As a leading local producer of aggregates in Côte d’Ivoire, with one of the biggest quarries in the country, CADERAC’s production capacity, unwavering quality, and strong geographical presence continue to cement its position. Richard Lorant, Managing Director, digs into the details.
A LEADING PLAYER IN IVORIAN AGGREGATES
The aggregates sector in Africa is entering a dynamic phase, driven by strong demographic growth, rapid urbanisation, and significant investment in infrastructure.
Across the continent, governments are simultaneously prioritising roads, transport systems, and urban development – all of which rely heavily on high-quality aggregates.
Yet, alongside these noteworthy developments, client expectations are also beginning to evolve, as mining businesses across Africa are no longer looking for just volume, but also consistency, reliability, and compliance with increasingly demanding technical standards.
CADERAC views this shift as an opportunity to cement itself as a leading aggregates producer in Côte d’Ivoire.
“The Ivorian market for aggregates is estimated at around eight to 10 million tonnes (t) per year and is growing due to accelerated infrastructure development. It drives us to continuously strengthen our industrial capabilities and position ourselves as a long-term partner for major infrastructure projects,” opens Richard Lorant, Managing Director.
Established in 1999, CADERAC is part of Groupe Hervé, a French family-owned organisation with over 150 years of experience in quarry operations.
Equipped with such knowledge, the company is recognised as a key player in the sector, offering the full range of crushed products, including gravel, sand, and riprap blocks.
With over 430 employees and a production capacity of approximately 3 million t of aggregates per year, CADERAC’s operational scope has allowed it to contribute to a vast range of infrastructure and construction projects.
The company is further distinguished by its reputable geographical coverage, comprising three production sites in Abidjan, Bouaké, and Aboisso.
“Our focus on quality, strong production capacity, and an extensive geographical presence makes us a noteworthy partner for infrastructure providers. As a result, our client profile is key player-orientated, with the top 10 infrastructure and road companies in Côte d’Ivoire representing about 70 percent (%) of our revenue,” he points out.
MAINTAINING AN ENVIABLE POSITION
At the forefront of African aggregates landscape, CADERAC’s success is built on its steadfast dedication to producing high-quality products.
“Our internal laboratory allows us to rigorously monitor the quality of our materials on a daily basis and ensure they are in full compliance with our clients’ high standards. This level of control is essential for major infrastructure projects,” Richard urges.
On top of this, the company’s production capacity and reliability enable it to deliver large volumes of aggregates consistently, which is critical to the success of complex projects with demanding timelines.
CADERAC also maintains a large inventory of spare parts for its equipment and stock of explosives, providing the ability to respond quickly and minimise the risks associated with international shipping.
The company’s geographical footprint is another important differentiating factor.
Its production model is structured around a major site in Kossihouen, located within Greater Abidjan – the centre of industrial development and infrastructure in Côte d’Ivoire.
“Whilst our main production site is located near Abidjan, our additional sites in Bouaké and Aboisso allow us to serve different regions of the country and remain closer to our clients than many competitors,” he tells us.
This is particularly the case for the Central and Eastern regions. Bouaké, for instance, is a strategic hub at the centre of the country and therefore plays a key role in trade and logistics.
While these sites have more targeted operations, they play a critical role in maintaining close proximity to clients and supporting regional projects,” Richard informs.
“This organisational structure enables us to combine scale with flexibility, ensuring high production capacity and responsiveness.”
FAMILY-DRIVEN APPROACH
Founded in 1999, CADERAC has grown steadily to become a major player in the Ivorian aggregates sector.
A defining element of the company’s identity is its integration within Groupe Hervé, a family-owned group with more than 150 years of experience in quarrying, now led by the fifth generation of the Hervé family.
“The sons of the two owners, Nicolas and David Hervé, aged 30 and 36, are proudly following in their fathers’ footsteps, setting the course for the coming decades. This long-term vision is fundamental; it allows us to prioritise sustainable growth, operational excellence, and long-term partnerships.
“This family-driven approach also translates into a strong sense of responsibility towards our clients, employees, and communities,” says Richard.
Other major benefits provided by Groupe Hervé include direct access to international expertise, proven operational methods, and strong financial backing, allowing CADERAC to continuously invest in its tools, processes, and people.
“We maintain a strong regional anchoring with teams who understand the specific realities of the Ivorian market, whilst benefitting from the international standards and expertise of Groupe Hervé. This combination of global standards and local agility is at the core of our performance,” he emphasises.
