Cement Company expansion plans going well

Phase one of Caribbean Cement Company Limited's (CCCL's) expansion project, which is expected to yield up to a 30 per cent increase in cement production, is said to be completed next year.

Jorge Martinez, the newly appointed managing director at CCCL, has indicated that civil works are currently being undertaken. These are being done in tandem with the arrival and delivery of several spare parts, as well as the procurement of the main equipment and implementation of service contracts.

"When completed, this project will further reduce our carbon emissions and deliver increased output from 2,600 to 2,850 tonnes of clinker per day to meet the increased local demand for cement," explained Matinez. "We will also have the capacity to explore options for exporting to other countries within the Caribbean Community. These exports will benefit Jamaica's economy through foreign currency income."

With an investment of US$40 million, Martinez said the project has already created new local jobs and will be entirely funded from the company's coffers.

"So far, a total of 150 skilled workers are currently employed on the project and have completed the engineering phase," he said.

The project will also help Cemex to reach its ambitious sustainability consolidated targets of reduced CO2 emissions under its Future in Action programme, optimising the heat consumption in the cement production process and minimising the carbon footprint of its activities in Jamaica.