w/c 22 December 2008

 People News

Thanks for your Effort - Peter GarnerCongratulations to Peter Garner for winning December's Thanks for your Effort award.

Peter shows great collaboration and innovation by providing many wide-ranging reporting tools that serve as a source of invaluable information to the UK business at all levels, from Mr Galindo to concrete plant supervisors to integrated functions. 

Lance Higgs, Business Improvements Manager, explains why he nominated Peter for the award. "Peter has shown total dedication that far exceeds us mere mortals.  Once he gets his teeth into something he pursues it to the extent that he consistently spends a lot of his own time ensuring the reports we have all come to rely on in the business are delivered on time.    Peter constantly receives phone calls and e-mails from staff that require his assistance and advice and he is always willing to help.

"Innovation is Peter's specialty - in terms of developing new reports, we provide him the outline of what we are trying to achieve and he will consider where the information is coming from, how to get it and what format to represent it in. This year alone he has developed new Workflow, T&E, P-Card & Mobile Phone reporting, and has also streamlined and continues to administer the People and Places database, which the majority of us use because we know the information is reliable and accurate.

"While Peter is employed by the Materials part of the business, the reporting he has developed cuts across all the UK Businesses.   Human Resources, Health & Safety, IT and Estates departments will all acknowledge the value Peter adds to their respective departments.

The executive team would also like to thank the following for their recent efforts: Ronnie Simpson, Brian Lomas, David Dulson, Graham Wood, Paul Stevens and Jas Mundy in the Aggregated Contract Haulage Team, the Asphalt team at Bletchley and Lincoln coating plants, Tina McHugh Technical Services Manager, Aaron Wright and Martin Sullivan in the IT team, Colin Humphrey in the Shared Serviice centre and Steve Gatfield, Adam Carty, Liz Maloney, Dave Tovee, Mick Sheldrake, Peter Wesley, Dave Saggers, Steve Bridge, Mark Glazsher, Kevin Marslin, John Woodcock, Dawn Griffiths and John Finlay in Readymix and Logistics. 

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25 Years service for John TurnbullCongratulations to John Turnbull who on 28 November acheived 25 years with CEMEX. John originally started as a Maintenance Fitter / Supervisor for British Dredging Corporation (BDC) before being promoted to Works Manager in 1998 for CEMEX Concrete Products block paving plant at Dunston near Newcastle. John (pictured on the left with Business Manager Garry Gregory) has never taken a day off work through sickness in his 25 years of service. In a low-key celebratory lunch on 3 December Garry Gregory presented John with a small token of appreciation and praised John for

his impeccable absence record and thanked him for his continued commitment to CEMEX.

BioDiesel - Treat With CautionPlease be aware that purchasing the new B30 bio diesel blend - currently available from Morrison's supermarkets alongside their conventional diesel pumps - could invalidate the manufacturer's warranty leaving unsuspecting users with a potentially hefty repair bill. Unless you can verify with your car's manufacturer that it has specifically approved the use of the new fuel treat with caution, even when approved some manufacturers have imposed  restrictions. The advise is to check before you try to be environmentally friendly as you may find your

warranty is no longer valid.

Certificate of Employers' Liability InsuranceFollowing a change in legislation it is no longer a requirement for copies of the company's Certificate of Employers' Liability Insurance to be displayed on noticeboards. The 2009 version can, instead, be viewed in electronic format on Plaza - see UK Risk Management Community/Certificates & Documentation/Employers Liability or http://cdk.cemex.com/cdk/showCommunity.htm?page=CDK_Risk_UK_CertificatesEL.

Strategy News

End of year message from Lorenzo Zambrano, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, CEMEXI want to thank you for your efforts and dedication in ensuring that CEMEX remains a leading global company in the industry.

This year has been one of the most complex ones in our organization’s history, and I am very proud of how you have risen to the challenges we are facing. We made very difficult decisions, but they were essential in order to move forward. Your attitude, energy and commitment have clearly shown that CEMEX has a solid base to become much better.

We have overcome many challenges in the past, and every time we have been able to turn each of them into new growth opportunities. Now, in the midst of a global recession which practically no one could have predicted, we are doing everything that is necessary to be a more efficient and competitive company.

I am absolutely certain that we have the right operational and financial strategy, not only to get us through the downturn, but also to firmly position CEMEX for its next growth phase. We are adjusting our operations to match new emerging conditions in our markets, and we are close to reaching a banking agreement that will allow us to refinance part of our short-term debt and increase our liquidity.

Unfortunately, before things start to get better as a result of the different actions being implemented by several governments to jump-start economic growth, our main markets will likely contract even further. Our clients are hurting, prices and volumes are under severe pressure throughout our global network, and competition is increasing.

