well as staying workable for up to ninety minutes. The final finish is durable, smoother and, together with being available in a range of integral colours, is aesthetically more appealing than other permeable pavements.

ENDS

Supporting the Class of 2011

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 08:41:55 GMT

Lafarge Education Trust makes it possible for a rural school to soar to new heights with brilliant matric pass rate.

With the recent matric results making the news, it is with great pride that Tau Rapulana School in Itsoseng, North West, learnt that their Matric pass rate came in at a high-achieving 96.29%, which is a huge increase on the school's 2008 pass rate of 39% prior to their participation in the Bodibe Whole School Development Project.

This achievement is largely due to Lafarge Education Trust and Adopt-a-School Foundation that have provided support to Tau Rapulana, ensuring that the learners at this rural school receive a good education from quality teachers and teaching aides. To date, the school benefited from a new library, science laboratory and various educator and learners skills development interventions.

However, it also takes a great leader to help build and maintain high standards in a school and in this case the credit goes to Principal Herman Madimabe who takes his role in educating the youth of South Africa very seriously. "I would like to extend my thanks to the governing body at our school, the staff (school management team and educators), as well as the hard work and dedication of our learners to achieving such good results. I feel honoured to be a part of this," he comments.

Embracing the Whole School Development concept, learners at Tau Rapulana won the 2011 Bodibe Soccer League championship for both girls and boys teams.

Principal Madimabe's commitment to improving education has also earned him an invitation from the Ambassador of the United States to participate in the United States Government's International Visitor Leadership Program, which is an exchange programme between South Africa and America that was offered to him through Wits University after he attended the Executive Leadership course, sponsored by the Lafarge Education Trust.

Thanks to a grant covering all travel, accommodation and food provided to him by the US Government, Mr. Madimabe set off for Washington, D.C. on 6 January 2012 to begin working on this comprehensive exchange programme of which he'll be partaking in the Single Country Project focusing on "Promoting Leadership and Management in Basic Education", from 9 to 27 January 2012.

"I want to thank Lafarge Education Trust and Adopt-a-School Foundation for their support and for exposing me to the Executive Leadership Programme at Wits. Right now this is the fruit of their support," he states.

The exchange will offer the principal insight into the American society and educational system as he will be given the opportunity to visit like-minded people in his profession and enjoy not only learning about the "American way" but also sharing information about South Africa. "I am very excited as I feel as I am going on an adventure where I don't know what to expect on the other side," says PrincipaI Madimabe and adds, "I intend to enlighten them about our education system and the challenges we face in a rural school and how we overcome these challenges."

Lafarge is extremely proud of Mr. Madimabe and his school's achievements and wishes him a knowledgeable and learned experience during his time in the States, as well as a 2012 pass rate that soars all the way to 100%.

Ends

GYPSUM SA: Lafarge Gypsum first to produce 15mm Plasterboard in South Africa

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 10:22:28 GMT

Lafarge Gypsum South Africa is the first plasterboard manufacturer locally to produce a 15mm plasterboard.

The thicker plasterboard benefits customers by offering:
•Better acoustics properties;
•More resistance to impact than a 12mm standard plasterboard; and
•Better insulation properties.

The 15mm plasterboard was initially developed for a specialised retail application in Sandton which proved highly successful because of the distinguishing product features.

The thicker Lafarge Plasterboard is also used in Steel Frame Building applications and is suitable for use in environments where there is high traffic.

The strength of the board may be favourable for other segment specific reasons, especially shopping malls.

These include:
•The ability of the Lafarge Plasterboard to carry the weight of wall hangings/racks for merchandising, and
•Resistance to damage when bumped in high traffic areas. The 15mm board will require less maintenance.

Lafarge Gypsum South Africa recently announced the official listing of its Plasterboard on ecospecifier South Africa.

GYPSUM SA: Lafarge Plasterboard brings home ‘ecospecifier’ listing

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 09:34:22 GMT

Lafarge Gypsum South Africa is proud to announce the official listing of Lafarge Plasterboard on ecospecifier South Africa. The range of 6.4mm, 12mm and 15mm Lafarge Plasterboards have been labeled ‘green', in addition to Lafarge's technical fire-check and moisture-check boards.

This development is of great importance to the building fraternity who are under pressure to specify ‘green' plasterboards for their building projects under the new SANS 204 energy efficiency standard.

