Construction

Boost efficiency & sustainability with Volvo Site Optimization

Volvo CE launches Site Optimisation consultancy service. (Image source: Volvo CE)

As part of its commitment to working closer than ever before with its customers, Volvo Construction Equipment is offering Site Optimization, a new consultancy service aimed at helping customers transform operational efficiency and sustainability

Site Optimization refines operational processes across entire worksites by effectively mapping workflows and aligning material movement processes and machines, no matter what brand, to deliver peak performance. Initially targeted at customers in the quarrying sector, Volvo CE’s diverse experts help to identify strategies that boost efficiency while curbing costs and emissions.

Niklas Samuelsson, customer site performance service owner at Volvo CE, explained, “With Site Optimization, we are committed to forming deeper partnerships with our customers. Our goal is to be an invaluable extension of their team, leveraging our industry and machine knowledge together with data from our customers’ operations and our machines to help customers deliver on their ambitions and address their unique challenges.

“In today’s highly competitive market, achieving operational efficiency and sustainability are crucial. But sometimes the demands of keeping a site running efficiently day-to-day can leave little time to explore alternative solutions. With Site Optimization, we provide expert consultancy and tailored solutions for today, while planning for the future.”

Data-driven improvements

The first step with Site Optimization is for Volvo CE’s experts to undertake a thorough site assessment, mapping out processes like stockpile placement, materials handling, and the movement of machines on site to measure costs and productivity and identify any inefficiencies. Analysis of fleet utilisation provides insights into the optimal machines to use for particular tasks to improve productivity and reduce cost per ton, while individual machine use is also studied to identify potential operator training needs. This comprehensive pre-study uncovers areas for improvement.

The Site Optimization team then creates alternative setups for the customer’s operations, employing simulations and telematics data to demonstrate potential impact on productivity, cost savings and CO₂ emissions. Clear insights are presented highlighting recommended actions and anticipated outcomes.

Delivering tangible benefits with tailored consultancy

Whether optimising existing sites or setting up new sites for peak performance, Site Optimization is intended to transform how customers work. Its data-driven insights guide decision making, ensuring operations are smooth, profitable and aligned with environmental goals, both now and in the future.

To find out more about Site Optimization and how Volvo CE can provide solutions for your applications, please visit the Volvo CE Africa website.

Dangote to build US$2.5bn urea plant in Ethiopia

Dangote to build giant urea plant in Ethiopia

Nigeria’s Dangote Group is to build a US$2.5bn urea fertiliser plant in Ethiopia, strengthening its presence in the East African country

It follows the signing of a shareholders’ agreement with Ethiopian Investment Holdings (EIH), the government’s strategic investment arm, to develop, construct and operate a world-class production complex in Gode.

It represents one of the largest industrial investments in Ethiopian history and will provide a big boost for the nation’s construction sector.

Dangote will hold 60% ownership of the project, with EIH retaining a 40% stake.

Aliko Dangote, president and CEO of Dangote Group, said the partnership with EIH represents a “pivotal moment in our shared vision to industrialise Africa,” as well as boost food security on the continent.

“The strategic location of Gode, combined with Ethiopia’s abundant natural gas resources from the Hilal and Calub reserves, makes this an ideal location for what will become one of the world’s largest fertiliser complexes,” said Dangote.

He said he hoped the project becomes a cornerstone of Ethiopia’s industrial transformation and a catalyst for agricultural productivity throughout the region.

The project, which is expected to be completed within 40 months, will establish one of the world’s largest single-site urea fertiliser production complexes, with a combined capacity of up to three million metric tons per annum.

It will rank among the top five largest urea production complexes globally.

Under the agreement, the two sides will jointly develop the facility and associated infrastructure, which includes gas pipelines, storage facilities, logistics and export capabilities to serve both domestic and regional markets.

It also provides for potential expansions and upgrades in ammonia-based fertilisers, including ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulphate, and calcium ammonium nitrate, further cementing Ethiopia’s position as a regional fertiliser production hub.

