I would like to take the opportunity to share some reflections and observations related to 8 VFLs I did during the last three weeks. The most important and striking observation is that we are able to operate at very high standards in several operational sites in terms of overall safety environment, housekeeping, risks prevention and behaviours, which is great, while in some circumstances we are still operating at lower standards, which is worrying. I would like to insist on the fact that this observation is independent of the relative ages of equipment.

Stepping in, I believe we cannot keep making our safety environment partially dependent on local circumstances: housekeeping, risks preventions, local teams’ engagement and involvement, must now become our norm everywhere, every time.

It is also striking that those sites that have really adopted the concepts of LEAN management are consistently operating at very high standards with a constant engagement of all local stakeholders in continuous process and safety conditions improvements, working as ONE team. This observation is also independent of equipment relative ages.

In order to make sure we operate at the highest standards, everywhere, every time, regardless of equipment relative ages or any other local circumstances, we will roll-out LEAN management essentials and management culture in all our product lines and sites over the next 18 months. This roll-out will be led by Phil Baynes, VP Cement Operations, and supported by all product lines VPs and their teams, as well as OHR and Health & Safety teams.

Please be alert of upcoming communications on this topic in the weeks to come.

Beyond the sharing of the above reflections, I would like to ask you to stay very alert, being conscious of risks and of our own vulnerability, apply our safety principles, and step in when you observe any deviation.

Best regards,

Michel