Holcim’s core businesses include the manufacture and distribution of cement, and the production, processing and distribution of aggregates (crushed stone, gravel and sand), ready-mix concrete and asphalt. The company also offers consulting, research, trading, engineering and other services. Where we operate Holcim is a global company employing some 83,000 people, with production sites in over 70 countries. With a market presence on every continent, Holcim is more globally spread than any other building materials group, allowing us to create a strong foothold in each individual market, and providing stable earnings for the Group. Aiming to keep a balanced portfolio, Holcim’s business strategy is based on continuous growth in both developed economies and emerging, high-growth markets, where around three-quarters of our operational capacity, accounting for almost half of the Group’s net sales, is based. Sales profile In 2008, Holcim recorded sales of over 25 billion Swiss francs. Thanks to our market-oriented structures, product innovations, skilled employees and efficient environmental management systems Holcim is in a strong position now – and for years to come. Sustainable value creation Our key objective is the creation of value. We attach great importance to sustainable development at an economic, ecological and social level. By taking this holistic approach, we can secure the company’s long-term success. The basis for this is an exceptional operational performance and a solid return on the capital invested. Our approach has been acknowledged by the Dow Jones Sustainability Index, which named Holcim the “leader of the industry” for four years in succession.