CEMEX's Balcones Plant receives top Safety Award - CEMEX's Balcones Plant receives top Safety Award - CEMEX USA

Houston, Texas - October 25, 2006

Employees in New Braunfels, Texas Recognized with Exemplary Safety Award

Recently, CEMEX, Inc. awarded top safety honors to its employees at the Balcones cement plant in New Braunfels, Texas for achieving a remarkable accomplishment: completing five years of operations without a lost time accident. Representatives from the Mine Safety and Health Administration and the Portland Cement Association helped recognize Balcones employees at the safety award ceremony at the New Braunfels Civic Center on Thursday, October 19.

"Just a few months ago, the people of CEMEX Balcones, were recognized with the CEMEX Global Safety Award in Madrid, Spain. Only one cement plant in the world receives this distinguished annual honor and the Balcones plant, here in Texas, has been recognized two years in a row, continuing to bring our U.S. operations into the global limelight. This five year safety award continues to build on these significant compliance and safety honors. I congratulate you all for this latest achievement," said Gilberto Perez, President of CEMEX USA.

CEMEX attributes the safety record as a result of ongoing efforts in conducting safety audits and risk analyses; training, emergency preparedness, accident investigations, process risk management and sharing best-practices.

"At CEMEX, nothing is more important than our people and their safety. This is the cornerstone of operational excellence and a philosophy which you clearly apply to your work. You share a great deal of pride for the plant and respect for each others' well-being. You continue to look out for each other, and that commitment is what we are celebrating," said Vice President of South Central Region Cement Operations Ken Kerr to the employees and their families.

Lost time accidents are more serious accidents that prevent an employee from immediately returning to work. The Balcones operations have also completed more than a year without an injury requiring medical attention beyond first aid.

Across the country, seven of CEMEX's 12 U.S. cement operations have a record of no lost-time accidents in 2006. CEMEX continues to highlight safety through training, programs, compliance and promoting healthy work practices, and the results are showing. In 2006, at CEMEX's U.S. cement facilities, lost time accident incidents are down 45 percent over 2005. In addition, lost time accident incidents are down 22 percent over 2005 at CEMEX ready mix facilities.

CEMEX is a growing global building solutions company that provides high quality products and reliable service to customers and communities in more than 50 countries throughout the world. Commemorating its 100^th anniversary in 2006, CEMEX has a rich history of improving the well-being of those it serves through its efforts to pursue innovative industry solutions and efficiency advancements and to promote a sustainable future. For more information, visit www.cemexusa.com.

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