According to Jean-Paul Croze, Managing Director of Lafarge Gypsum South Africa, the key focus for the company is to create a sustainable environmental footprint through products profiled for the future using the most advanced technology.

"We want to provide solutions as close to specification requirements as possible to allow architects and interior designers the flexibility to adapt design concepts without compromising the environment."

ecospecifier is the leading global source of sustainable development and life-cycled assessed green product information with a growing base of more than 1300 eco-products, eco-materials, technologies and resources. Its website enables building professionals, architects, designers and specifiers - as well as homeowners - to shortcut their eco and healthy materials search via a single-source process.

The objective of ecospecifier is to provide a third party, independent and unbiased assessment using known South African and international standards, independent test data, research and expert opinion.
When a product is evaluated, it must exhibit one or more eco and health preferable characteristics compared to other products in its category.

Gypsum is the core material of Lafarge Plasterboard which also uses much less energy in the building process than some more traditional brick and mortar construction methods. It is fully recyclable and can be crushed to produce new plasterboard.

Fifty percent of Gypsum is sourced from recycled by-products and the resource can be used as an additive to restore soil quality and balance for agricultural application.

Jean-Paul says Lafarge has developed the quality of its plasterboards to a level where they can offer a superior product that is much lighter than the product of their competitors. "This puts our products ahead in terms of environmental and sustainable development, using less raw material and energy to produce our products, and less fuel to transport products because we can fit more square metres on a truck."

VIEW CERTIFICATE

GYPSUM SA: Lafarge commitment to sustainability extended to transportation

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 09:13:14 GMT

The Lafarge Group entered the global Dow Jones Sustainability Index in 2010 in recognition of its sustainable development actions. The organization had a target of 20% reduction of CO2 per ton between 1990 and 2010 and surpassed this target by achieving a 21.7% reduction. The organization has now gone one step further in enhancing its sustainability initiatives by embarking on a massive CO2 reduction plan targeted around its distribution. An area to date that has seen little focus from general industry.

The plan implemented by Lafarge Gypsum South Africa in partnership with Don Bur, SA Truck Bodies and MAN Truck & Bus, will set new boundaries for transportation specifications on the continent while supporting the environmental values of Lafarge and its bid to construct a legacy.

The new transportation specifications of Lafarge Gypsum works on innovation and technology in order to reduce the environmental impact of the business. Technical developments have embraced creativity to meet the business core objectives of:

Introducing one of the safest vehicles operating on South African roads;

Designing a vehicle specification that would inherently reduce the companies carbon footprint;

Increasing payloads to enable fewer vehicle trips

Earlier this year, Jean-Paul Croze, Managing Director of Lafarge Gypsum South Africa, announced his intent to create a sustainable environmental inheritance in South Africa through the implementation of the most advanced technology available in the world. The new teardrop concept for Lafarge Gypsum's transportation trailers and rigid vehicles truly encapsulates the thought leadership behind this process.

The new vehicle transportation specification for Lafarge Gypsum South Africa will become the benchmark for logistics right across Africa with the following constructive features:

Proven technology in Europe, with a new commercial vehicle application (Super-link);
It mimics the perfect aerodynamic lines of a natural teardrop;
It reduces the Coefficient of Drag (CD Value);An 11.3% average fuel saving;

Aerodynamics, rolling resistance, inertia and gravity, as well as drive line losses are the four major fuel-consuming culprits of transportation. While the teardrop concept of Lafarge mimics the perfect aerodynamic properties of a natural teardrop, its attention is on lowering turbulence and drag. The less drag results in lower fuel consumption.

Lafarge worldwide has set strict CO2 targets from materials to buildings. Bruno Lafont, Chairman and CEO of Lafarge commented: "Lafarge has made the reduction of its CO2 emissions a major objective."

It is therefore no longer a matter of reducing the CO2 emitted in the production of materials for Lafarge, but for every aspect of the business to develop solutions that will consume less energy.

Controlled trial results in Europe of Lafarge Teardrop trailers showed:

Fuel savings of 8.5%• A negligible increase in capital cost
No affect on residual values
No reported operational issues
Increased payload through reducing the vehicle tare weight by 1.5 tons

The second generation of Lafarge Teardrop trailers that followed were further advanced by:

Pillarless design;
Further use of lighter materials which reduced the net tare weight by a further 1.2 tons;
Buckleless curtains; and
Side Skirts (a potential area for storage) and further fuel savings of 1.5%.

