Holcim Annual Awards celebrate top performers

(l-r): Wayne Beattie, Ed Richardson, Julian Borg, Fred Adams, Sam Russell, Liam Berneville-Claye, Naji Akkawi, Scott Buchanan, Scott Tunkin.

In 2023, the Aggregates Commercial Team excelled with sustained growth, strategic pricing, efficient inventory management, and enhanced profitability. The Regional Commercial Managers played a crucial role, contributing to an 18% increase in Product ASP and a remarkable 15% surge in the Price Performance Indicator. Their efforts also led to an 18% rise in Freight Revenue on a like-for-like delivered sales volume basis.

(l-r): Greg Price, Luke Denamn, George Agriogiannis.

The Kidston Gold Mine is currently undergoing repurposing into a world-first pumped hydro power project by the McConnell Dowell John Holland JV. Since mobilisation in September 2021, the Holcim team has played a key role in the construction of the project, consistently exceeding client expectations. Led by Project Manager Luke Denman, the 10-member team, operating on a 2-week FIFO roster, achieved remarkable results, including zero Lost Time Injuries (LTI) and surpassing financial targets. Congratulations to Luke and the team for their outstanding commercial outcomes and exceeding customer expectations.

(l-r): George Agriogiannis, Harsh Thaker, Guido Dewilde.

Humes Welshpool successfully completed the Noranda Station car park stormwater retention system project, showcasing innovation and addressing specific needs. The team delivered 11 retention tanks with 1318 customized stormtrap units, totaling 8,365 tons. The collaboration with Melconnx and Tonkin Gap Alliance since 2019 reflects a customer-centric approach, ensuring a seamless transition from project inception to installation. From January to October 2023, 430 trailer loads were delivered, providing an impressive stormwater storage capacity of around 13 million litres.

(l-r): George Agriogiannis, Dave Darlow, Michael Miller. 

Dave led the development of Holcim New Zealand's advanced verifiable carbon model, accurately quantifying CO2 emissions during product manufacturing. The model meets Process certification EPD and EN 15804 standards, achieving final certification from the Epstein Group in the USA. Holcim now has EPDs for Ultracem Cement, ECOPlanet Cement, and ENVIROCore Cement Replacements, with the model's flexibility allowing GWP numbers generation for any product delivered across New Zealand. Beyond technical excellence, this achievement positions Holcim NZ as a leader in sustainable practices, recognised with the 2023 Concrete NZ Awards' Sustainability Award.

(l-r): George Agriogiannis, Dr Charles Kelly, Jess Blomfield.

Innovatively developed in Australia by Humes and securing patents in Australia, the US, Canada, and New Zealand, the HumeFilter is a revolutionary stormwater treatment device. The HumeFilter consolidates primary, secondary, and tertiary treatment of stormwater runoff into a singular, highly efficient unit. The HumeFilter distinguishes itself with exceptional performance, validated through rigorous independent verification by Stormwater Australia.Through Charles’ leadership and dedication, this water management solution has not only met but surpassed all expectations, emerging as a transformative design in stormwater treatment technology.

(l-r): George Agriogiannis, Kieren Probert, Peter Sleep, Jess Blomfield.

In 2023, Humes South East Queensland, in collaboration with Humes Material Technologist Peter Sleep, reached a remarkable milestone by effectively casting reinforced concrete pipes containing 20% recycled aggregate. These innovative pipes have garnered approval from authorities in Queensland and are slated for an official launch early this year. Underscoring their sustainability and commitment to environmentally-friendly practices, the pipes will undergo Third Party Verification before launching to the market in the future. This pioneering achievement further showcases Humes' dedication to integrating recycled materials into our products, helping our customers reduce their carbon-footprint on projects, and promoting environmentally responsible solutions in the construction industry.

(l-r): George Agriogiannis, James Cuthbert, Scott Buchanan.

South East Queensland Concrete has demonstrated exceptional year-on-year performance, a testament to the team's adept combination of commercial and operational excellence. Their strategic approach involves effective price management, securing pivotal projects, and cultivating strong customer relationships. Furthermore, their commitment to operational excellence is evident in the consistent delivery of high-quality concrete and services.

One noteworthy aspect of the business’ success lies in their ability to excel in challenging segments such as burnished fiber floors and piling. This showcases the team's adaptability, technical expertise, and dedication to meeting and surpassing industry demands. Within the dynamic landscape of the construction sector, South East Queensland Concrete has shown what can be achieved as a business through versatility and a commitment to delivering superior results.

