Built For ALL
October 2024 / Issue #4
Delivering 2024 Results Together
ECAN Launches the Progress Institute
Lafarge and Geocycle Canada inagurate Low-Carbon Fuel Plant in Brookfield
Dundas Quarry
ECAN’s
By Andrew Stewart, VP, Cement
Inside the Data Transformation Journey in Lafarge Canada
Get to know Nicolas Ginouse, General Manager, BMQ, and Technical Director, Lafarge Eastern Canada RMX
Spotlight Interviews on the economics of Decarbonization
ECAN announces completion of White Rose Project in Newfoundland
Developing Winners by Andrew Stewart, VP, Cement
Bath Plant Team welcomes a delegation from Mantle Developments
ECAN launches the Progress Institute
ECAN Cement Teams demonstrate efficiency from land to sea
Meet Viviana Frere, Shift Supervisor, Dundas Quarry Angela Heyworth celebrates 25 years of Service
Generations in the Workplace
Navigating NetZero by Rob Cumming, Head of Sustainability & Public Affairs
FROM THE DESK OF ANDY UNGER
VP, Ready-Mix, ECAN
Hello to all of our Lafarge Eastern Canada team!
Welcome to the 4th edition of our Built for All e-Magazine. We are happy to share that we have all been very busy doing great work in support of our purpose “Building Progress for
People and the Planet”.
In this edition, you can catch up on various news, the most recent leadership announcements in North America, learn more about our Data Strategy in ECAN, get to know a few of our colleagues in Ready-
In this October issue, you will be brought up to speed on the amazing work of our people across product lines and functional teams.
Mix and Aggregates, get updated on the latest projects in ECAN and finally learn more about gender diversity and equality-focused initiatives and targets in ECAN.
Enjoy the digital read!
DELIVERING 2024 RESULTS TOGETHER
Jaime Hill, North America Region Head
David Redfern, President & CEO, ECAN and U.S. ACM
Brad Kohl, President & CEO, WCAN
As announced on September 3, in addition to his role as President & CEO, Eastern Canada, David Redfern has been appointed Head of Aggregates & Construction Materials (ACM), U.S., reporting to Jaime Hill, North America Region Head.
In this new capacity, David will lead the US ACM operations, including strategic initiatives, to further grow the U.S. market position. Until the new North America organization’s structure is announced, David will maintain both roles. Together, we are
dedicated to ensuring continued success in Canada and will focus on four key pillars:
1. Canada Results
2. Customer Impact
3. Leadership Continuity
4. Open Communication
As part of our Progress Institute initiative, Anson Le, Director of Data Integration & Transformation, published a Thought Piece in which he expands on our very own ECAN data journey. Check out the piece below.
Today’s largest companies by market cap are dominated by information technology firms like
Microsoft, Apple, NVIDIA, Google, and Amazon, with Apple (https://companiesmarketcap. com/) leading the pack for the past decade. These companies have market valuations in the trillions of dollars, dwarfing the largest industrial firms, which are valued in the hundreds of billions. Just thirty years ago, the market was dominated by oil, consumer goods, aero-
space, and pharmaceutical firms. Since 2014, the rise of billion-dollar information technology companies has been prolific, predicting that 40% of the current Fortune 500 companies may disappear within ten years.
INSIDE THE DATA TRANSFORMATION JOURNEY AT LAFARGE ECAN
by
Anson Le, Director, Data Integration & Transformation, ECAN
GETTING TO KNOW
Nicolas Ginouse, General Manager, BMQ, & Technical Director, ECAN RMX
We had the pleasure to speak to Nicolas Ginouse, General Manager, BMQ, and Technical Director, Lafarge Eastern Canada RMX for the Rise Build Shape website.
[Anna Salomao] Can you describe your new role and your primary responsibilities?
[Nicolas Ginouse] I am General Manager of BMQ based in Laval, QC which is part of our RMX division and for which I am in charge
of all business activities related to our volumetric concrete activities as well as our bagged concrete repairs and restoration products under our BMQ Solutions brand.
