Lafarge Cement: cooperation is going on
It was not so long ago when the delegation of BSTU named after V.G Shukhov had visited the French Embassy in the Russian Federation. BSTU visitors were receivied by the attache for academic collaboration and cultural affairs Mr. Nicolas Mazek and the Advisor for Science, Technology and Space Mr. Jean-Marie Fressinet. The conversation with our delegation was also attended by Director of Strategy and Business Development of "Lafarge Cement" company Orillia Le Blanc, Project Coordinator of "Lafarge Cement" Larisa Markina, head of sustainable construction and affordable housing, Konstantin Kotov, Investment Analyst, of "Rusnano" State Corporation Sergey Sundukov.
According to the Vice-Chancellor on research, Professor E.I. Yevtushenko, the delegation members were presented information on projects being implemented in Russia by "Lafarge"company. It was offered to discuss issues of mutual cooperation between the French party, BSTU named after V.G. Shukhov and open JSC "Rosnano", particularly in the area of the effective use of the unique clay types, being in the of development areas of cement plants to be constructed. In turn, the members of BSTU delegation, headed by the chancellor, Doctor of economics, Professor S.N. Glagolev, presented the University, spoke on university research that can possibly be of interest to the French company in the future. Among them the possibility of audit, adjusting the firing process, specialists training and retraining for the cement industry, development of specific types of composite binders.
Let us remind that the French "Lafarge" company is the major manufacturer of building materials not only in France but also in the world market of construction industry. Its structure incorporates over 70 factories producing building materials. "Lafarge" has worked In Russia since 1995 and owns cement plants in Voskresensk (Voskresenskcement) and Chelyabinsk region (Uralcement).
During the visit to our university last summer, the representatives of the above French company discussed a number of issues related to special areas of cement production in France and some other European countries. According to Konstantin Korotov Europe gives great importance to environmental safety. With this purpose many governments are trying not only to make environmental legislation strict, by introducing stringent standards and limitations, but also to establish special organizations responsible for control the construction materials production and protecting the environment. Among such organization is the European Institute for cement production safety, established in 2002. The French cement producing company also has a research center for building materials production.
- Our cooperation will continue, - stressed Evgeniy Yevtushenko - in the near future we expect a large group of representatives of JSC "Lafarge-Cement" to visit our university, who will take part in international scientific and practical conference "Innovative Materials and Technologies"
The conference will be held at BSTU named after V.G. Shukhov on October 11-12.
Igor Mereschenko