3. Heidelberg the giant
HeidelbergCement is a German multinational building materials company
headquartered in Heidelberg, Germany.
It is a DAX 30 Corporation.
In 2014, it was the world's third largest cement producer, the market leader
in aggregates and fourth in ready mix concrete.
In 2014 the company produced around 78 million tons of cement.
The company employs some 45,000 people at 2,350 locations in more than 40
countries with an annual turnover of approximately €11 billion.
4. Activities in abroad
Activities abroad began with the acquisition of part of Vicat Cement, France
in 1972.
In 1977, a massive program of purchases in North America began with the
acquisition of Lehigh Cement
In 1993, it acquired part of SA Cemeteries CBR of Belgium, which already had
a major multinational operation.
A major step was the acquisition of Scancem in 1999, with operations in
Northern Europe as well as Africa.
Indocement in Indonesia was included in 2001.
In 2007, the British company Hanson was acquired, acquisition of Hanson
plc in August 2007.
7. Overview of Cement Industry in
Bangladesh
Cement industry of Bangladesh is running with excess capacity. Most plants
operate at 50 to 60 percent efficiency. Against 20 to 21 mn MT annual local
demand, there exists around 33 mn MT production facility as of 2014. Currently,
cement consumption per capita in the country is roughly 107 KG, which is 210 KG
in India, 265 KG in Pakistan, 310 KG in Sri Lanka and 570 KG in Korea. According to
Bangladesh Cement Manufacturers Association there are more than 125 cement
factories in the country.
The industry is oligopoly in nature where top 10 players held almost 85% of market
share and Pricing control. The leading position seized by Shah Cement (15.91%)
followed by Heidelberg Cement (9.76%) and Meghna Cement (8.08%), according
to Bangladesh Cement Manufacturers Association (BCMA) in 2012. Bangladesh has
no source of cement clinker which makes it one of the largest importers of clinker
and limestone in the world by importing an estimated 10 mn - 15 mn MT from
India, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines and China annually. So profitability of
the sector largely depends on uninterrupted import facility and favorable foreign
exchange condition.
8. HCBL’s recent operations in Bangladesh
HCBL has signed an agreement with MAX Group JV in April 2015 under which
HCBL’s brand “Rubi Cement” will be used for 5.2 Km long flyover from
Muradpur to Lalkhan Bazar, Chittagong.
HCBL has signed an agreement with Gerico Bangladesh in August 2014 under which
“ScanCement” will be used for the Construction of “Feed Plant, at Gazipur. Total
estimated cement consumption will be 5000 MT (approximately) in 14 months.
HCBL started operation in the southern parts of Bangladesh opening a warehouse
in Nowapara, Jessore in 2014.
The company holds price leadership through strong brand image and international
quality control.
The Company’s involvements in some of the well-known projects, i.e., Gulistan
Jatrabari Flyover, Four Lane Dhaka- Chittagong national highway, Third karnaphuli
Bridge etc. enhanced the goodwill of the firm as well as future business prospect.
10. SWOT Analysis of HCBL
Strengths
Strategic location of factory in Dhaka & Chittagong.
Port facility of Chittagong.
Strong Brand equity of Scan and Ruby with premium price.
Strong sales force and dealer network through Information Technology.
Strong relationship with corporate Customer and large end user.
Creating service and awareness through advisory cell and other marketing
policies.
Consistent quality.
Organizational positioning as “Quality Leader.”
Owning PCC as the category.
Owning pride project as a referral.
Brand close to end users through direct marketing
11. SWOT Analysis of HCBL
Weakness
Price is expensive than consumer’s perceived value.
Logistics dependencies on rented truck.
No conveyer belt: Expensive coaster delivery.
One product line.
High production cost.
No conveyer belt for coaster.
Day time delivery.
Selective distribution.
Less availability and product knowledge provided to the end users.
No commission for retailers in existing distribution channel.
12. SWOT Analysis of HCBL
Opportunities
Growth of cement market in Bangladesh due to development work.
Demand for quality cement.
New Product line.
Educating customer
Affiliation with regular consumers through seminars and advisory cell.
Scan/Ruby cement has its unique quality product and brand image, which is
quite important to establish new clients both inn Government and Private
sector.
13. SWOT Analysis of HCBL
Threats
Other popular brands offers lower price.
Low priced Brand loyalty-price sensitiveness.
Increased competition through unhealthy pricing practice by competitors.
Increased price of intermediary raw materials in international market.
Entry of other reputed multinational in the market.
Merger of local grinder cross border delivery from India.
Other cement company provides more commission than HCBL to retailers and
dealers.
New entry of Lafarge Surma cement will participate in the market share, as a
result, more market saturation may cause less profitability.
Less encouragement and incentives has been taken by the government to
neutralize the present rising price of most primary raw materials of construction.