In addition to the GM role I am also Technical Director of our ECAN RMX division for which I am in charge of all technical, R&D and QC activities related to our RMX business in Eastern Canada.
The Future Economy.ca
David Redfern, President & CEO, ECAN, and Head of ACM, U.S., participated in an interview with The Future Economy.ca.
David shared his thoughts on the cement industry’s decarbonization, how Canada should be measuring and pricing carbon, and more.
Click here to watch the video.
The Hub.ca
Redfern also recently participated in a podcast by The Hub.ca where he discussed the economics of decarbonization, the role of market forces in net-zero efforts, and how public policy can best support these markets developments.
The Hub is a project of Hub Canada Media, a federally incorporated notfor-profit.
SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEWS
ECAN announces the completion of the White Rose Project in Newfoundland
The ECAN RMX Team is excited to share the successful completion of the West White Rose project on the Argentia Peninsula, NL, after 7 years and 81,800 m³ of concrete! Collaborating with Capital Ready Mix - Newcrete, they
contributed to the construction of this impressive concrete gravity structure (CGS), standing 145 meters tall; the height of a 35-story building. The project demanded over 60 MPA Modified Normal Density Concrete and a continuous 69-day pour for the conical tower.
The final concrete placement took place on August 23, 2024.
A huge shout out to the team involved in this journey, especially those who worked tirelessly on-site.
Show your support
READ NOTE IN FRENCH
DEVELOPING WINNERS
by Andrew Stewart, VP, Cement
As part of our Progress Institute initiative, our very own Andrew Stewart, VP, Cement, wrote a Thought Leadership Piece for the World Cement Magazine - September Issue. We invite you to read his insightful piece below:
In order to secure a more liveable and sustainable future, the world is decarbonising and Lafarge Canada has a role to play in this. Over the past couple of years, the startup world has been at the door of emissions-intensive industries - which is both unusual and invigorating.
READ FULL ARTICLE AND THE NOTE IN FRENCH.
BATH CEMENT PLANT welcomes a delegation from
Mantle Developments
The Bath Cement Plant Team recently hosted a group from Mantle Developments, a leading consultant in climate-smart construction. The team prepared a tour that could offer an in-depth look at Lafarge’s cement production process and cuttingedge technologies - showcasing our commitment to driving innovation and sustainability in the Canadian industry.
Keep up the good work, Team!
ECAN Launches the PROGRESS INSTITUTE
Show your support
In August, ECAN officially launched the Progress Institutean initiative aimed at developing a diverse network to share thoughts, hypotheses, findings, and actions in the sustainability arena - reinforcing our organization’s purpose of building progress for people and the planet
beyond our walls.
We understand that as a social purpose organization, it is our responsibility to be the drivers of progress in our industry in powerful partnership with others.
We already do this through our innovative and sustainable
products, but we also do this through our technical and policy expertise - and now we have created a framework for these important activities, the Progress Institute at Lafarge Canada.
Watch Rob Cumming, Progress Institute’s Executive Director.
ECAN Cement Teams demonstrate efficiency from land to sea
This summer, over 8,000 tonnes of Terraflow were loaded onto the NACC Argonaut vessel at the Montreal-East Cement terminal and sent to Vale Voisey’s Bay mine in Labrador. The successful effort marked a significant milestone in the customer relationship with Voisey’s Bay, which dates back to 2020. The
shipment was the first time a bulk product was delivered by vessel instead of using big bags.
The Montreal-East, CVC teams, and haulers coordinated the delivery using 200 tank trucks from the terminal to a service silo near the St. Lawrence River.
The entire operation was completed in under 36 hours, high-
lighting the strong collaboration between the various teams. Our cement sales team also worked closely with the vessel management team to make it all happen. Kudos to our teams for this successful effort.
