HOLCIM PHILIPPINES, Inc. has completed new storage and loading facilities in its Bulacan plant that will boost production moving forward.
The listed cement manufacturer said in a statement that it inaugurated on Sept. 11 a new warehouse with six additional loading bays and new packing and loading machines in Norzagaray, Bulacan.
The company said this will improve its storage capacity and speed up the transfer of products on truck for faster customer service. The facility mainly serves the National Capital Region and Central Luzon, areas whose construction industry saw double-digit growth in 2018, Holcim Philippines noted.
Holcim Philippines’ de-bottlenecking activities for the Bulacan plant started in January 2018 as it sought to ramp up operations amid the expected increase in cement demand due to the government’s infrastructure program.
“This is the third site we are holding inauguration activities this year as our company continues investments to strengthen our ability to support our customers nationwide,” Holcim Philippines President and Chief Executive Officer John Stull said in a statement.
Holcim Philippines introduced new facilities in its Bacnotan, La Union and Davao City plants in March and August, respectively.
“This is part of our greater commitment to provide a reliable supply of cement especially at this time of strong construction activity, which we will continue to meet to contribute to building a better future for the Philippines,” Mr. Stull said.
The company previously said it will spend $300 million to expand its operations in Misamis Oriental and Bulacan, which should boost total capacity to 13 million metric tons.
Holcim Philippines is currently being acquired by diversified conglomerate San Miguel Corp. for $2.15 billion as part of parent LafargeHolcim Group’s exit strategy in Southeast Asia. The Philippine Competition Commission is still reviewing the deal.
Holcim Philippines’ net income attributable to the parent dropped nine percent to P1.42 billion in the first half of 2019, after gross revenues also fell 18% to P15.38 billion.
Shares in Holcim Philippines climbed 1.13% or 16 centavos to close at P14.32 each at the stock exchange on Monday. — Arra B. Francia
