Chile-based Cemento Melón has increased its first-quarter earnings by 12 per cent to US$7m when compared with 1Q17, despite lower cement sales volumes, according to Diario Financiero Online.

The company’s revenues edged up by one per cent to US$83m. Sales volumes fell by 6.5 per cent but the company attributed the higher earnings to “the implementation of operational excellence plans that have meant lower production costs in the different plants, a lower exchange rate and a greater focus on the margin."

"Likewise, efforts have been maintained to contain fixed costs, logistics and administration in all units of the company," said the cement producer.