MEET Viviana Frere, Shift Supervisor, Dundas Quarry
We had the pleasure to interview Viviana Frere, Shift Supervisor, Dundas Quarry, former Holcim Ecuador employee. Check out her interview below:
[Anna Salomao]
Hi Viviana, thanks for taking the time to speak to us. Let’s jump right in. Can you tell us a bit about your role at Holcim Ecuador and what you enjoyed most about it?
[Viviana Frere] My journey in Ecuador started 6 years ago when I graduated from university. I started as an Intern in the Innovation Center, jumped to Production, and lastly to Sales.
What I enjoy the most about working is the passion of people from the crew to the highest manager. Every single person in Holcim Ecuador takes pride in the work they do and
tries to make it better. It felt like we were all part of something bigger, that collective energy was really motivating, and that sense of belonging was noticeable to our customers which made us a really strong brand over there.
Angela Heyworth celebrates 25 YEARS OF SERVICE
Angela Heyworth, Dispatch Supervisor for GTA Aggregates, celebrates 25 years of service at Lafarge Canada. Her journey began as a summer student in June 1999 at the Stouffville Pit, where she undertook various tasks such as painting around the yard, providing general office assistance.
In
Montreal
Over the years, Angela has witnessed and contributed to the centralization of dispatch operations, moving from individual pit management to the Central Dispatch model currently in place. Her dedication and hard work have seen her rise from order taking to her present role as Dispatch Supervisor, a journey made possible by the support of
numerous bosses along the way.
What Angela loves most about her job is the dynamic nature of dispatching - no two days are ever the same.
READ FULL ARTICLE AND THE FRENCH VERSION.
Generations in the Workplace
By Nancy Cabral HR Director
When I started working in HR almost 20 years ago, the talent conversation was all about the Millenials who were at the time entering the workforce. Leaders were asking questions like - what do I need to do to attract and hire more Millenials? Engage them? Retain them? Fast forward to today, the questions by leaders remain the same but now they are being asked about the newest entrants into the workforceGeneration Z.
What are generations and why are we talking about them in the context of the workplace?
READ FULL ARTICLE AND THE FRENCH VERSION.
St Laurent RMX PLant
Navigating NetZero
by Rob Cumming, Head of Sustainability & Public Affairs
Our very own Rob Cumming, Head of Sustainability & Public Aff airs, and Executive Director, Progress Institute, wrote a Thought Leadership Piece for the World Cement Magazine - October Issue. Take a moment to read his compelling insights below:
“The world needs concrete. Cement and concrete are essential to the world’s urban infrastructure development. As cities are built and the world prepares for the inevitable climate extremes, it must also be acknowledged that the cement industry represents 7-8% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs), signifi cantly contributing to these challenges. Hence the challenge: the world needs to build but it must decarbonise.
How can the building solutions industry meet this challenge? In some ways, it is simple for the cement industry - it is all about clinker manufacturing, the core source of GHG emissions...”
PRESS PULSE
Lafarge and Geocycle Canada inaugurate first company-owned Lowcarbon Fuel Plant in the country (NS)
Lafarge Canada and Geocycle Canada, and the Department of Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), Offi ce of Energy Research and Development (OERD), announced the opening of Geocycle’s fi rst lowcarbon fuel plant in Canada – a more than $10-million facility located at the Lafarge Canada Brookfi eld Cement Plant (NS).
The investment represents one of the most transformative initiatives in the 50-year history of the cement plant. This great story has been featured on:
1. Ontario Construction News
2. World Cement
3. Canadian Manufacturing
4. On-Site Magazine
5. Sustainable Biz
STAY IN-THE-KNOW ABOUT OUR STORIES IN THE PRESS
Show your support
CEO AWAR D S 2024 Q3 NOMINATIONS
Dear colleagues,
We encourage you to acknowledge your colleagues’ hard work and dedication for the Q3 2024 CEO Awards (deadline: October 11, 2024).
