Heidelberg expands in North America with acquisition

Photo: Heidelberg Materials

Founded in 2021, Walan is headquartered in Delaware and specialises in cement, concrete, and precast solutions.

The deal includes a slag grinding plant with a vertical mill, capable of producing 150,000 tonnes annually, located near the Port of Wilmington.

Slag cement, produced from by-products of steel manufacturing, is said to improve the strength and durability of concrete while reducing its environmental footprint. It can also replace a portion of conventional cement in concrete mixes.

According to Heidelberg, the acquisition reflects the company’s ongoing focus on optimising its positions in core markets and enhances its low-carbon cementitious portfolio in North America’s Northeast region.

Chris Ward, Member of the Managing Board of Heidelberg Materials and responsible for North America, said: “Heidelberg Materials’ investment in the Walan slag business reflects our ongoing efforts to expand our portfolio of low-carbon products and drive sustainable and commercial value for our customers.

“It is also the latest example of our focus on optimising our positions in core markets through our disciplined pure-play growth strategy.”

The deal comes just weeks after Heidelberg opened the UK’s largest excavated waste recycling wash plant.