PPC: increased sales and new cement plant plans

PPC has released its interim results for the half year ending 31 March 2013. During the period, PPC’s revenue was up 8%, due to increased sales, improved pricing and favourable devaluation of the rand versus the US$ dollar and Botswana pula. Total sales volumes of cement grew by 6%. The increase was driven by higher sales in Zimbabwe and South Africa, which helped to offset weaker results in Botswana and falling demand for lime and aggregates. In South Africa, sales volumes rose by 6% and pricing was up by an average of 4%. Sales increased in the inland and Western Cape areas of the country, however sales in Eastern Cape were affected by competition from imports while industrial action in Limpopo impacted volumes there.

According to Bloomberg, PPC is planning to establish a 1 million tpa cement plant in Democratic Republic of Congo. The plant will be built near to the capital city of Kinshasa and will represent an investment of US$200. It has been reported that construction of the cement plant will begin at the end of 2013 and will be carried out in partnership with Sinoma International Engineering Co., China.

Edited from various sources by Louise Fordham.

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/africa-middle-east/17052013/ppc_cement_africa_new_plant_half_year_results_984/