That means we are going to have to work even harder next year. We need to capture all the savings we have identified; focus all our business know-how, experience and innovative talent on improving our performance; be well prepared to take full advantage of the infrastructure investment programs; and, very importantly, renew our commitment towards collaboration across all areas and functions of our organization.

Especially, we need to get closer to our clients. We have to pay special attention to their needs, and improve our services to further distinguish ourselves from the competition.

Again, I want to thank you all for your outstanding efforts during the year. And please, thank your families. Their understanding and support are very important to CEMEX, and it means a lot to me. I hope you have the opportunity to spend the holidays with them; family is always important, and even more so at times like this.

I also hope that you are able to rest during the coming days, so we can begin 2009 looking forward with the same can-do attitude and energy that have always distinguished us.

I wish you and your families a happy holiday season, and a rewarding New Year.

Health & Safety

Lost Time Injury Free newsThere were no lost time injuries reported last week bringing to 37 the total number of employee lost time free weeks and to 29 weeks without an employee or contractor lost time injury.

  LTIs last week LTIs year to date 2008

LTIs year to date 2007

Employees 0 16 18Contractors 0 10 13Total 0 26 31Weeks without employee LTIs: Year to Date 2008 =  37  Year to Date 2007 = 35weeks without employee or contractor LTI's: Year to Date 2008 = 29    Year to Date 2007 = 26

 

Site News

HMS Cavendish artefact found at CEMEX DoverWhen Richard Cork, Wharf Operative at CEMEX Brett Hall Aggregates in Dover, was removing oversize stone from the stock bay, he was surprised to discover a ship's badge bearing the word 'Cavendish' amongst the rubble.

The badge was from the Second World War Destroyer HMS Cavendish and is believed to have been discarded when the ship was modernised in the 1950's.  The ship was commissioned under the War Emergency Programme in February 1942 and led a productive life after World War 2 until she was eventually retired in 1967.

What made this an even more important find for Richard was the amazing coincidence that his own father had actually served on the ship during his service in the Royal Navy.

Following coordination between CEMEX and Wessex Archaeology (who research findings of archaeological interest on behalf of the British Marine Aggregate Products Association and English Heritage); the Royal Naval Museum in Portsmouth have requested the badge for their collections. This is the first time a CEMEX find has been requested by a museum and Wessex Archaeology have passed on their thanks to Richard Cork and everyone who was involved in its reporting and eventual display. 

Quality audit success for RugbyFollowing in the footsteps of Southam and Kensworth quarries, congratulations to Rugby Cement Plant for successfully completing their Lloyds Register Quality Assurance (LRQA) audit on 16 December.

The LRQA are the external body who carry out annual audits on the Environmental Management System to ISO14001 standards. The system is used to monitor how sites

manage their environmental impact and this positive result shows that both sites are working to ISO14001 requirements. Well done to all those involved for ensuring all systems are working and managed correctly on a day to day basis.

Success Stories

CEMEX contribute to Motorway network birthday Following the completion of the M6 motorway Carlisle to Guardsmill extension project Construction Services have been part of the UK Motorway Network, Birthday Celebrations.

The M6 Guardsmill Project had for many months been under pressure for an early completion as Highways Agency officials had identified a 5 December opening as an opportunity to celebrate 50 years of Motorways.  

On the day, with very seasonal snow and frost, various guests and representatives of the construction industry were present as Andrew Adonis, Minister for Transport accompanied by Graham Dalton, Chief Executive of the Highways Agency ceremonially opened the scheme with the traditional speech's and unveiling of a plaque.

Over the contract period in excess of 150,000 tons of asphalt has been manufactured and placed by CEMEX. Hartley & Moota Quarries, produced high specification materials for their colleagues in Construction Services who undertook the highly complex operation of placing these asphalts to exacting standards in conditions that were at times extremely difficult.

Of environmental interest, the site gave other challenges.  Throughout the summer months all site personnel had to be alert to the dangers of Britain's only poisonous snake, the Adder. In all 220 of these creatures were collected and safely relocated along with over 280 common lizards that were frequenting the area.

Supplying Thanet EarthCEMEX are currently supplying one of Britain's biggest greenhouse developments called Thanet Earth.

Thanet Earth is a new greenhouse development covering 80 acres near Margate, Kent. It will comprise of seven glasshouses (each on average the size of 10 football pitches) growing tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and more.

