Statement from LafargeHolcim regarding its operations in Syria (III)
The media has reported the filing of a legal complaint related to the operation of Lafarge's subsidiary in Syria in 2013-2014.
In 2013, the Lafarge manufacturing site in Jalabiyeh was in the middle of a violent conflict zone and the Group's top priority was the safety of its employees and their families. During the summer of 2014, when the conflict quickly escalated in the area around the plant, Lafarge put a plan in place to progressively evacuate the site. In September 2014, fewer than 30 employees from the original workforce of 240 were on site when the plant was closed. These remaining employees were evacuated safely from the plant, thus achieving the objective of safeguarding all personnel. All the employees at the plant were paid until December 2015. Today, the plant is occupied by foreign special forces from the coalition.
The LafargeHolcim Group reconfirms that it has launched a thorough and independent investigation into the allegations. This investigation, currently underway, is being conducted by several law firms, mandated by the Group's Finance and Audit Committee. The Group’s Code of Business Conduct requires strict compliance with all applicable laws, including international law, in all countries in which it operates. The Group completely rejects the concept of financing of designated terrorist groups. The investigation will determine whether rules have been followed and if processes need to be adapted. The Group will implement any remediation measures required.
About LafargeHolcim
With a well-balanced presence in 90 countries and a focus on cement, aggregates and concrete, LafargeHolcim (SIX Swiss Exchange, Euronext Paris: LHN) is the world leader in the building materials industry. The Group has 100,000 employees around the world and combined net sales of CHF 29.5 billion in 2015. LafargeHolcim is the industry benchmark in R&D and serves from the individual homebuilder to the largest and most complex project with the widest range of value-adding products, innovative services and comprehensive building solutions. With a commitment to drive sustainable solutions for better building and infrastructure and to contribute to a higher quality of life, the Group is best positioned to meet the challenges of increasing urbanization.
