Holcim UK has commenced import and distribution of cement at its flagship Tilbury Cement Works at the Port of Tilbury. The first deep-sea vessel has already discharged material into the site, marking the facility’s transition from construction through to active operations.
The launch forms part of the site’s commissioning programme. The plant is located in one of the UK’s highest-demand regions for cement and is expected to strengthen Holcim’s national network by placing high-volume processing capacity closer to customers.
The facility combines a deep-water berth, storage infrastructure, automated logistics and a modular grinding and blending system, which is scheduled to come online in late 2026. The site is geared to support 24/7 operations and is equipped with a ship-to-shore conveyor system, enclosed belt conveyors and the UK’s first 30,000-tonne cement dome silo.
The next milestone will be the commissioning of the vertical roller mill. It will be used to grind granulated blast furnace slag and recycled concrete fines, enabling the production of ground granulated blast furnace slag and blended cements.
In early 2027, the facility is expected to bring its full range of cementitious materials online, including low-carbon and circular products.