A significant portion of the US$2.5bn cost includes the construction of dedicated pipeline infrastructure to transport gas to the Gode site.

“This landmark agreement with Dangote Group marks a significant milestone in Ethiopia’s journey toward industrial self-sufficiency and agricultural modernisation,” said EIH CEO Dr. Brook Taye.

“The project aligns perfectly with our national development priorities and will substantially enhance our agricultural productivity while positioning Ethiopia as a regional hub for fertiliser production.”

The project is expected to significantly reduce the country’s dependence on fertiliser imports while creating thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities in the Somali Regional State and beyond.

It will also have a broader strategic impact since Ethiopia’s agricultural sector employs over 70% of the country’s population.

By ensuring reliable access to high-quality fertilisers at competitive prices, the project is expected to boost crop yields, improve farmer incomes, and contribute to national food security.

“The utilisation of our domestic Hilal and Calub gas reserves through dedicated pipeline infrastructure ensures energy security and cost competitiveness for decades to come,” said Taye.

Dangote secures landmark US4bn refinancing deal

Dangote to build Nigeria's biggest port

Bobcat unveils limited-edition mini excavators

Bobcat’s special limited-edition mini excavators (Image source: Bobcat)

To celebrate the start of production for its new R2-Series 1-2 tonne mini excavators, Bobcat is releasing a special, limited-edition run of its top models

Only 50 of these exclusive Premiere Launch Edition machines will be produced for the Africa, Middle East and Europe markets, making them a rare and highly collectible piece of equipment.

The latest generation R2-Series comprises the new E16, E17z, E19 and E20z models, first previewed at the Bauma show in Germany earlier this year.

The exclusive limited-edition version will be available for the top-of-the-range models of the 1-2 tonne range: the E19 and the E20z. Only 25 units of each will be produced.

“We are launching the Premiere Launch Edition to promote the new range and to emphasise our market presence at the time of the start of production for the new machines,” said Miroslav Konas, product line manager for Doosan Bobcat EMEA.

The first deliveries of both the regular and Premiere Launch Edition machines will begin in September.

The special features offered by the Premiere Launch Edition include:

Exclusive charcoal grey colour; Premium red and black cloth or leather seat cover designed by MAD for demanding users of luxury, sports and classic cars; Individually numbered plate in the cab; Aluminium pedals; 4 high-value aftermarket kits as standard; Direct Return to Tank; Top Guard Cab; Travel Motor Hose Guard; Bucket Cylinder Cover.

The E16, E17z, E19 and E20z new generation R2-Series 1-2 tonne mini excavators replace the previous M-Series E17, E17z, E19 and E20z machines, respectively and offer a fresh look, signifying new levels of performance and features designed to meet all the variations found across the EMEA market.

“The Premiere Launch Edition is a strong conversation starter and sales tool and gives dealers an opportunity to offer customers a truly unique, high-spec machine that is both visually distinctive and technically enhanced,” said Konas.

“The non-standard colour and editional branding help increase awareness and generate buzz and it serves to show that the new generation mini excavators are not just an update, they are a bold step forward.”

New generation Volvo excavators stand out

Bobcat will redefine excavation at bauma 2025

Lafarge Africa launches EcoCrete low-carbon concrete

Lafarge Africa introduces EcoCrete, Nigeria’s first low-carbon Ready-Mix concrete, advancing sustainable construction goals. (Image source: Lafarge Africa)

Lafarge Africa Plc, a leading provider of sustainable and innovative building solutions known for producing high-quality cement, has introduced a new product to the Nigerian market, EcoCrete, the country’s first low-carbon Ready-Mix concrete

EcoCrete achieves at least a 20% reduction in CO₂ emissions compared to traditional CEM I concrete, while maintaining the same level of performance and reliability. The company’s Abuja Ready-Mix (RMX) facility has been fully converted to 100% EcoCrete production, representing the first stage of this pioneering launch.

