Why Choose Lafarge?
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Close Knit Teams

Lafarge has locations throughout the world and has developed a culture of decentralization. The Group is characterized by its international scope and multi-local close-knit teams.

An International Group*

Graph showing breakdown of Lafarge Group workforce

A breakdown of the group’s workforce, as of 12/31/2009

Joining an international group like Lafarge offers a number of advantages:

 

  • A culture of internal mobility that creates opportunities for a career abroad
  • Cultural diversity within the Group that leads to personal growth and an understanding of different ways of working

 

At Lafarge, "international" is more than a buzzword. The global distribution of the Group's workforce demonstrates the wide-ranging approach we take to production.

 

*Figures as of 12/31/2009

A decentralized Group where everyone takes responsibility

Decentralization is a core element in our multi-local organization. The Group is made up of small units in which the performance of each employee matters.

 

For example, a Lafarge cement plant is an industrial asset worth upwards of $250 million. Thanks to automated manufacturing and control processes, it can be operated by roughly 100 people. These assets are run by close-knit teams, allowing you to rapidly take on additional responsibilities and propose new initiatives that can quickly be put into practice.

Photo of Lafarge employees wearing PPE

Expansion in fast-growing markets: China

In 1985, emerging countries consumed 56 percent of the world's cement. That figure rose to 79 percent in 2005 and is expected to reach 87 percent by 2020.

 

The Group is fully mobilized to ensure long-term growth in these markets.

 

China is the world's leading market for cement and consumes more than 50 percent of global output. Lafarge is increasing its production capacity in China through acquisitions and the development of existing factories and cement plants.

 

Bringing recently acquired, obsolete plants up to date, complying with environmental standards, improving the skills of employees, and effectively applying safety rules are just a few of the challenges faced by a sustainable leader.

 

This growth will depend on significant, sustained recruiting for managerial positions in units and factories and for technical and support jobs.

 

China now represents more than one-quarter of the cement workforce. Most recruitment opportunities involve China as the Group works to establish firm roots in the country and keep pace with market expectations.

 

However, in China, foreign investors are looking for skilled workers who are open-minded and able to speak English. Competition is fierce.

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Values

Lafarge's principles in action

Key to Lafarge is its values of respect, care and constructive dialogue with stakeholders, including employees. These values are reflected in Lafarge's approach in its operations and business activities which focus on sustainable growth by reconciling the challenges of economic development and environmental respect.