Businessweek

Lafarge S.A., through its subsidiaries, develops, manufactures, and sells construction materials worldwide. Segments The company operates in three segments: Cement, Aggregates and Concrete, and Gypsum. Cement segment The Cement segment produces and sells a range of cement and hydraulic binders for the construction industry, including basic portland and masonry cements, and various other blended and specialty cements and binders. It also offers technical support, ordering and logistical assistance, documentation, demonstrations, and training services relating to the use of cements. Aggregates and Concrete segment The Aggregates and Concrete segment produces and sells aggregates, ready mix concrete, limestone and granite hard rock products, natural sand and gravel, concrete and masonry mixes, and other concrete products, as well as asphalt for road surfacing and paving. Its aggregates are used as raw materials for concrete, masonry, asphalt, and other industrial processes, as well as used as base materials for roads, landfills, and buildings. Gypsum segment The Gypsum segment produces and sells drywall and gypsum wallboards, and other gypsum-based products, such as plaster, plaster blocks, and joint compounds. It also offers related products, including metal studs and accessories for constructing, finishing, or decorating interior walls and ceilings in residential, commercial, and institutional construction projects; and sound and thermal insulating partitions. In addition, this segment offers industrial plaster for moldings or sculptures applications, as well as provides self-leveling floor-screeds. Markets The company serves concrete producers, pre-cast concrete product manufacturers, contractors, builders, and masons, building materials wholesalers and distributors, wallboard specialty dealers, lumber yards, decorating companies, and do-it-yourself home centers. Significant Events In May 2010, Lafarge SA and STRABAG AG are combining their cement activities in several countries of Central Europe. The two companies signed an agreement for creating the holding company Lafarge Cement CE Holding GmbH. The new company would have its headquarters in Austria. Competition The company identifies competition from Georgia Pacific, Knauf, National Gypsum, Saint-Gobain, U.S. Gypsum, and Yoshino. History Lafarge S.A. was founded in 1833.