From the learnings gained within Lafarge Europe the Teardrop concept is now being introduced into South Africa in three variations (Super-link, tri-axle articulated vehicle and a 15 ton Rigid).

Formal trials are being conducted to quantify the fuel saving benefits but these are forecast to be around 9 to 13%.

Payloads of allthree vehicle types will increase significantly and will set the benchmark for what is legally achievable on South African roads.

Finally and most importantly Lafarge will also be fitting as standard a number of health and safety improvements to ensure a safe distribution environment some of which are yet again new to the South African marketplace.

New CEO and BU General Manager for Lafarge Aggregates

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 06:18:30 GMT

Lafarge South Africa welcomes the appointment of Funani Mojono as CEO and Business Unit General Manager of the company's mining activities.

Mojono brings to the Aggregates Business Unit his notable experience in management and business transformation in the manufacturing sector.

Before joining Lafarge, Mojono was the General Manager at ArcelorMittal Coke and Chemicals. His interventions resulted in an R1bn profit for the company. He also helped to improve the company's steel recycling strategy and brought the Collect-a-Can programme to sustained profitability for the first time in 13 years.

"I am delighted to work for Lafarge in South Africa", says Mojono. "I will be focusing on a number of imperatives, including inculcating accountability for safety measures into the culture of the company; unlocking productivity at the company's plants to achieve cost reductions and grow capacity; strengthening customer focus and unlocking new markets; and meaningfully transforming the division's business unit. The Lafarge operation in South Africa has a longstanding, proud tradition of market leadership, technical innovation and customer service." He says it is his aim to employ the skills of the Lafarge Group to continue and build on that tradition.

Earlier in his career, Mojono worked on breakthrough projects at Sappi and Nampak, introducing efficiencies in waste management. He has also consulted on business transformation and strategy for Deloitte and Bentley West.

Mojono spent his childhood in Mamelodi and matriculated from Tlhakanang High School in former KwaNdebele and graduated with a BEng in Chemical Engineering from the University of Pretoria. Mojono completed a post-graduate Management Development Programme at Manchester Business School and an Executive Development Programme at Kellogg Management College (part of the Northwestern University in Chicago).

NOTES TO EDITORS
Lafarge is the world leader in building materials, with top-ranking positions in all of its businesses: Cement, Aggregates & Concrete and Gypsum. With 76,000 employees in 78 countries, Lafarge posted sales of Euros 16.2 billion in 2010.
Lafarge was ranked 6th in the "Carbon Disclosure Project" and entered the global "Dow Jones Sustainability Index" in 2010 in recognition of its sustainable development actions. With the world's leading building materials research facility, Lafarge places innovation at the heart of its priorities, working for sustainable construction and architectural creativity.

ENDS

For more information contact:

Dawie Brand - Communication Manager

011 657 1067

Service delivery wins Readymix the Mhlabatshane dam contract

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 14:35:03 GMT

The vision of providing potable water to over 100 000 people in scattered rural and peri-urban communities on the Lower South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal is close to reality.

After many years of careful planning and consultation with communities in the uMzumbe and Hibiscus Coast local municipalities, Umgeni Water is implementing a bulk water supply scheme. One of the key elements is the R85million Mhlabatshane Dam on the Mhlabatshane River, situated approximately 25km inland from Highflats.

The biggest challenge facing the project was the steep, single-lane access gravel road to the remote site, which made delivery of all construction materials extremely difficult and ruled out the use of a conventional concrete batch plant. The solution was provided by Lafarge Readymix. Their proposal to position a semi-mobile batch plant on site won Lafarge the concrete supply contract from the main contractor, Cyclone Construction.

"We had the right equipment and experience to tackle the job," says Lafarge's Project Leader, Marco Sebastiano. "Using one of our semi-mobile batch plants, we were on site and ready to produce in no time at all. This versatile unit can supply an average of 450m³/day with a peak output of over 50m³/hour, which is coping readily with the current average project usage of around 200m³/day. To date, we have supplied 16 000m³ of concrete against the estimated total requirement of 30 000m³." Sebastiano handled the contract negotiations with the contractors and is continually in communication with Cyclone to ensure the smooth operation of the concrete supply contract. All raw materials are being sourced locally: pre-blended CEM III cement comes from NPC's Durban plant and the independently owned Port Shepstone Quarry is supplying 19mm stone. Contingency planning for the access road becoming impassable during periods of heavy rain included installing a 180ton capacity cement silo.