CEMEX Margate have been supplying the site since November 2007; with back up from Dover and Sittingbourne and to date, have supplied three of the massive glasshouses on site. The contract also included supplying Stuarts Industrial Flooring in the pack house with over 350m3 each day in one week, at which point the Margate plant was working all day with over seven trucks supplying the site. In addition, Sittingbourne and Dover were supplying to Fitzpatricks (30m3+) and Masterpave (60m3+).

The Thanet Earth contract has given Cluster 24 a much needed boost and, in addition to supplying Stuarts Industrial Flooring with over 1700m3, has ensured that Margate exceeded their volumes by over 400m3 in November. Moving forward, Thanet Earth should keep Margate busy until mid-2009 with over 5000m3 still to be supplied to the other phases of the build. In addition, there are still three additional glass houses to be erected but the project are awaiting buyers, if these go ahead, this would provide an additional boost for volumes in the New Year.

As Area Sales Representative David Harrild told UK News "The customers have confirmed that service has improved and they have built up good relationships with both Lee Lambert, Operative and Lee Sparkes, Area Development Planner.  I would love to take all the credit for the success but it has been an all round effort of the Cluster 24 team; their hard work and commitment to the customer has ensured a real personal touch."

Thanet Earth aims to revolutionise agriculture and will increase the UK's crops of salad vegetables by 15%; the first tomato glasshouse alone will produce over 2.5 million tomatoes every week, all year round.

Sustainability News

Concrete Industry responsible sourcing launch to support BRE BES 6001The UK concrete industry manufacturers and trade associations have come together as 'The Concrete Industry Sustainable Construction Forum' (CISCF) to produce a sector wide guidance document to support the BRE Environmental & Sustainability Standard BES 6001 - Framework Standard for the Responsible Sourcing of Construction Products. The concrete sector and its upstream supply chain now becomes the first construction products sector to accept the new BRE standard and offer guidance to member companies. Ready-mix and precast product manufacturers are now able to arrange for their products to be certified against BES 6001.

The launch of the guidance document took place at a joint event with BRE on 18 December  at the Building Centre in London.

Andy Spencer, UK Sustainability Director of CEMEX and Chairman of the CISCF said "I'm delighted to announce the launch of this guidance document which firmly places the UK concrete sector as a world leader in pioneering sustainability programmes".

Check out http://www.sustainableconcrete.org.uk/main.asp?page=219 for further details.

Environmental Protection UK - Newsletter

The CEMEX UK Foundation have become a member of Environmental Protection UK. Environmental Protection UK is a charity working to improve local environmental conditions by promoting scientific understanding, public debate and innovations in policy. They work with local authorities, business, academia and the public to promote effective enforcement, to raise awareness and to ensure that environmental policy focuses on joined up solutions.

Visit http://environmentalprotectionuk.createsend4.com/t/ViewEmail/r/459A52D719287DC2/37C2861A63B66E152540EF23F30FEDED to read their latest news bulletin.

Keep the stamps coming in!Thank you to those of you who have already sent in stamps for our campaign, in particular to the team who sent in a whole box worth. Please keep them coming.

As part of CEMEX's 10 year agreement with Birdlife International, CEMEX are supporting a joint campaign between Birdlife International and the RSPB to save the albatross by encouraging employees to save stamps. 

There are ways to stop seabird deaths on longlines, which many fishermen, once they understand what's involved, are keen to adopt. After all, for a fisherman, bait lost to birds is a lost catch of fish. With our partners in BirdLife International, the RSPB is urging fisheries to take practical steps to protect endangered seabirds.

You can help the RSPB raise money by sending used stamps from your post, which they can sell.They can raise money from ALL types of stamps - whether they are used or un-used, UK, foreign or even first day covers. For example, they raise £1.50 per kg for UK stamps and £12.50 per kg for foreign stamps. The RSPB then sells stamps to dealers and an auction house. For example, £50 will buy a tori-line (bird scaring device) for a longline fishing vessel.

Please send us your stampsPlease collect up your stamps over the Christmas period and then send them all together in January to:

Adam De VileCEMEX UKCEMEX HouseColdharbour LaneThorpe, Surrey, TW20 8TD

You do not have steam the stamp from the envelope, just tear off the corner with the stamp and send it in. If possible, please separate UK and foreign stamps when you send them.

And finally!  

