Cemex Philippines to expand Naga cement plant

Anticipating an increase in demand for cement in the country, Cemex Philippines is embarking on a PHP2.5bn (US$58m) expansion of Apo Cement Corp’s facility in Naga City, Cebu. Apo plant director, Normandy Chan, said the company decided to expand the plant to meet the rising demand for cement in the country, which was brought about by the strong growth posted by the economy. “With the rise in demand, comes the need for much improved and innovative infrastructure,” Chan said.

Chan explained the expansion plan would increase the Naga plant’s production capacity by 1.5Mta to 4Mta. Cemex is installing a vertical roller mill (VRM) which is expected to be ready for commissioning in the 2Q14. Cemex is currently using two ball mills with total production capacity of 2.5Mta. The use of the VRM will result in reduced power consumption, consistent product quality and a more simplified process.

In 2012, Cemex produced about 2Mt of cement. Chan said Cemex was projecting a 10 per cent rise in demand for cement products and that Visayas and Mindanao accounted for 85 to 90 per cent of the company’s market. About 10-15 per cent of the company's cement output goes to Luzon. For 2013, Cemex is expecting to supply 2.2Mt of cement to the market.

Cemex is also working on improving its 'green practices'. “We are continuously looking for innovative and sustainable ways to do our operations. For example, our alternative fuel substitution in Apo has reached 22 per cent in a span of only five years,” Chan said.

Cemex is the first and, so far, the only Filipino cement company to be awarded the Green Choice Seal for its environment-friendly practices and facilities. It has established green operations in Apo Cement plant in Cebu and Solid Cement Corp facility in Antipolo City, Rizal province.