Construction work on the Dam started at the end of August 2010 and is approaching 50% completion. "After our initial reservations about the production rate and quality from the mobile concrete plant, the supply has been good. We have also been getting good support in general from the Lafarge team to address any queries and help maintain the rate of construction," comments Raj Ramchuran, Director of Bosch Stemele, Consulting Engineers on the project. "The associated raw water pipeline, which was a separate contract, was completed at the end of June. Tenders for the other main elements of the bulk water supply scheme, a reservoir and a water treatment works, are in the process of being awarded. At this stage everything is on track for commissioning in April 2012."

Road safety has required a great deal of commitment and organisation to address the major problem of the narrow access road that is used extensively by pedestrians from local communities. "The problems associated with the access road were a major stumbling block when we first approached our suppliers and transporters," says Sebastiano. "Many parties were not prepared to take the risk. Fortunately everyone on site has adopted a safety first approach and we have not had any accidents."

Pietermaritzburg based, Cyclone Construction specialise in all types of civil concrete work and have extensive experience of working in remote areas. "The location of this Dam is certainly challenging," says Site Agent, Dave Roux, of Cyclone Construction. "Lafarge's mobile batch plant is giving us much more flexibility and the best possible service under difficult circumstances. Once completed, the Dam and the water reticulation network it is supplying will be an enormous benefit to thousands of people who previously had to draw their water from the Mhlabatsane River."

NOTES TO EDITORS
Lafarge is the world leader in building materials, with top-ranking positions in all of its businesses: Cement, Aggregates & Concrete and Gypsum. With 76,000 employees in 78 countries, Lafarge posted sales of Euros 16.2 billion in 2010. Lafarge was ranked 6th in the "Carbon Disclosure Project" and entered the global "Dow Jones Sustainability Index" in 2010 in recognition of its sustainable development actions. With the world's leading building materials research facility, Lafarge places innovation at the heart of its priorities, working for sustainable construction and architectural creativity.

GYPSUM SA: Affordable Housing

Sun, 31 Jul 2011 15:01:17 GMT

Steel Brandering is an ideal solution for residential ceiling applications compared to the traditional timber branded ceilings.

There are significant benefits to using Steel Brandering. Steel does not warp, rot or deteriorate and when it comes to environmental integrity, steel is the most recycled material in the world.

While the question of quality versus speed has always been a contentious one, economics and demand require buildings to go up quickly and affordably. Steel Brandering not only provides a straight, aesthetically pleasing finish, it is also quick and easy to install because of the material's reduced weight.

Lafarge Steel Brandering is a tried and tested product of Lafarge Gypsum South Africa. The system can be effortlessly fixed to timber tie beams, fitted perpendicular to the roof trusses by means of a suspension bracket fixed at 400mm centres.

The 6.4mm Jumbo Plasterboard - also from Lafarge Gypsum - is fixed to the steel brandering by means of 25mm drywall screws at 150mm centres. Joints can be formed with plastic, steel "H" strip or timber cover strips in the case of 6.4mm plasterboard ceilings, or taped and skimmed in the case of 9mm & 12mm plasterboard.

Steel Brandering can be used in bulkhead construction, easily facilitated by a range of joiners.

High quality Jumbo Plasterboard separates great interiors from the average. Designed for internal walls, ceilings and partitions in residential and commercial buildings, the Lafarge Gypsum product is durable, recyclable, aesthetic and of superior quality without the necessary drying time for alternate wet trade solutions.

Lafarge Gypsum's systems are usually the most cost-effective and time-saving solution, whether for cinemas, schools and recreation centres or for residential housing, offices and hospitals.

The products can be used in many innovative ways to realise the most ambitious design concepts within demanding cost and time restraints. Lafarge Plasterboard is a particularly strong and lightweight plasterboard system that offers many advantages in an increasingly competitive market to reduce site costs and shorten contract programmes.

Lafarge Plasterboard solutions are designed to meet numerous critical technical specifications and in the event that a project has special technical requirements, our technical advisory team will provide assistance to devise a suitable solution.

There is a Lafarge system to satisfy the most exacting technical specification, both economically and within strict time frames. Whether needing to achieve fire resistance, acoustic control, thermal insulation or high performance partition solutions, or a number of these requirements simultaneously, there is an effective Lafarge solution.

Innovation is a key lever of competitiveness, differentiating us from our competitors. Furthermore, innovation reinforces customer loyalty by meeting their specific needs with more effective value propositions.

