GLOBAL cement giant Lafarge says it is confident of further financial growth in 2005 after reporting strong sales figures for the last six months.

The group, which employs around 75,000 staff in 75 countries, saw its sales increase by 5.7 per cent to £9.99bn from £9.45bn in 2003.

Its UK operation, which includes the Westbury works, accounts for 11 per cent of worldwide sales.

UK cement sales rose by 9.2 per cent last year, but it remains to be seen whether the 'concrete cancer' scandal will affect figures in 2005.

Lafarge expects its operating income to increase by 10 per cent this year against sharp rises in energy costs.

Chief executive Bernard Kasriel said: "We are confident that most of our markets will continue to show favourable trends in both volumes and pricing in 2005."

Globally, sales of aggregates and concrete rose by 7.6 per cent, but were lower in the UK due to reduced infrastructure spending, strongly affecting asphalt and paving sales.

Concrete sales in the UK were robust, supported by higher volumes of special quality products.

Sales of both concrete and clay tiles were down in western Europe. Gypsum sales were up 12.2 per cent.