OREANDA-NEWS. EUROCEMENT Group is conducting a continuous modernization program aimed at enhancing product quality, improving energy efficiency and improving environmental impact. In 2013 the holding invested approximately 375 million rubles in Lipetskcement. These resources were used to implement a host of large-scale projects.

In the context of the perfecting of the manufacturing process, all the cement mills in the cement grinding unit were fitted with grinders made by Vega (an Indian firm) in 2013. By using high-density balls the company has been able to increase the productivity of its cement mills and the service life of its grinding bodies, whilst also reducing the amount of electric energy expended.

In order to improve the quality of the end product, magnetic separators have been installed at the cement mills in order to capture metallic components (broken fragments of grinding bodies) that have got into the end product. In order to make savings in the amount of electric energy used, energy-saving modules with pneumatic-chamber pumps have been installed in the cement grinding unit.

In order to expand the range of products produced by the company, the cement packaging and shipment warehouse was fitted with a unit which packs the cement into sacks weighing 25 kg and 50 kg, using a cling-film cover. In 2013, Lipetskcement continued to fit its cement silos with scales on railway lines in order to weigh railway cars when loading loose cement.

In order to ensure impeccable quality in the cements produced, the company's laboratory was fitted with additional monitoring equipment.

Lipetskcement places particular emphasis on safety in the workplace and health and safety regulations for its employees. In the first quarter of 2013, an automated fire alarm system was installed at the company's production units.

Furthermore, vehicles and special machinery was procured in 2013: an auto-grader was acquired in order to profile the roads in the company's quarry, and a Ford minibus was also purchased. Agreements were signed for the purchase of a JCB digger (made in the UK), a Toyota fork-lift truck and a mini-fork-lift truck with attached equipment, all of which are required by the company in order to carry out loading and unloading operations, including loading of technical supplements, and correction of flaws in the operation of underground communications and equipment.