Lafarge's capacity for innovation, through the creation of completely new properties, goes hand in hand with close attention to market expectation. The company is opening up a new era in Gypsum production while at the same time meeting the most cutting-edge architectural requirements

The Business Unit supplies Plasters and Compounds together with related system components, such as ceiling grid, access floor systems, aluminium profiles for doors, windows and partition frames and associated accessories. These are used primarily to offer gypsum-based building solutions for constructing, finishing or decorating interior walls and ceilings in residential, commercial and institutional construction projects.

In our operations, safety, quality, environmental awareness, good governance and legal compliance are paramount priorities. We strive for continuous improvement in all our processes, products and services to safeguard the health and safety of our employees and the public at large, while ensuring the environmental integrity of our operating sites.

Our intensive safety programmes are aimed at establishing safety performance standards that will place Lafarge Gypsum among the leaders in the international industry.

Lafarge Plasterboard and associated ceiling and partition systems are sold to installers and distributors through a network of outlets in South Africa, Mauritius, Botswana and Mozambique. Lafarge Gypsum products are also distributed through specialised retailers, hardware stores and agents in Sub Saharan Africa.

GYPSUM SA: Efficient building with Lafarge

Sun, 31 Jul 2011 14:55:53 GMT

Buildings represent nearly 40% of global energy and have become an environmental,

Efficient building with Lafarge

Buildings represent nearly 40% of global energy and have become an environmental, economic and social challenge to explore, develop and propose intelligent building solutions that promote sustainable and efficient construction throughout a structure's lifecycle.

Forming part of the ‘Efficient Building with Lafarge' Group initiative being rolled out globally, the company is actively developing innovative solutions for architects to design more efficient buildings. The aim is to ensure, through Lafarge's research and partnership programmes, that however efficient buildings are, the cost remains as low as possible in order to provide everyone with decent and environmentally-friendly housing.

Building methods are determined by geography, climate, urban planning and the level of the country's development. From a sustainable construction perspective, there is no ‘ideal' building. The characteristics of an energy-efficient home will vary according to the building's size and its spacial organization.

Lafarge Gypsum South Africa is proactively generating product solutions as close to specification requirements as possible with the implementation of SANS 204 energy efficiency programme.

"Lafarge Gypsum is one of only two local producers which generate the full system of plasterboards, ceiling tiles, plasters, Cove Cornices, suspended steel ceiling grids, and stud and track steel partitioning," said Jean-Paul Croze, Managing Director of Lafarge Gypsum South Africa.

"Our aim is to become the benchmark for intelligent building systems, offering the best sustainable and pioneering solutions for customers. We want to offer the possibility of translating visual concepts into actual on-site reality," Croze said.

The Group works in partnership with architects and engineers from the design stage of buildings in order to incorporate construction systems which effectively contribute to improving their energy performance.

Lafarge bases its approach on the environmental footprint of its products according to several criteria, including greenhouses gases, air pollution, water consumption and transport.

According to Croze, Lafarge Gypsum has developed the quality of its plasterboards to a level where the company can offer a superior product that is much lighter than the product of market competitors. "This puts our products a step up in terms of environmental and sustainable development, using less raw material and energy to produce our products, and less fuel to transport products because we can fit more square metres on a truck."

The Lafarge Plasterboard ‘specific systems' are designed to not only meet fire and moisture check properties, but are also complemented by high performance products that are specifically designed for thermal and acoustic applications.

Lafarge skimming plasters were also developed so that they can be applied in thinner layers, enabling optimal surface coverage per bag while Lafarge Cove Cornices have been improved in order to be stronger than those of competitors, generating fewer damages, breakages and losses.

With the world's leading building materials research facility, Lafarge places innovation at the heart of its priorities, working for sustainable construction and architectural creativity.

The reduction of Lafarge's carbon footprint was acknowledged just last year when the Group was ranked 6^th in the "Carbon Disclosure Project" and entered into the global "Dow Jones Sustainability Index" in recognition of its sustainable development actions.

-Ends-

Prepared by:

Liezel Niemack

Cell: 072 630 3383

Email: liezel@mediaimage.co.za

Si comes obierit, cujus filius nobiscum sit, filius noster, cum ceteris fidelibus nostris, ordinet de his qui illi plus familiares et propinquiores fuerint, qui cum ministerialibus ipsius comitatus et episcopo ipsum comitatum praevideat, usque dum nobis renuntietur.

