Halkis Plant

The Halkis plant was established in 1926 and is located at Mikro Vathy, Avlida, close to the ancient temple of goddess Artemis, at 1 km. from Halkis. The plant's proximity with the city calls for great sensitivity regarding environmental protection and respect for the local communities.

Automated processes, strict control and production flexibility enable the production of various types of bulk and bagged cement, such as the branded products Heracles, an all appications bagged cement and Basis, a high-strength cement. Moreover, the plant facilities enable the distribution of white cement, too. The existing port facilities allow raw materials and fuel unloading and product loading.

Halkis plant is greatly evolving and improving the last years. The commitment of the plant and its people is crucial for the success of Sustainability Ambitions 2012, Heracles roadmap for sustainable development. The program is focusing on improving the Health and Safety of our employees and local communities, decreasing of our environmental footprint and ensuring a sustainable operation.   

Occupational Health and Safety are to Heracles fundamental values and key priorities in every activity. The company implements the Lafarge Group Health and Safety policy, which was signed in 2006 and tolerates zero accidents.

The Halkis plant, with collective effort undertaken these past years, has significantly improved. Constant progress in Health and Safety is a daily top priority. Heracles has taken measures relating to the necessary personal protective equipment, infrastructure works for a safe workplace, implementation of standards and procedures for every work performed as well as training and behavioral programs fostering and establishing a shared safety culture within the organization.

In the context of Sustainability Ambitions 2012, the Halkis plant has been implementing an action plan associated with the plant's long-term improvement and response to challenges, such as climate change, preservation of natural resources and biodiversity protection.

Apart from the action plan under the Sustainability Ambitions 2012, the Halkis plant has reviewed the specific conditions of its geographic location (proximity with residential area) and geomorphology in order to control its environmental footprint.

In cement production, systematic efforts are made to increase the amount of cementitious (pozzolane, ash or slag) decreasing the clinker amount accordingly, in order to reduce CO2 emissions. A typical example of this effort is the new Athlos product, a more "greener" bagged cement, currently available in the Greek market. Moreover, as of 2011, cement production with separate grinding of clinker and cementitious initiated, so as to achieve more efficient grinding and thus, further reduction of the clinker amount.

For minimizing dust emissions, the plant has installed hybrid technology filters in its production facilities utilize and bag filter in raw mill B, covering requirements far beyond than current industry standards. Hybrid filters minimize stack dust emissions and perform regardless of temperature, moisture and external conditions.

Raw materials are stored in a covered storehouse, with a 30,000 tn capacity, built in 2006. The clinker is transported from the kiln and stored using an automatic handling system.

The plant implements an integrated waste management program. Moreover, there is a rainwater collection system in place and roads within the plant have been paved with asphalt. For the purpose of improving the plant landscape, green outdoor areas have been increased.

An integrated housekeeping and reorganization project was launched including storage areas, contractor crews and dispersed containers.

The Halkis plant operates two quarries: the limestone quarry at 2 km from the plant covering an area of 850,000 m2 and the clay quarry extending over 300,000 m2. An effort has commenced since 2000, to eliminate the impact of past operation and rehabilitate quarries systematically. To date, more than 8,500 trees have been planted, which are consistent with the local flora and fit in the natural environment and neighbouring cultivations. The objective of any quarry rehabilitation is to deliver to the community an area with enhanced biodiversity, depending on the pre-intervention its condition and improve the landscape following the intervention.

All cement production stages require high technical skills, strict adherence to procedures and strong team spirit. With continuous and intensive training programs, the plant ensures its employees' development and capacity build.

The plant facilities are fully automated and centrally controlled from the control room. Specialty operators supervise the overall operation of the plant, oversee facilities and make the necessary arrangements in the production process. The continuous monitoring of its environmental performance leads to respective improvement. The dust and gas emissions are measured and analyzed, giving complete control of the process and allowing efficient and timely response.

The Halkis plant applies high standards of quality control. It is certified as to the ISO9001:2008 quality assurance system and all types of cement produced are certified in accordance with the mandatory European cement standard EN197-1 and bear the CE marking. The certified cement types offered in the Greek market are Portland CEM I, Portland composite CEM II and CEM IV.

The Halkis plant with its operation has a major contribution to the economic and social development of the region.

During the period 2004-9, 50 million euro were invested for upgrade projects. 14.8 million euro were dedicated to safety and environmental projects.

It offers on an average annual basis 31 million euro in salaries and employees' wages.

The total of salaries, employees' wages, supplies, taxes and support of local programs or sponsorships is on average 55 million euro.

Halkis plant

Mikro Vathy, Avlida
Halkis, Evia

Performance and Organization Manager, John Agrafiotis

Tel: +30 22210 59437

E-mail: agrafiotisi@lafarge.gr