CEMEX officially commences construction of new $235-M cement line in Antipolo

CEMEX Holdings Philippines (CHP) recently broke ground for the construction of a US$235-milllon cement production line at its Solid Cement Plant in Antipolo, Rizal.

With the theme, “Solidifying the Nation’s Future,” the groundbreaking ceremony highlights the continued confidence of CEMEX in the Philippines.

“The continuous investment and expansion of CEMEX in the Philippines is a reflection of its profound commitment to help the Philippine government in its quest to build a stronger nation. With the expansion of our operations, we shall be able to support the current administration’s ‘Build, Build, Build’ infrastructure program,” noted Ignacio Mijares, CHP President and CEO, in his welcome address.

Upon completion, the new production line is expected to increase the total capacity of Solid Cement Plant from 1.9 million metric tons to 3.4 million metric tons per year.

“The construction of this new line will help further build economic activity of the country, as well as help build opportunities for creating more jobs and improving lives. We want to continue to make remarkable contributions. We want to maintain our active role in supporting the development of this nation. We have been able to do that in the Philippines for the last 22 years and I am confident that we will be able to continue to do so through collaboration and partnership,” said Joaquin Estrada, Regional President of CEMEX Asia, Middle East, and Africa.

Also gracing the groundbreaking rites were some of CEMEX’s partners including Mexican Ambassador Gerardo Lozano Arredondo, Trade and Industry Assistant Secretary Anne Claire Cabochan, Public Works and Highways Director Reynaldo Tagudando, Environment and Natural Resources Undersecretary Rodolfo Garcia and Assistant Secretary Nonita Caguioa, Rizal Vice Governor Reynaldo San Juan, Antipolo City Councilor Loni Leyva and San Jose Barangay Chairman Ito Garcia.

To help build this new cement production line, CEMEX tapped one of China’s leading construction firms, SINOMA CBMI Construction, Ltd. “This is a rewarding outcome for the long-term efforts by the CEMEX team and the SINOMA CBMI team,” said Tong Laigou, Chairman and General Manager of SINOMA CBMI. “I am aware of the profound responsibility for CBMI as the engineering, procurement, and construction contractor of CEMEX’s new cement line. Rest assured that CBMI will keep in close operations with the CEMEX team for the local health and environmental requirements. We will help CEMEX Philippines in delivering a brand new, environment-friendly, beautiful, and newly-expanded Solid Cement Plant,” Laigou added.

Some of the new cement line’s features include the use of less energy as it is designed to reuse waste hot gases from drying raw materials. A high efficiency bag filter technology will be also utilized to significantly improve dust emission control far below the actual regulation.

Likewise, CEMEX puts utmost priority in ensuring environmentally responsible operations through its proprietary technology called low temperature clinker that will help reduce carbon dioxide emissions. “Truly, the construction of our new cement line here in the Solid Cement Plant is a testament to the years of dedication and hard work of all the employees,” said Arturo Manrique, Vice President of Operations and Technical of CEMEX Philippines. “The road towards this moment was never easy. But today, we celebrate and share our success with our dear stakeholders. More importantly, we honor and express our deep gratitude to all of you who have contributed in helping us reach this milestone,” Manrique added.

CEMEX has a rich history of improving the welfare of those it serves through innovative building solutions, efficiency advancements, and efforts to promote a sustainable future in more than 50 countries worldwide. In the Philippines, CEMEX subsidiaries Apo Cement Corporation in Cebu and Solid Cement Corporation in Rizal produce and market a broad product mix of building solutions. These cement manufacturing plants carry the well-established cement brands Apo and Rizal. More information on CEMEX is available at www.cemexholdingsphilippines.com.