1912 CE
Foundation of Aargauische Portlandcementfabrik
The company is founded in Holderbank, Switzerland, by a group of investors including Ernst Schmidheiny. It begins building a cement plant. #construction #history
Chronological Storyline (36 Milestones)
1914 CE
First Cement Production
The Holderbank plant begins producing Portland cement, marking the company's entry into the building materials industry. #cement #manufacturing
1926 CE
Expansion within Switzerland
The company expands operations to other Swiss cantons, acquiring several local cement plants. #expansion #switzerland
1932 CE
First International Venture: Lebanon
Founding of Société des Ciments Libanais in Lebanon, marking the company's first international investment. #international #cement
1938 CE
Expansion into Egypt
Acquisition of a cement plant in Egypt, further establishing a presence in the Middle East. #egypt #expansion
1954 CE
Post-War Reconstruction Boom
The company benefits from post-World War II reconstruction in Europe, increasing production capacity. #reconstruction #postwar
1961 CE
Name Change to Holderbank Financière Glarus AG
The company is restructured and renamed, becoming a holding company for its growing portfolio. #corporate #restructuring
1970 CE
Acquisition of Majority Stake in Ciments Français
Holcim acquires a controlling interest in Ciments Français, significantly expanding its presence in France and Europe. #acquisition #france
1975 CE
Entry into Latin America: Brazil
Acquisition of a cement plant in Brazil, marking the company's first major investment in Latin America. #brazil #latinamerica
1985 CE
Listing on Swiss Stock Exchange
The company goes public, listing its shares on the Swiss Stock Exchange to raise capital for further expansion. #ipo #finance
1990 CE
Acquisition of Cementia
Holcim acquires Cementia, a Swiss-based cement trading and services company, strengthening its global trading network. #trading #acquisition
1995 CE
Expansion into Southeast Asia
Acquisition of cement plants in the Philippines and Thailand, entering the fast-growing Asian market. #asia #cement
1999 CE
Acquisition of St. Lawrence Cement (Canada)
Holcim acquires St. Lawrence Cement, a major Canadian producer, strengthening its North American presence. #canada #acquisition
2000 CE
Acquisition of Cementos Apasco (Mexico)
Holcim acquires a controlling stake in Cementos Apasco, one of Mexico's leading cement producers. #mexico #cement
2001 CE
Name Change to Holcim Ltd
The company rebrands from Holderbank to Holcim to reflect its global reach and modern identity. #rebranding #corporate
2002 CE
Acquisition of Activest (Germany)
Holcim acquires Activest, a German building materials company, expanding its European market share. #germany #acquisition
2005 CE
Acquisition of Aggregate Industries (UK)
Holcim acquires British aggregates and construction materials giant Aggregate Industries for £1.8 billion, enhancing its position in the UK and US markets. #uk #aggregates
2007 CE
Acquisition of Cementos del Norte (Spain)
Holcim expands in Spain by acquiring Cementos del Norte, a leading cement producer in the country. #spain #acquisition
2008 CE
Global Financial Crisis Impact
Holcim faces declining demand due to the global recession, leading to cost-cutting measures and asset impairments. #recession #crisis
2010 CE
Expansion in India via Joint Venture
Holcim forms a joint venture with Ambuja Cements, strengthening its foothold in the Indian market. #india #jointventure
2012 CE
Centenary Celebration
Holcim celebrates 100 years of operations, reflecting on its growth from a single plant to a global corporation. #centennial #anniversary
Apr 7, 2014 CE
Announcement of Merger with Lafarge
Holcim and French rival Lafarge announce a merger of equals to create LafargeHolcim, the world's largest cement company. #merger #cement
Jul 15, 2015 CE
Completion of Merger to Form LafargeHolcim
The merger is completed, creating a new global leader with combined operations in 90 countries. #merger #global
2016 CE
Integration and Divestitures
LafargeHolcim begins integration and sells assets worth billions to comply with antitrust regulators, including operations in Brazil, Canada, and the Philippines. #divestiture #antitrust
2017 CE
New CEO and Strategy Shift
Jan Jenisch becomes CEO, initiating a cost-cutting and simplification program to improve profitability. #leadership #strategy
2018 CE
Exit from Brazil and Other Markets
LafargeHolcim completes the sale of its Brazilian operations and other non-core assets as part of its portfolio optimization. #brazil #divestiture
2019 CE
Launch of 'Strategy 2022 – Building for Growth'
The company unveils a new strategy focusing on innovation, sustainability, and digitalization to drive growth. #strategy #sustainability
2020 CE
COVID-19 Pandemic Impact
The pandemic causes a sharp drop in construction activity, leading to lower revenues and workforce adjustments. #pandemic #crisis
May 10, 2021 CE
Rebranding Back to Holcim Ltd
LafargeHolcim changes its name back to Holcim Ltd, signaling a fresh start and focus on building solutions. #rebranding #namechange
Dec 1, 2021 CE
Acquisition of Firestone Building Products
Holcim acquires Firestone Building Products from Bridgestone for $3.4 billion, expanding into roofing and building envelope solutions. #acquisition #roofing
2022 CE
Acquisition of Malarkey Roofing Products (US)
Holcim acquires Malarkey Roofing Products, a US-based manufacturer of sustainable roofing materials, strengthening its North American presence. #roofing #sustainability
2022 CE
Net-Zero Ambition Announced
Holcim commits to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, with interim targets aligned with the Paris Agreement. #sustainability #climate
2023 CE
Continued Divestitures and Focus on Core Business
Holcim sells its Indian operations (Ambuja Cements and ACC) to Adani Group for $6.5 billion, exiting India to focus on developed markets and green building solutions. #india #divestiture
2024 CE
Acquisition of Duro-Last Roofing (US)
Holcim acquires Duro-Last Roofing, a leading US manufacturer of single-ply roofing systems, to further expand its building envelope portfolio. #acquisition #roofing
2024 CE
Launch of ECOPlanet Green Cement
Holcim expands its ECOPlanet range of low-carbon cement, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable construction. #green #innovation
2025 CE
Holcim Becomes Top 5 Global Building Materials Company
Through strategic acquisitions and organic growth, Holcim solidifies its position among the world's leading building materials companies by revenue. #growth #market