Some business stories are built on contracts and transactions. This one is built on a hundred years of history, and thirty years of partnership.
Carmeuse has completed the acquisition of the Gnecci family's remaining stake in Unicalce, making the Italian lime leader a fully owned member of the Carmeuse Group. What began as a partnership in 1998 has now come full circle, and the story behind it is worth telling.
A Company Rooted in Italian History
Unicalce's origins trace back to 1923, when the first lime kiln was lit in Lecco, in the heart of northern Italy. Over the following decades, a series of mergers, joint ventures and acquisitions gradually brought together some of Italy's most established lime producers, building a strong industrial foundation. Officially founded in 1997, Unicalce has since grown into the undisputed leader of the Italian lime market, with a market share exceeding 40% and annual production of more than 900,000 tonnes in 2025.
Today, the company operates 12 industrial sites across Italy: from its historic headquarters in Lecco to its largest plants in Brembilla and Narni, serving a diverse range of industries including steel, environmental applications, soil stabilisation, construction, glass and chemicals. It also produces premix construction materials under its Premier brand. Across all of this, Unicalce employs approximately 500 people who carry with them decades of expertise and deep roots in their local communities.
Stronger Together
For Carmeuse, this acquisition is far more than a change of ownership structure. Unicalce brings exceptional industrial expertise, long-standing customer relationships, and significant know-how in biomass energy, with several plants already operating at 100% biomass substitution. This experience is a valuable asset as Carmeuse advances its sustainability ambitions across the European network.
At the same time, full integration opens new doors. By combining Unicalce's strong local presence with Carmeuse's broader European capabilities, both companies will be able to offer customers greater technical support, more flexible supply, and expanded solutions tailored to their needs.
What Comes Next
The integration program was formally launched in February 2026, with a clear roadmap covering all key areas: operations, commercial, HR, IT, finance and sustainability, with priority actions targeted for completion by the end of 2026.
For Unicalce's customers and employees, the message is one of continuity and confidence. The same commitment to quality, reliability and service remains. What changes is the scale of ambition and the depth of resources behind it. After a century of lime and thirty years of partnership, the next chapter is just beginning.