Wedoany.com Report on Feb 27th, The VRM (Vertical Roller Mill) steel structure project being carried out by Holcim UK at the Tilbury cement plant is expected to be completed in spring 2026, which is a key part of the company's multi-million-pound investment. This VRM system will process raw materials such as granulated blast furnace slag and recycled concrete fines for the production of low-carbon cementitious materials. The electrical installation, testing, and commissioning work for the complete grinding system is planned to conclude by the end of 2026, marking a significant step towards the initial operational launch of this flagship facility in 2026.
Once fully operational, the Tilbury cement plant will be equipped with six loading heads and five weighbridges, capable of providing traditional, low-carbon, and circular cementitious products to customers in Southern England around the clock. In addition to the VRM, other core investments include a ship-to-shore conveyor, a raw material storage hall with a capacity of 50,000 tonnes, and the UK's first cement dome silo with a storage capacity of 30,000 tonnes. Five traditional steel silos will add a further 6,500 tonnes of storage space to support the supply of diverse cementitious materials.
Tim Fry, Project Manager at Holcim UK, said: "The construction of the Tilbury cement plant is based on a firm commitment to making sustainable construction a reality. The systems installed here represent not only an investment in innovative equipment and infrastructure but also our dedication to a path of sustainable innovation. We are committed to expanding our portfolio of low-carbon and circular products while ensuring a stable and reliable supply of cementitious materials."
This investment responds to the construction industry's growing demand for a circular economy and low-carbon goals. According to Holcim UK's latest survey, 97% of respondents believe it is crucial to adopt circular principles within their organizations, up from 79% in 2024. To ensure sustainability in the production and construction processes at the Tilbury cement plant, the site development followed circular principles, recycling and reusing over 25,000 cubic meters of concrete, 10,000 tonnes of reclaimed asphalt, and 20,000 tonnes of excavated material through Holcim UK's waste management operations. Environmentally friendly products such as ECOPact® low-carbon concrete and ECOPlanet® cement were also used in the construction.
Mohamed Alami, Managing Director of the Cement Division at Holcim UK, said: "This investment is not just about increasing capacity; it's about its overall impact. The Tilbury cement plant demonstrates our strategic practice, integrating innovation, sustainability, and scale to shape the future of the UK construction industry." This project is expected to enhance Holcim UK's competitiveness in the low-carbon cementitious materials sector and drive the industry towards a more environmentally friendly direction.