GYPSUM SA: Mall of the North editorial

Sun, 31 Jul 2011 14:52:06 GMT

The question of quality opposed to speed is a controversial and often hotly debated topic for architects and interior designers.

Mall of the North editorial

The question of quality opposed to speed is a controversial and often hotly debated topic for architects and interior designers. Economics and demand require buildings to go up quickly and affordably albeit the potential compromise on quality.

As a leading supplier of interior finishing solutions that differentiate great interiors and enhance public spaces, Lafarge Gypsum appreciates the need for the two pillars of smart construction, namely time efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Lafarge Gypsum products are founded on high quality, consistency and innovative design methods. Its innovative products are profiled for the future by bridging the divide between architectural lessons of the past and the most advanced technology.

The company's gypsum-based building solutions are used for constructing, finishing and decorating interior walls and ceilings in residential, commercial and institutional construction projects. Product installation is efficient and economic compared to traditional ‘brick and mortar' building methods..

Lafarge Plasterboard was extensively used throughout the Mall of the North project. The product is designed for internal walls, ceilings and partitions in retail, commercial and residential applications.

Plasterboard comprises of an aerated gypsum core encased in and firmly bonded on both sides with a special plasterboard liner to render a smooth, yet highly functional surface. It offers durable, recyclable properties and superior aesthetic qualities.

Lafarge Plasterboard offers a clean cut and therefore a clean working environment. The core recipe also allows for better handling and reduces the risk of breaking on site. Painting is more efficient due to less paint having to be applied to the board. Lafarge Plasterboard has also been formulated to eliminate sagging and thinner plasterboard can be curved to offer that unique bulkhead shape.

To complement its plasterboard products, Lafarge Gypsum manufactures steel and aluminium components that allow them to offer customers a one-stop-shop for ceiling, partitioning and flooring solutions.

For commercial partitions, Lafarge Gypsum offers either permanent or demountable systems. The partitions and separating walls are quick to erect, with high levels of fire and acoustic performance. A variety of different specification options achieve acoustic insulation and fire resistance up to 120 minutes.

Components are light and easy to handle, while being quick and simple to install with minimum wastage. Lafarge Gypsum's partitions are dimensionally accurate and will not bow, warp or shrink.

Lafarge Gypsum's main commercial system is the Maclock^® Commercial Wall. As a convenient single source supplier to contractors, Lafarge Gypsum has central supply points across South Africa and Africa.

GYPSUM SA: Bringing Materials to Life

Sun, 31 Jul 2011 14:50:38 GMT

The new Lafarge Gypsum Skim Stone finishing compound is developed specifically for South Africa’s coastal areas

The new Lafarge Gypsum Skim Stone finishing compound is developed specifically for South Africa's coastal areas to counteract the delayed setting times incurred by the moisture and heat weather elements typical of these localities.

Lafarge Skim Stone presents a high quality finish with a wide application range. It is used internally and can be applied to plasterboard, ceilings, plasterboard walls, cement rendered walls as well as brick walls.

In a bid to continuously evaluate and upgrade product solutions for the build environment, Lafarge Skim Stone is not only easy to mix, but also easy to apply. Contractors are advised to not mix more than can be used in 90 minutes. No sealer coat or bonding coat is required on plasterboard before plastering.

Skim Stone is mainly used as a finish application to plasterboard ceilings and walls as well as a finish application to cement rendered walls where the recommended application thickness is maximum 3mm, although the product can be applied to vertical brick applications to a thickness of 13mm.

Lafarge Skim Stone can be polished to achieve a smooth glass finish.

GYPSUM SA: Lafarge Gypsum donates to SACLA home

Sun, 31 Jul 2011 10:42:37 GMT

SACLA home is a home for disabled children in Khayelitsha

SACLA home is a home for disabled children in Khayelitsha, Western Cape. The centre is used to provide treatment, care, food and shelter for disabled children. Staff include facilitators, healthcare workers, social workers and educators, who are currently offering home-based care services to these children as the centre could not be used for its original intent and purposes due to vandalism. The centre had become a hazard for children (i.e. broken windows, exposed electrical wires, etc).

