Holcim to invest nearly US$400 million in Ecuador

Holcim Ecuador will continue its commitment to the development of the construction industry in Ecuador: in late 2012, they will initiate an investment of nearly US$400 million to start building the second phase of its main cement plant expansion project in Guayaquil, an effort that will allow the South American country to sustain its growth in the coming decades, in a sustainable way.

Currently, Holcim Ecuador is finalising the stage of engineering studies of what will be its third clinker production line. Construction is expected to start in December 2012. The main goal of this project is to provide a top quality service level for its customers, ensuring the availability of their products in the country.

Primarily, the investment takes into account the implementation of the highest standards in corporate social responsibility, such as human rights standards, employment practices, supplier management, and organisational health and safety. The huge investment is planned to generate about 2500 direct and indirect jobs in the country during its construction phase, which will take approximately 24 months.

It is expected that the project will underpin the economy of metal-mechanics workshops, electricity and various services, while promoting a great transfer of technology, knowledge and best practices to Ecuador, on topics such as industrial safety, construction techniques, mechanics and electronics. Regarding environmental management, the project will include advanced technologies to control gases and particles emissions, according to Ecuadorian and international standards.

The construction of this third clinker production line will ensure the availability of raw materials for cement production, in order to cover high demand periods of the product. The project will implement a kiln that will produce about 5000 tpd of clinker.

This new challenge undertaken by Holcim Ecuador culminates with the whole expansion project of its main cement plant in Guayaquil, which started the construction of its first phase in early 2010 with an investment of US$120 million, and whose inauguration will take place in the first quarter of 2012. Through this project, cement production for Holcim Ecuador will increase from 3.5 million to 5.4 million tpa. This way, Holcim Ecuador ratifies its commitment to the Ecuadorian 2 development and reiterates its confidence in the great potential of the South American country.

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/the-americas/09122011/holcim_to_invest_in_ecuador/