Lafarge and Titan acquired the original plant in 1999 as a result of the privatisation of Beni Suef Cement Company. The plant produces 1.5 million tonnes a year (t/y) of cement. The second line will double output. It is for completion in 26 months.

Lafarge also holds a controlling stake in Alexandria Portland Cement Companyby virtue of its acquisition of Blue Circle Industriesof the UK. Lafarge subsidiary Alexandria Developmenthas submitted an offer to buy 100 per cent of the Alexandria cement firm, which produces 2 million t/y.