Holcim Completes Davao Expansion, Strengthens Support for Mindanao Development

Leading cement maker Holcim Philippines Inc. (PSE: HLCM) has completed the project to raise the production capacity of its Davao plant in June, further improving the company’s ability to support the strong construction activity in Mindanao.

The expansion involved the activation of a finish mill and installation of a new pipe for loading cement to the silos from the pier, eco-hoppers to improve dust emissions and an overhead crane. Cold commissioning started in April while full production began on June 20. The improvements add 700,000 metric tons to the annual cement production of the plant.

The expansion of Holcim’s Davao plant is part of the company’s ongoing program to improve operations to better support the positive growth of Mindanao.

In March, the company launched in Davao City its new blended cement product Solido, which is designed to outperform Ordinary Portland Cement in terms of strength and durability for infrastructure applications. To improve technical services to partners taking on infrastructure projects, Holcim opened last year in Davao its first construction laboratory outside Metro Manila.

“Our company is determined to continue supporting the development of Davao and the rest of Mindanao. These initiatives strengthen our ability to contribute to the progress of the region at this time of robust growth,” said Holcim Philippines President and CEO John Stull.

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed that the Davao Region is among the country’s top performing economies, with an average growth of 9.6% from 2016 to 2018 compared with the national expansion rate of 6.6% during the same period. The strong economic expansion of the region and the entire Mindanao is seen to continue as the government steps up investments in infrastructure to spur development.

Holcim will hold a ceremony in August to inaugurate the facilities with partners in the public and private sector.