Heidelberg Materials shuts down clinker production at its Hanover cement plant in the second half of 2024. Going forward, the company will focus its activities in Hanover on the end product cement and will continue to operate the site as a grinding facility.
The adjustment comes after a substantial decline in cement sales following weak construction demand in Germany due to the current economic environment as well as a stronger alignment of the company’s cement portfolio towards low-carbon products, leading to the production of cement with reduced clinker content. As a result of the adjustment, the company strengthens the capacity utilisation of its neighboring Westphalian cement plants, which will be supplying cement clinker to Hanover in the future. With its favorable geographical location, Hanover remains an attractive site to ensure the supply of cement in the region.
Out of 120 employees currently working at the cement plant, a part will continue to be employed at the grinding facility. Socially acceptable solutions are being sought in close consultation with the workers’ council, such as transfers to other divisions or sites within the company. Due to the underlying age structure, early retirement programs are offered when possible.
The site’s research project LEILAC 2 (Low Emissions Intensity Lime And Cement), which is subsidised by the European Union and planned in cooperation with partner companies for implementation by the end of 2025, shall be carried out at another site of Heidelberg Materials. The demonstration facility aims to showcase that with the patented LEILAC technology, the CO₂ released during cement production can be captured in a highly pure form via a separate waste gas stream and used in other processes.
