CEMEX to build $235M new integrated cement line in Antipolo
CEMEX to build $235M new integrated cement line in Antipolo
Strengthening its commitment to help build a better future by providing advanced building solutions in the country, CEMEX Holdings Philippines, Inc. recently announced the commencement of its expansion project in the City of Antipolo, Rizal – the construction of the Solid Plant New Cement Line. This was formalized during the signing of the principal project agreements with CBMI Construction Co., Ltd of China (SINOMA) held last October 18 at The Fairmont Hotel Makati.
This milestone was led by CEMEX Global VP for Operations and Technology Ernesto Alonso Felix Sandoval and CEMEX Philippines President and CEO Ignacio Mijares, together with SINOMA Chairman and General Manager Tong Laigou and Regional Managing Director for Asia Wang Yuwu. The event was likewise witnessed by key officials from the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, as well as the Embassy of Mexico in the Philippines and the local government units of Antipolo and Rizal.
With an investment cost of around USD235 million, the new integrated cement line will add 1.5 million tons of cement to the annual capacity of the Solid Cement Plant, thereby increasing the total output to 3.4 million tons.
“CEMEX is one with the Philippine government in building a stronger nation. With the national government’s “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program, CEMEX continues its major role in supporting the construction of the government’s flagship projects which include airports, seaports, railways, roads and bridges across the country”, Ignacio Mijares said during his opening remarks. He expressed confidence that with the company's global expertise in cement manufacturing, deep resolve for innovation, efficiency and excellence, this important investment will further bolster the economic growth of the country.
Expansion projects underway
The massive five-year “Build, Build, Build” Infrastructure Program of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte called for strategic solutions from the building and construction materials industry. In response to this tall order, CEMEX committed the construction of the Solid Cement New Line.
“CEMEX’s presence in the Philippines started in 1997. For more than two decades, we’d like to believe that we were able to make a difference. We were able to make a difference by supporting the construction of not just cities, but likewise helped spur the development of provinces and other rural areas. As we look around, we know that CEMEX is part of an industry that helps build almost everything that we see now”, remarked Ernesto Felix during his keynote message. The impressive new cement line will rise in a 42-hectare property located in Solid Cement Plant’s complex in Antipolo City, Rizal.
Tong Laigou highlighted the continuous partnership of two global industry leaders in building construction and concrete solutions. “I would like to take this opportunity to express my great appreciation for the trust from CEMEX and hope to continue the understanding, support and help from the CEMEX team”, he expressed. He was also confident that the strategic partnership will deliver the much-needed “brand new, beautiful, environment-friendly, and modern” cement production line to support the country’s flagship infrastructure developments.
Commitment to nation-building
Mexican Ambassador Gerardo Lozano Arredondo graced the ceremony and lauded the contribution of CEMEX to the sustainable development of the Philippine economy. He also emphasized the strong diplomatic ties of Mexico and the Philippines.
Representatives from the national government led by Department of Environment and Natural Resources Assistant Secretary Nonita Caguioa and Department of Trade and Industry - Bureau of Product Standards Director James Empeño expressed confidence with the new partnership.
Asec. Caguioa acknowledged how CEMEX has complied with environmental regulations and sought to build sustainable and eco-friendly facilities in areas where they operate. Meanwhile, Director Empeño emphasized how CEMEX provided innovative concrete solutions that paved the way for the Philippines to be a market leader in cement production.
Rizal Provincial Vice Governor Reynaldo San Juan focused on the role of cooperation in building a better nation. He acknowledged the presence of Antipolo City Mayor Casimiro ‘Jun’ Ynares III in the event and stressed the economic support brought by CEMEX to Rizal, particularly in Antipolo City, by providing employment, socioeconomic programs, and infrastructure projects that boosted the business climate of the province. “With the signing between CEMEX Holdings Philippines and SINOMA CBMI, the cooperation between these two industry leaders bodes well for our nation”, San Juan declared. “The Solid Cement expansion comes at an opportune time when the Philippines is committed to its “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program”, San Juan added.
As part of its commitment to building a better future, CEMEX also strengthened its partnership with GMA Kapuso Foundation and ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation. CEMEX will help build a new learning facility for the Pendolanan Elementary School in Marawi City under the GMA Kapuso Foundation’s Rebuild Marawi initiative. Likewise, CEMEX will also help reconstruct and rehabilitate a children’s village in Bulacan under ABS-CBN’s Bantay Bata 163 program.
Continued partnership
The Solid New Cement Line is the second undertaking between CEMEX and SINOMA in the Philippines. In 2015, they inaugurated the US$20-million waste-heat-to-energy facility also in Solid Cement Plant, under the full undertaking of SINOMA-EC. This facility is a technology built to capture Solid Cement Plant’s by-product of heat into usable energy and will likewise be implemented in CEMEX's APO Cement Plant in the City of Naga, Cebu in the near future.
For 110 years, CEMEX evolved from a local cement producer in Mexico into a leading global building solutions company with presence in more than 50 countries, integrating the best practices and talent around the world. CEMEX reflects this long-standing reputation through its local business development projects, socioeconomic programs and environmental initiatives.
On the other hand, SINOMA CBMI is mainly engaged in cement technology equipment and engineering, integrating advanced technologies, talents, management, platforms and other high-quality resources in the cement engineering industry in China and the world. With a track record of building more than 110 cement production lines worldwide, SINOMA CBMI has been approved as a global leading EBC contractor in building industrial materials.
Without a doubt, CEMEX will be able to deliver on its promise of building a better future for the Philippines with the company’s unrelenting resolve for the pursuit of excellence in providing quality building solutions for the Filipino people and the generations to come.