(l-r): George Agriogiannis, Christina Hamdan, Scott Buchanan.

Christina is renowned for her outstanding leadership, effectively collaborating with teams to handle large workloads. In a key contribution to Ready-mix Concrete, she demonstrated perseverance and skill by enhancing transparency in transactions with Cement Australia, significantly impacting Ready-mix's bottom line by several million dollars. This achievement establishes clear accountability for ongoing relationship management. Christina's strategic leadership has improved our financial outcomes as well as enhancing Holcim’s overall operational efficiency and effectiveness.

(l-r): George Agriogiannis, Wayne Beattie, Ed Richardson, Helen Jones.

Aggregates Australia excelled in personal safety in 2023, achieving a 33-month period with no lost time injuries over 9.5 million man-hours. Their commitment to proactive safety measures and effective incident management sets a high industry standard. The leadership's proactive response prioritises safety, health, and wellbeing, emphasising a strong commitment to the workforce.

(l-r): George Agriogiannis, Sam Russell, Helen Jones.

Formed in 2022, the Holcim Reconciliation Committee has gone from strength to strength, showcasing an unwavering commitment to advancing Holcim's Reconciliation Action Plan commitments. Their consistent delivery on key aspects of Holcim’s Reflect RAP is indicative of a strong dedication to fostering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture within our business. The committee goes above and beyond expectations, significantly contributing to the promotion of reconciliation values.

Through actively recognising national cultural days and successfully implementing RAP initiatives related to the focus areas of Respect, Opportunities, Governance, and Relationships, The RAP Committee demonstrates a tangible commitment to diversity and inclusion with Holcim. The committee stands out as a deserving winner of the Award for Diversity and Inclusion, exemplifying unity, respect, and collaboration within our workforce and the communities in which we operate.

(l-r): George Agriogiannis, George Chang, Helen Jones.

George has consistently delivered outstanding support as New Zealand's  Senior IT Field Services Support Analyst, which particularly shone in 2023 with his exceptional contributions to Project Seattle. George played a pivotal and largely independent role in driving various aspects of the project, exemplifying not just talk but action. His commendable commitment and self-directed efforts in relation to the IT support needs of Project Seattle have significantly impacted the project's success.

Beyond his contributions to Project Seattle, George's support for the Australian IT team has been superb, showcasing his versatility and cross-functional collaboration. His dedication to Holcim's One Holcim values, coupled with his positive attitude, approachability, and collaborative spirit, distinguishes him as a standout team member. George's humility and overall contributions make him a deserving recipient of the Excellence Award for Values. George not only talks the talk but also walks the walk, embodying the core values that define what makes Holcim great. 

(l-r):George Agriogiannis, Sam Russell, Brad Tallon.

Since 2019, the Holcim Perth Team has successfully organised the McGrath Foundation Pink Stumps Day - and 2023 was no different, raising an impressive sum of almost $3,000 for Breast Cancer Support. This year’s event saw more than 100 participants, including Holcim employees from both Concrete and Aggregates, along with their families and friends, contributing to the meaningful cause.

The event provided a fantastic opportunity to engage everyone, from the CSC team to drivers and operators at the quarry, embodying the "One Holcim" ethos throughout the day. As Holcim’s Brendan Daye said after the event: "So many people happily volunteered to help make the day a success.  The collective effort and enthusiasm made the event so impactful in supporting Breast Cancer awareness and assistance.” 

(l-r): George Agriogiaqnnis, Liam Berneville-Claye, Viviana Ruiz, Colin McKeown, Brad Tallon.

The South Australia Humes, Concrete, and Aggregates businesses have exemplified the One Holcim spirit throughout 2023, fostering strong intra-business relationships that have yielded positive financial, social, and sustainability outcomes.

Capitalising on South Australia’s commitment to sustainability, these teams have successfully collaborated on various decarbonisation initiatives, including the Acconia Bridge replacement and the South Australia Water Block Mix Project. Demonstrating mutual support, the businesses engage in site-based initiatives, such as Holcim Concrete’s BBQ for the Humes Pooraka Team during R U OK? Day.

Joint customer entertainment functions and collaborative tender projects further contribute to a unified Holcim presence in South Australia. This collective and united approach embodies the One Holcim spirit, showcasing the power of collaboration and shared values across diverse business units.