HOLCIM Group

The story of Holcim is a narrative of ambitious expansion and strategic evolution, deeply rooted in the history of the global construction industry. Its origins can be traced back to 1912, when Adolf Gygi established the 'Aargauische Portlandcementfabrik Holderbank-Wildegg' in the Swiss village of Holderbank. This foundational step was soon fortified in 1914 through a merger with the 'Rheintalischen Cementfabrik Rüthi', under the visionary leadership of Ernst Schmidheiny, who set the company on a path of relentless growth. The 1920s marked the company's first forays beyond Swiss borders, expanding into France, and subsequently across Europe and into the Middle East. This international vision continued to unfold over the decades, with a significant push into the Americas in the 1950s, a move that culminated in the company going public in 1958. The 1970s and 1980s saw further expansion into Latin America and the addition of Asian divisions, solidifying its global footprint.

A pivotal moment in the company's journey arrived in 2015 with the monumental 'merger of equals' with the French industrial giant Lafarge, a company with its own rich history dating back to 1833. This union created LafargeHolcim, a powerhouse in the building materials sector. The newly formed entity aimed to leverage its combined strength to lead the industry in innovation and address the evolving challenges of the 21st century. In 2021, in a move to unify its identity and streamline its brand, the group was renamed Holcim. Today, Holcim stands as a global leader in innovative and sustainable building solutions. Guided by its purpose to 'build progress for people and the planet,' the company is at the forefront of decarbonizing the construction industry. It is pioneering a transition to a net-zero future, driving circular construction by championing recycling to build more with less, and improving living standards worldwide. From its headquarters in Zug, Switzerland, Holcim continues to shape the future of construction, driven by a commitment to sustainability, innovation, and a passion for building a better world.