According to the group managing director/CEO of Lafarge Africa Plc, Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, the introduction of EcoCrete enhances the company’s range of sustainable solutions, strengthening its pledge to decarbonise Nigeria’s construction industry.

Alade-Akinyemi noted that the launch underscores the company’s drive to provide innovative offerings that help customers build better with fewer resources.

“The introduction of EcoCrete is another bold step in our mission to enable builders and our customers make smart choices and support Nigeria’s transition to a greener economy. Just like our ECOPlanet cement, EcoCrete represents a game-changing innovation that combines performance with reduced carbon footprint,” stated Alade-Akinyemi.

Highlighting the advantages of the new solution, Derek Williamson, head of aggregates and readymix at Lafarge Africa Plc, said EcoCrete guarantees excellent performance across multiple uses, including housing projects, commercial structures, roads, and bridges.

Williamson emphasised that the rollout of EcoCrete would empower contractors, engineers, and architects to achieve sustainability targets without compromising essential qualities such as durability, workability, or strength.

“EcoCrete provides superior performance while significantly reducing carbon emissions in the environment. It is versatile and reliable for a wide range of applications from residential housing to commercial and infrastructure projects. With EcoCrete, builders and developers can now make environmentally conscious choices without compromising on strength, durability, or workability,” he added.

Emmanuel Ilaboya, head of innovation and new product development at Lafarge Africa Plc, remarked, “EcoCrete is more than just a product; it is a climate-smart innovation designed to address the urgent need for sustainable construction. EcoCrete represents an innovative concrete solution developed through extensive research and testing. With EcoCrete, we provide a scalable alternative that significantly lowers CO₂ emissions and supports Nigeria’s path towards sustainable development,” he added.

The launch of EcoCrete follows the earlier success of EcoPlanet Unicem and EcoPlanet Elephant cement, which were released in 2024 and 2025 respectively, as part of the company’s broader mission to expand sustainable alternatives across its product lines.

With this latest innovation, Lafarge Africa continues to shape Nigeria’s construction sector by delivering low-carbon, forward-looking solutions in line with Holcim’s global vision of building progress for both people and the planet.

Hamm launches new compact tandem rollers: HD 10–HD 12 G-Tier

Hamm expands its HD CompactLine with HD 10–12 G-Tier rollers, offering agile performance and Stage V compliance. (Image source: Hamm)

Roller manufacturer Hamm has introduced its latest compact tandem rollers – the HD 10–HD 12 G-Tier models. Weighing between 2.5 and 2.7 metric tonnes, the HD 10 G VV and HD 12 G VV variants are currently available in France, with other markets set to follow.

Both models meet EU Stage V exhaust emission standards, making them suitable for road and pathway construction as well as gardening and landscaping. These compact machines are particularly effective on tight, inner-city construction sites, where space is at a premium.

Compact, clear, and agile

The new tandem rollers in the HD CompactLine range stand out due to their compact design, user-friendly handling, and strong compaction performance. Thanks to their 3-point articulation, they offer excellent maneuverability, consistent weight distribution across both axles, and improved safety. This design ensures stable driving, high resistance to overturning while cornering, and smooth asphalt surfaces without undulations. Additionally, the large drum diameter contributes to high-quality compaction by helping to prevent uneven material distribution.

Perfectly equipped for rental

Designed with the rental market in mind, both models boast intuitive controls, making them easy to operate even for less experienced drivers. The ergonomically optimized cab offers excellent visibility, and the adjustable driver's seat can be tailored to any operator’s size and weight. Maintenance is also simple, with all service points easily accessible, especially around the 18.2 kW Yanmar engine. As with the rest of the HD CompactLine, these machines are easy to transport, thanks to multiple tie-down points and a central suspension point for quick and easy loading. These features make the new rollers a strong fit for the rental industry.

Options for a clearer overview and lower emissions

A range of configuration options is available for these models, including “powerful LED work lighting, an anti-freeze filling system, a back-up alarm and even the option of connecting to the John Deere Operations Center.” There’s also the option to install an “automatic engine-off function to reduce both diesel consumption and emissions.”

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