The building was in need of repairs and Lafarge Gypsum responded to a request from Green Communities, a non-profit organisation, by donating ceiling board materials and accessories for the repair of all damaged ceiling. This was done through the Lafarge Cape Town branch and the branch manager, Terrence Domingo gave assistance to Green Communities, ensuring that they had all materials required to successfully repair the ceilings. Lafarge Gypsum is delighted have played a part in creating beautiful environment for the disabled children of Khayelitsha.

Editorial contribution for the Eco-Living feature

Tue, 31 May 2011 14:47:04 GMT

While South Africa is still relatively behind international markets in respect of renewable energy,

While South Africa is still relatively behind international markets in respect of renewable energy, the implementation of SANS 204 has generated greater awareness of the country's energy efficiency requirements for buildings.

Lafarge Gypsum has noticed a positive impact in respect of specification requirements, says the company's Managing Director, Jean-Paul Croze.

According to Jean-Paul, Lafarge's objective is to provide solutions as close to specification requirements as possible allowing architects and interior designers the flexibility to adapt design concepts without compromising the environment.

"Quality and environmental awareness have always been paramount priorities for Lafarge. We scout the world for trends in sustainable development to lead product innovation that is compliant with world-class building standards."

While architects take the lead in the design and specification of ‘intelligent' office environments, Jean-Paul is of the belief that it is the responsibility of the manufacturer to drive awareness and communicate the benefits of compliant product ranges.

The Lafarge Plasterboard process utilises naturally occurring gypsum from the company's mine in Pofadder in the Northern Cape Province, South Africa. Furthermore, the paper used for Lafarge Plasterboard is made of recycled fibres, making the final product recyclable.

Lafarge was ranked 6^th in the "Carbon Disclosure Project" and entered the global "Dow Jones Sustainability Index" in 2010 in recognition of its sustainable development actions. With the world's leading building materials research facility, Lafarge places innovation at the heart of its priorities, working for sustainable construction and architectural creativity.

Ends

Issued by:

Liezel Niemack

Lafarge Gypsum Media Communications Consultant

Cell: 072 630 3383

Email: liezel@mediaimage.co.za

New Area Manager for Readymix in KZN

Wed, 04 May 2011 08:55:13 GMT

Avi Bhoora has recently been appointed Area Manager for Lafarge Readymix KZN.

With 16-years of industry experience he is responsible for running the Readymix Concrete businesses in Durban, Richards Bay and East London. Avi joins Lafarge from NPC-CIMPOR in Durban and has extensive knowledge and experience of both the Aggregate and Concrete manufacturing and commercial processes. Formerly Managing Director of NPC's Aggregate and Concrete Division, his vast experience includes positions as Business Unit Manager of Alpha Readymix, Senior Works Manager at Coedmore Quarry and Contract Manager at Stocks Roads. Avi is currently National Chairman of the Aggregate & Stone Producers Association of SA.

According to Avi he will be focusing on growing a sustainable readymix business in a challenging environment, as well as improving market share through Service Quality, Product Mix & Quality.

ENDS

Architect & Specificator Magazine

Tue, 01 Mar 2011 15:35:23 GMT

Steel Brandering is the ideal solution for residential ceiling applications.

Architect & Specificator Magazine

Editorial

Steel Brandering is the ideal solution for residential ceiling applications.

There are significant benefits to using Steel Brandering compared to the traditional timber branded ceilings. Steel does not warp, rot or deteriorate, and when it comes to environmental integrity, steel is the most recycled material in the world.

The reduced weight of Steel Brandering allows for a quick and easy installation in addition to easier handling and hassle-free transportation.

Steel Brandering provides a straight, aesthetically pleasing finish. The system is fixed to timber tie beams and fitted perpendicular to the roof trusses by means of a suspension bracket, fixed at 400mm centres.

The plasterboards are fixed to the steel brandering by means of 25mm drywall screws at 150mm centres. Joints can be formed with plastic, steel "H" strip or timber cover strips in the case of 6.4mm plasterboard ceilings, or taped and skimmed in the case of 9mm & 12mm plasterboard.

Steel Brandering can also be used in bulkhead construction, easily facilitated by a range of joiners.

Steel Brandering is a trusted and tried product from Lafarge Gypsum South Africa - a member of the international Lafarge Group's Gypsum division.

Safety, quality, environmental awareness, good governance and legal compliance are paramount priorities at Lafarge. We strive for continuous improvement in all our processes, products and services to be among the leaders in the international industry.

Lafarge Gypsum products are also distributed through specialised retailers, hardware stores and agents in Sub Saharan Africa.

Ends / Liezel Niemack