Shaping the Future of the Polish Construction Industry through Differentiation

Lafarge, a member of LafargeHolcim Group since 2015, has been leading the Polish cement, concrete and aggregates business for more than 20 years, not only successfully providing high quality products and integrated solutions, but most of all acting as a pioneer of innovation in the Polish construction sector.

Lafarge was the first Polish industry player to leave aside the focus on three product lines and to introduce a customer segments and channels based business model, through which it executes its individual value offer: a tailor-made mix of products and services for a wide range of customers. Federico Tonetti, Chief Executive Officer of LafargeHolcim Poland emphasizes, “We believe that if we keep focusing on the end user, we can innovate in the right direction, сome up with better ideas, and in the end, differentiate ourselves”.

Customer-centric business model

“We changed our business model in 2015, moving from product lines to customers, segments and channels, placing customers at the heart of our organization. Our client orientation embraces not only our external clients, but firstof all our internal customers: our employees”, Federico Tonetti explains. The company’s vision is to provide continuous personal development of the employees and constant improvement of company’s integrated solutions. He adds, “Today we employ almost 1.600 people in Poland. We have around 60 production sites, two cement plants, 12 aggregates queries and 45 ready-mix plants. It is a great potential and we are using it with a great focus on people, sustainability and safety”.

Lafarge now operates in B2B and B2C channels and in there building and infrastructure segments. Its innovative solutions are used in ventures ranging from small local projects to large, technically comprehensive, and challenging infrastructure or construction investments.

Federico Tonetti explains, “Due to the capital intensive nature of our industry, we should focus on a value driven offer. It must be based on innovation and on customer needs, beyond on-time delivery and quality of products. In the past two years we have seen significant changes in the way we operate and think”. He points out, “We are not an opportunistic player. We are a company that has a mission to shape future leaders and the future of our industry and we want to be part of a country that fosters that”.

Acting as an industry leader

LafargeHolcim is offering more than high-quality solutions, as well as diversified construction services; the company is also an important industry influencer, an active member of several business associations, such as the Polish Association of Cement Producers (SPC), the Polish Association of Ready-Mixed Concrete Producers (SPBT), and the Polish Aggregate Industry Association (PZPK). Federico Tonetti says, “I think everybody knows that cement is the jewel of the crown, but we are also in the top seven countries of the LafargeHolcim Group and worldwide within the aggregates business”.

Ready-mixed concrete is also one of LafargeHolcim’s greatest assets. The company was awarded by the Association of Ready-Mixed Concrete Producers in Poland with the Quality Mark – Good Concrete, an award given to leading companies that strive to maintain high standards of production, safety and environmental protection.

Shaping a sustainable and socially responsible future

Following in the footsteps of the Group, LafargeHolcim in Poland has a clear commitment to social and environmental sustainability. In terms of supporting social development, LafargeHolcim plays an active role by running WSPÓLNIE – LafargeHolcim Foundation, which focuses on two major areas – architectural education and revitalization of Polish cities, which are among their many other initiatives and projects aimed at supporting local communities.