Cementos Argos to construct new 2.3 million tpa production line

Cementos Argos has announced that it is investing US$450 million in the construction of a new production line at the Sogamoso, Boyacá plant in Colombia. The line will have the capacity to produce 2.3 million tpa, increasing Argos’ installed capacity in the country by 24% to reach 11.8 million tpa. Around 2250 jobs will be created during the construction phase, with operations forecast to commence in 2018.

The new line will feature cutting edge technology to meet the highest international environmental standards. Water and fuel consumption will be 24% and 18% lower than at standard plants, respectively, while emissions of particulate matter will be 67% below the national limit. The production line will also have a 40% alternative fuel substitution rate. Cementos Argos will also invest in developing the local community’s educational infrastructure.

The Colombian cement manufacturer has said that the expansion project has been spurred on by increasing demand in central Colombia, in addition to the site’s proximity to Bogota, infrastructure projects and raw material sources. The new line will enhance Argos’ access to the markets in Bogota, Eastern Plains, Santander and North Santander.

“This investment reflects our confidence and commitment to the development of Colombia. Factors such as institutional and regulatory strengthening for infrastructure development; the important 4G projects for more than US$25 billion, and greater resources for housing development, will drive the growth in cement consumption in the next few years and, as a Colombian company, we are committed to assisting the country in its development,” said Jorge Mario Velásquez, Argos CEO.

“The intensive infrastructure programmes carried out in neighbouring countries such as Panama, Peru and Ecuador, have propelled the simultaneous decrease in unemployment rates and upsurge in home construction, creating a virtuous cycle to improve people’s quality of life, which we wish to see in Colombia,” added Mr Velásquez.

Adapted from press release by Louise Fordham

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/the-americas/15092014/cementos-argos-invests-in-new-production-line-at-sogamoso-484/