“We maintain a strong regional anchoring with teams who understand the specific realities of the Ivorian market, whilst BENEFITTING from the international standards and expertise of Groupe Hervé. This combination of global standards and local agility is at the core of our performance”
Richard Lorant, Managing Director, CADERAC
PRESTIGIOUS PORTFOLIO OF PROJECTS
CADERAC is proud to contribute to major infrastructure and construction projects across Côte d’Ivoire, supporting the country’s development through the supply of high-quality aggregates.
Notably, CADERAC has been involved in the construction of two major road projects – the Coastal Motorway, between Abidjan and San Pedro, and the Northern Motorway between Abidjan and Bouaké.
The company supplied materials used in asphalt production, contributing to the durability and performance of these key transport corridors.
In parallel, CADERAC is involved in other emblematic urban developments such as the Tower F project in Abidjan.
“It will be one of the highest skyscrapers in Africa, which will rise to a height of 400 metres. This landmark project reflects the country’s economic ambition and transformation, and being part of such developments illustrates our ability to support complex, high-visibility projects,” highlights Richard.
As CADERAC continues to grow, its media image has increasingly become a strategic priority, particularly as the company aims to strengthen its visibility amongst international players – specifically mining companies.
“We believe it is important to showcase our expertise, projects, and the role we play in supporting infrastructure development. Strengthening our media presence allows us to reinforce our brand, attract new partners, and position ourselves as a reference player in Côte d’Ivoire,” he outlines.
A LONG-TERM COMMITMENT TO PEOPLE
Key to its continued growth, CADERAC’s workforce reflects a long-term approach to employment and performance.
Indeed, approximately 70% of the company’s staff are on permanent contracts. This reflects a deliberate and strategic long-term employment approach, enabling CADERAC to build stable, experienced teams and directly contributing to its low turnover.
Its commitments also extend to local employment opportunities, with over 88% of its workforce being Ivorian and less than two percent expatriates.
In addition, approximately 10% of employees come from other African countries, bringing with them complementary expertise.
Furthermore, whilst the sector remains traditionally male-dominated, women currently represent around 10% of CADERAC’s workforce, and increasing this share is one of the company’s key objectives.
People development also remains a core focus for the company.
“A key initiative in this area is the creation of an internal literacy school, which enables employees who were previously unable to read or write to become fully autonomous in their work and daily life,” Richard highlights.
CADERAC additionally prioritises its staff’s health through concrete actions such as having an on-site infirmary, providing health insurance and annual medical check-ups, and raising awareness during the Pink October and Blue November global health campaigns.
SUPPORTING LOCAL COMMUNITIES
The company’s long-standing commitment also extends to its support of the local community, which is a key part of its corporate identity.
Indeed, CADERAC actively supports the development of the territories in which it operates through concrete actions, particularly in education, healthcare, and local employment.
Over the years, the company has contributed to the refurbishment of schools and provides essential supplies to local establishments and institutions.
For instance, it has constructed three housing units for teachers and a kindergarten classroom in the village of Kolongonouan near Bouaké.
CADERAC has also played an integral part in the repaving of roads in the village of Kossihouen and donated medicine to a health centre in Bago.
“CADERAC’s role goes beyond supplying aggregates – we are a partner in infrastructure development, contributing to projects that have a direct impact on economic growth and quality of life”
Richard Lorant, Managing Director, CADERAC
GOING FORWARD
As it continues on its journey as a leading player in Côte d’Ivoire’s aggregates sector, CADERAC’s priorities are focused on consolidating its position and continuing to improve its operational performance.
The company aims to strengthen its local presence by opening new facilities in the North and West regions of the country, whilst continuing to invest in mobile crushing units for extracting materials on-site for clients, particularly mining companies.
Meanwhile, CADERAC also strives to bolster its production capabilities, maintain high-quality standards, and continue supporting major infrastructure projects across Côte d’Ivoire.
Underlying these objectives is the company’s commitment to remaining attentive to opportunities for growth and expansion, always with a disciplined and long-term approach.
“CADERAC’s role goes beyond supplying aggregates – we are a partner in infrastructure development, contributing to projects that have a direct impact on economic growth and quality of life.
“This sense of responsibility is what drives our teams on a daily basis,” Richard concludes.
CADERAC PARTNER
This company profile was produced by the editorial team at Mining Outlook, a publication within the Outlook Publishing global network of B2B industry magazines.
Outlook Publishing showcases organisations and leadership teams shaping sectors including mining, manufacturing, construction, healthcare, supply chains, food production, and sustainability.
Mining Outlook highlights the companies and projects driving progress across the global mining sector.