It’s important for the recipients to drive our values and results and support our purpose - Building Progress for People and the Planet.
Share the following assets at offices and sites to boost participation: posters, digital banners, slides for tv screens and Zoom backgrounds.
David Redfern President & CEO, Eastern Canada
Lafarge Canada employees recognized as 2024 Top 40 Under 40 in Canadian Construction Award
Show your support
Join us in congratulating Rav (Ravinder) Sandhu, General Manager at Lafarge, and Sarah Reeves, Director of Geocycle Canada, for being named among the Top 40 Under 40 in Canadian Construction!
This recognition, presented by SiteNews, SitePartners, and On-Site Magazine, celebrates a diverse group of industry leaders, highlighting the key role young leaders play in shaping the future of construction.
Show your support
HONOURING TRUTH & RECONCILIATION:
Reflect, Learn, and Act
Fostering Relations Through Listening, Respect, and Shared Opportunity
The BIPOC Affinity Group is proud to have presented a Canada-wide webinar to observe National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with Julie Wildgoose, VP Programs & Student Success, Indspire.
Julie shared her personal stories, uncovered misconceptions about the
Indigenous Peoples and highlighted their vision of sustainable practices. What will be your call to action on this shared path to reconciliation?
Discover more resources here.
Watch the recording here.
Gender Equality Week and Women’s History Month
From the desk of Andy Unger, VP, RMX, ECAN
This month is dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the contributions of women and girls, and is a powerful reminder of the progress made toward equality and the ongoing efforts needed to create an inclusive environment.
This year’s theme, Women at Work:
Economic Growth Past, Present and Future, highlights women’s significant contributions to the workforce throughout history.
In ECAN, we strive to foster a diverse and inclusive workplace environment with equal gender representation where all employees can reach their full
potential. However, we acknowledge that we are not quite there, but we are focused on moving that needle forward.
It is paramount to the sustainability of our business that we see a more balanced representation of women within our workforce.
READ THE FULL NOTE AND THE FRENCH VERSION.
BUILDING FOUNDATIONS: The Importance of Female Mentorship
Lisa Defoe, Jennifer Bolibruch and Shea Burns share their personal stories
In an industry traditionally dominated by men, female mentorship is proving to be a game changer. Through the experiences of three ECAN colleagues connected through mentorship — Lisa Defoe, Operations Manager, RMX, Jennifer
Bolibruch, Operations Manager, Eastern Ontario Aggregates, and Shea Burns, Plant Manager, Woodstock Quarry — we can witness firsthand how mentorship not only helps women navigate their careers but also paves the way for future generations of female leaders. Check out the Q&A below and learn more about
Image caption here
our colleagues’ experiences in mentorship:
[Anna Salomao] Lisa, can you describe your journey and what inspired you to become a mentor? Please share your experience in mentoring Jen.
[Lisa Defoe] Early in my career, I faced numerous challenges as a woman in a maledominated field. I
often felt unsure of my path. Fortunately, I had leaders and mentors who believed in me and provided guidance and encouragement. That inspired me to become a mentor
myself. I wanted to give back and create a safe space for other women to navigate their own journeys.
READ THE FULL NOTE AND THE FRENCH VERSION.
WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH
Celebrating the evolution of Women in Lafarge Leadership Committee (WILL)
As we celebrate Women’s History Month in Canada, we want to pause and look back on about four years ago, when a group of employees in ECAN founded an affinity group named Women in Lafarge Leadership Committee (WILL).
The initiative first started with the goal of creating an inclusive, safe, and supportive space where women colleagues could network, learn from one another, and ultimately advance their careers in
the organization. Today, we acknowledge their success in facilitating important conversations and initiatives to promote gender diversity and equality in ECAN.
Director, Cement, ECAN, and Jennifer Bolibruch, Operations Manager, Eastern Ontario Aggregates, founders and longstanding members of the affinity group.
