History
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From a family limestone business to the world leader in building materials: discover the key events in Lafarge's history.

  • 1833: Creation of Lafarge in France.

  • 1864: 1st major international contract. The company delivers 110,000 tons of lime for the construction of the Suez Canal.

  • 1887: Lafarge opens its 1st laboratory, the Teil Laboratory, in the south of France.

  • 1956: Lafarge builds its 1st cement works in Canada, at Richmond: Lafarge Cement of North America.

  • 1990: Lafarge creates the 1st building materials research laboratory, the Lafarge Research Center (L.C.R.), in Lyon (France).

  • 1994: Lafarge enters the Chinese market through Chinefarge, a joint venture in the cement sector.

  • 1997: Lafarge acquires the British firm, Redland. The Group becomes no. 1 in the aggregates market and enters the roofing market.

  • 1999: Lafarge takes its first steps in India.

  • 2000: Lafarge is the first industrial group to conclude a global partnership agreement with W.W.F. (World Wide Fund for Nature) in the framework of the "Conservation Partner" program.
    The Group is committed to the fight against CO2 emissions.
    Start of the Gypsum Business in the United States.

  • 2001: Acquisition of the British cement company, Blue Circle Industries Plc (B.C.I.), propels Lafarge to the rank of no. 1 global cement manufacturer.

  • 2006: Lafarge acquires 100% ownership of Lafarge North America.
    The Group launches the 2008 Excellence strategic plan.

  • 2007: Lafarge sells its Roofing Business to the French investment fund, P.A.I. partners.
    The 2012 Ambitions plan sets 3 main objectives for the Group in the area of sustainable development.
    The acquisition of Orascom Cement, the leader in the Middle East and the Mediterranean Basin, marks a real acceleration in the Group's development strategy and turns Lafarge into the leader building materials in emerging markets.

 

  • Key innovations
  • Lafarge worldwide
  • Strategy of the Group
  • 2008 Excellence
  • Sustainable development priorities

The Teil plant, early 20th century, France

Lime

Lime is a binding agent obtained from the calcination of limestone. Limes are divided into 2 categories depending on whether they are set by exposure to carbon dioxide (slaked lime) or to water (hydraulic lime).

Slaked lime is mainly used in traditional finishing plasters, pointing mortars and whitewashes. Hydraulic lime contains clay, giving it similar properties to cement and making it suitable for use as an undercoat or render.

Glossary

Lafarge has been active in China since 1994

Cement

Cement is a hydraulic bonding agent which is obtained by heating, then grinding, a mixture of limestone and clay. Most cements are made from clinker and additives and are usually used in the form of a powder. Cement sets when mixed with water. Combined with sand and aggregates (sand or gravel), it turns into rock-hard concrete or mortar.

Glossary

Lafarge and W.W.F.

Last update on 06/05/2008

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Completed projects

Products at the heart of architectural projects

The innovative properties of Lafarge's range of products stimulates architectural creativity. Residential buildings, foot bridges, road bridges, airports, rail stations: discover examples of projects that make use of Lafarge products.

Key achievements