Turning up the heat: A TEC and GRECO joining together for new beginnings

How has the pyroprocess optimization business evolved and how do independents fit within the global cement plant equipment manufacturers?

 

TL/AG: A TEC is specialized in plant optimization, and is always developing tailor made solutions designed to individual customer requirements, independent from specific equipment suppliers. Plant optimization is a core business. Plant and equipment suppliers have their standard solutions based on their products.

With joint R&D in the field of pyroprocess, A TEC and GRECO may improve the solution basis for their clients, especially as regards to different fuels, especially alternative fuels.

 

Is your announcement the first step in a bigger strategy for the joint company - will we see acquisitions and other mergers? Is it the beginning of a broader consolidation within the cement plant equipment industry?

TL/AG: One of the goals of this move is to maintain specialized cells, meaning that each product and service from A TEC and GRECO will be treated like a separate company. If we donÔÇÖt do this, we will have the same problems as the ones I have cited earlier about the integrated suppliers.

We want to remain specialized, but it does not mean we need to be small. We can be big, good and also specialized. Once again, we have come up with a unique company. Do you know any other in this business that is big, good and specialized? I donÔÇÖt.

New acquisition and mergers? I cannot tell more about that right now, but all we can say is that we are working on a big project that will be stamped in the cement industry history books. Unfortunately, we cannot tell you what it is. It is a secret so far

 

 

From both the GRECO and A TEC side, what are the biggest lessons within your respective domains from the global crisis? Where do you see the biggest opportunities going forward?

TL/AG: The developing countries are a good target now, and the demand is steadily shifting from old economies like Europe. Europe is still the ÔÇ£MeccaÔÇØ of cement, because cement technology was mainly developed in Europe and most of the big group's headquarters are located in Europe. But we have some Brazilian and Chinese groups that are growing so fast, they can probably enter the top 10 cement producers in the near future.

In fact the opportunities are everywhere. We are just keeping our eyes open for opportunities, and we will continue to invest in R&D and market development. The global crisis is something that might happen from time to time, and all companies should be prepared for that.

How to be prepared? Good products and good services distributed by a good network.

 

Sounds like big and exciting plans - we look forward to hearing more and wish you the best.