No shutdown for Holcim Philippines

Leading cement company Holcim Philippines said yesterday that it has no plans to cease operations in any of its cement plants.

Holcim Philippines chief operating officer Ian Thackwray said, “We will continue to run our plants and, in fact, expect improvements in our manufacturing efficiencies again this year.”

A report earlier had said that Holcim Philippines is considering a plant shutdown.

“Short shutdowns of a specific production line are always an option for any manufacturer when supply outpaces demand in a particular market,” explained Thackwray. “This might happen more often when demand is soft, but it’s a normal occurrence. Since these are temporary, they will not result in any job losses. We have no intention of closing a plant.

Holcim Philippines has a workforce of 1,500 employees with strategically located cement plants in La Union, Bulacan, Davao, and Misamis Oriental. These plants enable the company to ensure stable supply in all its markets, accounting for a clinker production capacity of 6.5 million metric tons and cement production capacity of 7.7 million metric tons per year.

Thackwray said that Holcim continued to invest in its production systems and facilities last year, consistent with its objective of ensuring superior product quality while faithfully complying with strict environmental standards. “These investments show that we’re here to stay, and that we remain committed to doing everything we can to maintain our position as market leader.”