IBAU Hamburg Breaks Ground on Major Silo Project in Lithuania

Why It Matters

The project expands cement supply in the Baltic region and aligns with EU sustainability goals, strengthening IBAU’s foothold in the European market.

Key Takeaways

• IBAU Hamburg awarded EPC contract for multi‑compartment silo in Lithuania
• Project targets increased production capacity for AB Akmenes cementas
• Advanced mixing technology enhances energy efficiency and emissions reduction
• Turnkey solution includes cement conveying, mixing, and loading systems
• Groundbreaking held on May 6, signaling rapid project timeline

Pulse Analysis

The Baltic states have seen a steady rise in construction activity, driven by EU‑funded infrastructure projects and a post‑pandemic housing boom. Cement producers such as AB Akmenes cementas, a subsidiary of Germany’s Schwenk Zement, are under pressure to expand capacity while meeting tighter environmental standards. IBAU Hamburg, a German engineering firm specializing in cement plant automation, secured the EPC contract to deliver a new multi‑compartment mixing silo in Naujoji Akmené, Lithuania. The groundbreaking ceremony on 6 May marks the first major capital investment in the region’s cement sector in two years.

The turnkey silo integrates high‑speed conveying, precision mixing and automated loading modules, all controlled by IBAU’s proprietary process‑optimization software. Multi‑compartment design allows simultaneous preparation of different cement grades, reducing change‑over time and minimizing batch contamination. Energy‑saving motors and variable‑frequency drives cut power consumption by an estimated 12 percent, while dust‑capture systems lower particulate emissions, aligning the plant with the EU’s Green Deal targets. By improving throughput and product consistency, the new installation is expected to lift AB Akmenes annual output by roughly 15 percent, strengthening its market share in the Baltic region.

For IBAU Hamburg, the Lithuanian project serves as a showcase of its next‑generation silo technology and opens doors to further contracts across Eastern Europe. Competitors such as Fives and Siemens have been active in the region, but IBAU’s focus on modular, low‑maintenance solutions gives it a cost‑advantage in markets where capital is scarce. The increased capacity will also support downstream distributors, enabling faster delivery to construction sites and reducing inventory costs. As the EU pushes for decarbonized building materials, projects that combine productivity gains with sustainability are likely to become the new industry benchmark.