Cemex invests in Panama ops, approval for new UK grinding and blending facility

Cemex invests in Panama ops, approval for new UK grinding and blending facility
07 February 2007


Cemex will invest $200m  in the enlargement of its plant Cemento Bayano in Panama during the next two years, the company announced.
 
The project includes the construction of a new kiln line, which will be completed in 2009. Cemex’s decision to expand the plant capacity reflects the company’s confidence in the Panamanian economy and the high growth of the local construction industry, Cemex president for South America and the Caribbean, Juan Romero, said. 
 
Currently, the Bayano plant produces 450,000t of clinker, which will be increased to 1.6Mt under the enlargement project.

Meanwhile,  Cemex UK and Forth Ports have received approval  for a new  blended cements plant at the Port of Tilbury in Essex, UK. The development was marked in a ceremony, where guests included the Mayor of Thurrock, representatives from the Thurrock Thames Gateway Development Corporation and a number of local stakeholders.

Cemex couples financial achievements with a firm commitment to sustainable development and the new UK£27m  Tilbury facility is an example of the company’s sustainability agenda being put into practice.

The primary product manufactured on site will be CEM3 - a blend of traditional cement and slag. CEM3 gives improved workability in unhardened concrete and improves the long-term durability of concrete structures particularly those that are subjected to aggressive environments. 

The new 1.2Mt facility will be well placed to help meet demand for the cement required for the sustainable construction challenges of the London 2012 Olympic Games. It has also been welcomed by Thurrock Council as an integral part of the regeneration efforts to transform the area and support London’s expanding population.

Based on the reduced clinker content, emissions of CO2 are reduced by 50% for each tonne of blended cement produced. At Tilbury, this would result in a saving of 600,000tpa.

The benefits of CEM3 will be complemented by CEMEX UK’s extensive network of London wharfs and depots, connected by a system of river and rail transport to further minimise emissions and relieve the pressure on congested roads.

The Tilbury facility is expected to come on stream in 2008 and marks a step-change in the industry by producing CEM3 in purpose-built, factory-controlled conditions. This will ensure quality control and product consistency, as well as safety for a permanent and well trained work force. Additional benefits are likely to include increased productivity and reductions in energy use and materials wastage.
Published under Cement News