Concreat Holdings Philippines, the company formed by Consunji Group (DMCI Holdings) after its acquisition of the ailing Cemex Holdings Philippines Inc, has commenced operations at its new production line in Antipolo, Philippines.

In its disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, Concreat said the new production line at its Solid Cement plant became operation last month. The new facility brings Concreat’s overall plant capacity to 7.2Mta, a 26 per cent increase, with Solid Cement’s capacity jumping from 1.9Mta to 3.4Mta.

Herbert M Consunji, Concreat president and CEO, describes the expansion as a pivotal step in the company’s turnaround. “With higher capacity, a more efficient kiln, and the use of Semirara coal, we are rebuilding momentum and lowering production costs – laying the groundwork for long-term recovery,” he said.

The new line is expected to boost direct and indirect employment in the area and was awarded fiscal incentives from the Philippine Board of Investments. It is equipped with energy-efficient technology, reckoned to deliver significant energy savings, as well as reducing emissions.

Concreat is 51 per cent-owned by DMCI Holdings and operates through its wholly-owned subsidiaries APO Cement Corp and Solid Cement Corp.