Quiz of the year 2008

1. With which country was Russia involved in a serious conflict? a) Georgia    b) Latvia     c) Ukraine 

2. Which hurricane caused the evacuation of New Orleans? a) Noel     b) Ike     c) Jack 

3. Whose performance as The Joker steals the show in 'The Dark Knight'? a) Heath Ledger  b) Jack Nicholson c) Christian Bale    

4. Which writer donated £1 million to the Labour Party? a) Andy McNab  b) Jilly Cooper   c) JK Rowling   

5. Which country won the Eurovision Song Contest? a) Finland    b) Greece     c) Russia 

6. In 2008, who said, 'What's the difference between a hockey mom and a pit bull?  Lipstick.'? a) Sarah Ferguson b) Gordon Ramsay c) Sarah Palin

7. Prince William decided to join which of the services on a full-time basis? a) RAF     b) Army     c) Navy 

8. Who became the first Briton in 100 years to win three gold medals at one Olympics? a) Ben Ainslie  b) Chris Hoy   c) Bradley Wiggins

9. Which much-loved television star's memoirs are called 'Dear Fatty'? a) Michael Parkinson b) Dawn French    c) John Sergeant 10. Who was the first person voted off the 2008 series of 'Strictly Come Dancing'? a) Gillian Taylforth  b) Jessie Wallace  c) Phil Daniels

11. Who is WALL-E's love interest in the hit Pixar movie? a) EVE    b) TOOTS  c) JEN   

12. In which city did Peaches Geldof marry Max Drumney? a) Las Vegas    b) New York   c) San Francisco 

13. How big a pay cut was 'Countdown' presenter Carol Vorderman asked to take? a) 30%    b) 60%    c) 90%

14. Who released an album called 'Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends'? a) The Ting Tings  b) Coldplay  c) Snow Patrol 

15. In 2008, who said, 'My wife wouldn't let me retire.  She kicks me out of the door at 7 o'clock every morning.  She's quite a formidable woman.' a) Bruce Forsyth    b) Sir Alan Sugar  c) Sir Alex Ferguson

16. How old was film icon Paul Newman when he died? a) 75     b) 79    c) 83

17. Who scored a hat-trick in England's 4-1 thrashing of Croatia? a) Michael Owen   b) Theo Walcott  c) Wayne Rooney

18. Which brand was named the UK's coolest brand for the second year in a row? a) iPod   b) Aston Martin    c) YouTube 19. Which TV chef launched the 'Ministry Of Food'? a) Jamie Oliver   b) James Martin  c) Gary Rhodes    

20. Which comic actor directed 'Tropic Thunder'? a) Jack Black   b) Ben Stiller   c) Will Ferrell

21. How many £1 coins  in Britain were revealed as being counterfeit? a) 1 in 50   b) 1 in 20     c) 1 in 200 

22. Who performs lead vocals on Queen's comeback album 'The Cosmos Rocks'? a) Robert Plant    b) Paul Rodgers   c) Paul Carrack  

23. Who was described by a High Court judge as 'a less than impressive witness'? a) Britney Spears  b) George Michael c) Heather Mills

24. Who won Great Britain's only athletics gold medal at the Beijing Olympic Games? a) Germaine Mason b) Christine Ohuruogu c) Phillips Idowu 

25. How many days did Premiership footballer Joey Barton spend in prison after receiving a six-month sentence for assault? a) 7   b) 47    c) 74

26. What was the name of the family which featured on Channel 4's new fly-on-the-wall documentary 'The Family'? a) Parkinson   b) Hughes   c) McDonald   27. According to The Sunday Times Rich List what is the combined fortune of David and Victoria Beckham? a) £125 million   b) £65 million  c) £40 million

28. NASA decided to beam which Beatles song into space? a) Yellow Submarine b) Let It Be c) Across The Universe 

29. Which British Olympian was promised a pair of Jimmy Choo shoes by the mayor of Mansfield if she returned with a gold medal? a) Rebecca Romero  b) Christine Ohuruogu c) Rebecca Adlington 30. In which city did David Blaine hang upside-down without a safety net for 60 hours? a) New York   b) London    c) Beijing 

See below for the answers…

This is the last edition of UK News this year.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to UK News in 2008.

Please keep the stories coming in during 2009!

 

Tell us your news!If you have a story or piece of news you would like to communicate to colleagues please send it in,  We are particularly looking for news about new contracts or successful projects completed or examples of best practice. Please contact Adam De Vile on 01932 583 217 or email adam.devile@cemex.com .

The deadline for contributions to UK News is close of play Friday. First check out our guide to writing stories for UK News. Then contact the Communications and Public Affairs team on 01932 583 217. Or email us at GB-Communications and Public Affairs (in Lotus Notes) or gb-communicationsandpublicaffairs@cemex.com (external).

Quiz Answers

1) a 2) b 3) a 4) c 5) c 6) c 7) a 8) b 9) b 10) c 11) a 12) a 13) c 14) b 15) c 16) c 17) b 18) b 19) a 20) b 21) a 22) b 23) c 24) b 25) c 26) b 27) a 28) c 29) c 30) a