Holcim Lanka investing in new capacities

According to local reports, Holcim Lanka – the Sri Lankan division of the Swiss cement giant – is set to double current grinding capacity at the Galle plant, construct a new terminal in Trincomalee, in the east of the country, and upgrade operations in Puttalam.

Philippe Richart, Holcim Lanka’s CEO, provided some details of the company’s plans during the launch of its Sustainable Development Review 2012. “We believe that profitability can only be sustained if we have a triple-bottom-line where we take care of our economic performance, environment we are operating in and the community we work with,” he said. “Being in Sri Lanka for the past 15 years, we believe that we are supporting the growth of the economy and would like to reassure you that we want to continue to invest in Sri Lanka for the long term. We also believe we have been able to change the lives of people in the communities we operate in. We are sustainably growing in Sri Lanka and we are constantly investing in the country.”

The Galle expansion requires an investment of some US$25 million and is due to commence operations in early 2014. The US$5 million terminal at Trincomalee is due for completion next month, while the Puttalam project will involve an investment of US$2 – 3 million to up clinker production levels from the current 1 million tpa.

In line with the Group’s philosophy on sustainability, Holcim Lanka is working to improve its environmental footprint. The company has been using alternative fuels since 2003 in collaboration with Geocycle, Holcim’s waste management division, and has achieved a good substitution rate. A further Rs.160 million investment is planned for Geocycle this year.

Edited from various sources by Katherine Guenioui.

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/asia-pacific-rim/23072013/holcim_invests_in_sri_lanka_cement_industry_62/