Cemex

CEMEX S.A.B. de C.V., commonly known as Cemex, is a Mexican multinational company specialising in building materials, including cement, ready-mix concrete, and aggregates. Established in 1906, the company is headquartered in Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico, and operates across more than 50 countries. 

As of November 2024, Cemex's market capitalisation is approximately $8.54 billion, ranking it among the world's leading cement producers.

The company's operations are globally diversified, with approximately 25% of sales originating from Mexico, 33% from the United States, and the remainder from regions in Europe, Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Cemex's extensive infrastructure includes 64 cement plants, 1,348 ready-mix facilities, 246 quarries, 269 distribution centres, and 68 marine terminals.

Publicly listed since 1976, Cemex began its international expansion in 1992, acquiring major companies in Spain, Venezuela, the United States, and the Philippines. Notable acquisitions include the UK-based RMC Group in 2005 and Australia's Rinker Group in 2007, enhancing Cemex's position in the global ready-mix concrete market.

In recent years, Cemex has focused on sustainability, aiming for net-zero carbon concrete by 2050. Initiatives include partnerships for decarbonisation, waste reduction, and renewable energy adoption. The company actively engages in social responsibility projects, such as "Patrimonio Hoy," which provides affordable housing solutions in Mexico. Cemex also supports education and research through collaborations with universities and recognises excellence in architecture through its Building Award.

CEMEX S.A.B. de C.V., commonly referred to as Cemex, was founded in 1906 with the establishment of Cementos Hidalgo in Monterrey, Mexico. It began operations to cater to the growing construction needs in the region. In 1920, Cementos Portland Monterrey was established. By 1931, these two companies merged to form Cementos Mexicanos, later rebranded as Cemex.

The 1960s marked a significant period of growth for Cemex, as it acquired several cement plants across Mexico. This expansion allowed the company to solidify its position as a major cement producer in the country. In 1976, Cemex went public on the Mexican Stock Exchange, further boosting its financial capacity. The same year, it became the largest cement producer in Mexico by acquiring three plants from Cementos Guadalajara.

Cemex began its international expansion in 1992 with the purchase of Spain’s two largest cement companies, Valenciana de Cementos and Cementos Sanson. In 1994, the company acquired Vencemos, Venezuela’s largest cement producer, and expanded its operations to Panama and the United States. The late 1990s saw Cemex entering Asia and Africa, acquiring plants in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Egypt. It also became a key player in North America by acquiring U.S.-based Southdown in 2000.

In 2005, Cemex completed a significant acquisition of the UK-based RMC Group for $5.8 billion, making it a global leader in ready-mix concrete production. This acquisition expanded its presence in Europe and other markets. 

In 2007, Cemex acquired Rinker Group, based in Australia, for $14.2 billion, further strengthening its global reach.

In recent years, Cemex has focused on sustainability and innovation. It has committed to producing net-zero carbon concrete by 2050. The company’s initiatives include partnerships for decarbonisation, research into carbon capture, and the use of renewable energy. 

In 2024, Cemex continued its focus on environmental stewardship by partnering with organisations to process plastic waste sustainably. Today, Cemex operates in over 50 countries and remains a leading player in the global construction materials industry.

Cemex's mission is to provide high-quality building materials and solutions that support the construction of sustainable and resilient communities. The company focuses on offering innovative products, including cement, ready-mix concrete, and aggregates, while ensuring efficiency and reliability in its operations. Cemex aims to create value for its customers, employees, investors, and the communities it serves by promoting sustainable practices and reducing environmental impact. Through its commitment to safety, operational excellence, and customer satisfaction, Cemex strives to contribute to the development of infrastructure that improves quality of life and supports economic growth globally.

Cemex envisions a future where sustainable construction is the foundation of thriving communities. The company is committed to becoming a global leader in innovative building materials and solutions that address the challenges of urbanisation, climate change, and resource scarcity. Its vision includes producing net-zero carbon concrete by 2050 and integrating circular economy principles into its operations. Cemex seeks to enhance lives by creating sustainable infrastructure, reducing environmental impact, and fostering positive social and economic change. By prioritising innovation, sustainability, and collaboration, Cemex aspires to build a better future for its stakeholders and the planet.

The company was honoured with the Wharton Infosys Business Transformation Award in 2004 for its innovative use of technology. Its Patrimonio Hoy programme earned the Corporate Citizen of the Americas Award from the Organisation of American States in 2007 for improving housing in low-income communities. Cemex was ranked 39th in Fortune Magazine’s Change the World Index in 2020 for its sustainability efforts. Additionally, Cemex’s annual Building Award recognises excellence in architecture and construction globally.

Cemex is a global leader in the building materials industry, offering a wide range of products and services that cater to the construction sector’s diverse needs. Its portfolio includes cement, ready-mix concrete, aggregates, and urbanisation solutions. These products are designed to meet the growing demands of infrastructure development, urbanisation, and sustainability.

Cement

Cemex is one of the world’s largest producers of cement, a critical material used in construction. It offers different types of cement tailored to meet various construction requirements. These include general-purpose Portland cement, specialised cement for high-performance structures, and environmentally friendly options with lower carbon emissions. The company’s cement is used in a variety of applications, such as residential, commercial, and industrial projects, as well as in infrastructure like bridges and roads.

Cemex’s cement production process focuses on energy efficiency and the use of alternative fuels. The company has made significant efforts to reduce its carbon footprint by integrating renewable energy sources and adopting innovative production technologies.

Ready-Mix Concrete by Cemex

Ready-mix concrete is another major product offered by Cemex. This type of concrete is manufactured in specialised plants and delivered directly to construction sites, ensuring quality and consistency. Cemex’s ready-mix concrete is used in building foundations, walls, floors, and other structural elements.

The company provides a wide variety of concrete mixes to suit specific project needs, including high-strength concrete, lightweight concrete, and self-compacting concrete. Cemex also offers speciality mixes designed for sustainability, such as low-carbon and recyclable concrete solutions.

Aggregates

Cemex supplies a wide range of aggregates, including sand, gravel, and crushed stone. These materials are essential for construction and are used in creating concrete, asphalt, and other building materials. The company operates numerous quarries worldwide, ensuring a consistent supply of high-quality aggregates for its customers.

Cemex focuses on sustainable practices in its aggregate operations by restoring quarries after use and minimising environmental impact. The company also promotes the recycling and reuse of construction materials to reduce waste.

Cemex’s urbanisation solutions

Cemex’s urbanisation solutions aim to address the challenges of growing cities and the need for sustainable infrastructure. The company provides innovative solutions for paving, drainage, and urban development projects. Its offerings include durable concrete pavements, permeable solutions for water management, and advanced building systems that enhance energy efficiency and reduce construction time.

Cemex works closely with city planners and developers to create a smart urban infrastructure that improves living standards and supports economic growth. These solutions are designed to be environmentally friendly and align with global sustainability goals.

Cemex’s Services

In addition to its products, Cemex offers a range of services to support construction projects. These include:

• Technical Support: Expert advice on material selection, project planning, and construction techniques.
• Logistics and Delivery: Efficient supply chain management to ensure timely delivery of materials.
• Digital Solutions: Online platforms like Cemex Go allow customers to place orders, track deliveries, and manage invoices seamlessly.
• Sustainability Consulting: Guidance on incorporating sustainable practices into construction projects.