To learn more about WILL’s journey, we had the pleasure of speaking with Lisa Defoe, Operations Manager, RMX, Marie-Andree Guindon, Technical
Show your support
2024 Whitefish River Fish
Fry event celebrates 53 years without
The Whitefish River Fish Fry event is one of our favourite traditions at Lafarge Eastern Canada. Every year, ECAN leadership team takes the time to strengthen our organization’s close relationship with the Whitefish River First Nation Community through a shared meal to celebrate special milestones. This year,
we were pleased to recognize the local team’s work and their local record of 53 years without lost time incidents.
During this year’s event, we had a somber moment with Wayne Huska, Operations Manager, Southern Ontario, speaking movingly in memory of his grandfather, Father George Gardner, who
passed away in January 2024. As the founder of the Lafarge Whitefish River terminal, George Gardner was a special figure to the entire community - so special he was made an honorary chief.
Show your support
ECAN MAKES DONATION to biodiversity conservation project in Sudbury
Last year, Lafarge ECAN donated $3,500 to a fish hatchery owned by the Sudbury Algonquin Road Public School and supported by the Ministry of Natural Resources. The school project’s
members released the Walleye Brook trout in Lake Ramsey this summer, just like last year’s, with the help of students and their parents.
We are proud to support this biodiversity
conservation initiative in Ontario that contributes to the sustainability and equal balance of the fish population in Sudbury lakes. Click here for Photos.
READ THE NOTE IN FRENCH.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR: 2024 Q3 Town Hall
Join us for our last town hall of the year on November 14th .
The event will be held in person at the Airport Road offi ce. David Redfern, President & CEO, ECAN, along with other ECAN leaders will be sharing Projects’ updates and the latest fi nancial results for Group and ECAN. Register here.
Lunch will be served from 11:15 AM to noon in the Avignon and Paris rooms. Please fi ll out the lunch form. The Town Hall will be held from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM in the Avignon and Paris rooms and will be broadcasted on Zoom. If you have any questions, please reach out to Cristina Annunzi .
WEBSITE NEWS:
Check out our Blog Stories
Have you visited the Lafarge.ca website lately?
Stay up-to-date by reading our Blog Section.
• Building Better with Low-Carbon Cement: All About Production, Technologies & Outlook
• Innovating Towards Carbon Neutrality: Lafarge Canada’s Collaborative Trial with Aecon and CarbiCrete
• Empowering Tomorrow’s Innovators: A Recipient’s Journey with the Lafarge Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship
• The Rise of Renewable Energy in Building Material Construction
• Lafarge Canada and SalDan Construction Group Partner to Boost Housing Availability in Sault Ste. Marie, ON
Download the new ECAN zoom background.
RISE TO NEW HEIGHTS WEBSITE UPDATE
Have you seen what’s new on risebuildshape.com?
Our very own Nicolas Ginouse , GM, BMQ, and Technical Director, RMXECAN, is featured on the website! Learn more about his role and views on team development and growth opportunities.
Also, ECAN is part of the CSR highlight section with the donation to a fi sh hatchery in Sudbury and the Did you Know section with the Progress Institute . Keep up the good work, team!
Lastly, click here to download our new zoom background highlighting the Maestria Condo Twin Towers Project in Montreal.
Stay on the lookout for fresh insights from our teams across North America and see how we’re driving innovation to new heights.
Make sure to participate in our latest quiz for a chance to win a Bluetooth speaker!
ENROLL IN THE HOLCIM SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION
ACADEMY
Holcim is launching an immersive online education program for sustainable construction in partnership with subject matter experts from Cambridge University, ETH and other reputable institutions. This program is also open to all Holcim employees interested in building their sus-
tainable construction knowledge.
The Academy consists of modules with different topics that can be mixed and matched according to personal interests. Upon completion of one or more modules, a certificate will be issued accordingly with the
possibility to share the achievement on LinkedIn and part-take in an our global Learning & Development challenge internally.
Sign-up to the Academy HERE.
