Report from the disaster zone: Lafarge hit by quake Go back »

2008-06-19 | Southwest China

Chengdu Voice: Are all employees safe and accounted for?
Terry Qiao: Unfortunately one employee of the Dujiangyan plant lost his life when his home collapsed on him. Four were injured. The rest, including those from the Dujiangyan and Jiangyou plant [in Mianyang] are safe and sound. Regarding families, about 25 family members lost their lives.

Chengdu Voice: What damage is there to company buildings in the area?
Terry Qiao: There is some damage to the facilities in both plants where a professional engineering team is now conducting a deep inspection.

Chengdu Voice: Was production halted?
Terry Qiao: Have employees been able to return to work? Production was halted right after the earthquake. The agenda of resuming production will depend on the evaluation made by the inspection of the engineering team.

Chengdu Voice: What aid has Lafarge given to relief efforts? 
Terry Qiao: In addition to the quick management of employee settlement right after the earthquake happened, Lafarge Shui On, the joint venture of Lafarge Group and Hong Kong based Shui On Construction & Materials Ltd, has donated 15 million RMB, of which 10 million went to Dujiangyan city and 5 million to Mianyang. Our plants in Jiangyou and Dujiangyan have also helped settle more than 2,000 people in the community in addition to our employees and their families. Production materials and about 100 employees were also lent to the local government to support rescue work. 

Chengdu Voice: Has the earthquake affected Lafarge's long-term strategy in Sichuan?
Terry Qiao: No. Sichuan is one of our most important markets and we will continue investing in the province.