Cemex installs new assistance systems in EMEA admixture facilities

Global building materials supplier Cemex is strengthening its commitment to Health and Safety by implementing new safety assistance systems across all its European admixtures facilities. 

The technology was completely installed at most of these sites by the end of 2023, with further plans for it to be rolled out in the wider EMEA (Europe, Africa, and the Middle East) region during 2024.

The systems were first trialled at Cemex’s admixtures plant in Salzkotten, Germany. Following the trial’s success, the technology has since been implemented in its plant based in Rugby, UK, with the Alicante, Spain site to follow.

The technology was supplied by German manufacturer Linde Material Handling. Its features include a ‘Reverse Assist Camera’ for forklifts, which detects pedestrians behind reversing forklifts. In the event of danger, the technology will alert the driver and automatically reduce the speed of the forklift. 

Linde will also implement its ‘Safety Guard System’ at all gates of buildings where forklifts can be driven; these project warning signs to make pedestrians and other forklift operators aware that a vehicle is entering the facility.

Dietmar Voetsch, director of Admixtures Europe, said: “At Cemex, we are always looking for new processes and innovations to ensure safety in our workplaces. Linde’s Safety Guard System and Reverse Assist Camera are ideal solutions for occupational safety in our admixture plants; we were immediately convinced by the technology and the feedback we’ve received from employees who have used it has been extremely positive. Once the European rollout is complete, we are excited to adapt the technology further for use in our Admixtures plants across the wider EMEA region.”

Fabian Zimmerman, product manager safety, Linde Material Handling, said: “We’re proud to have supported Cemex with the implementation of both the Safety Guard System and the Reverse Assist Camera at their European Admixtures Plants. By installing these systems, the safety of daily situations like loading and unloading lorries or storage can be increased significantly. We provide these solutions as a retrofit; thus, complete fleets can be equipped with these assistance systems.”