HOLCIM Philippines Inc. (HPI) is positive that it is better positioned to back up the nation’s development and even continue its business growth with the completion of major plant expansion initiatives, favorable market reception of its new products and stronger sustainability focus.
In 2019, the company completed the upgrade of its manufacturing facilities in La Union, Bulacan and Davao, increasing its annual cement output capacity to 10 million metric tons.
The enhanced production allows it to supply more cement for the local construction sector, which grew by 16.3 percent in the third quarter of 2019 on the back of constant development of public and private infrastructure projects.
In March, the firm officially introduced nationwide a blended cement called “Solido,” designed as a better alternative to Ordinary Portland Cement for roads and light infrastructure.
The sales of this new offering significantly formed part of Holcim’s product mix last year as customers shifted to this due to its superior strength and durability.
Moving forward, the cement maker started preparations to make available its 24-hour concrete SuperFast-Crete to other key urban markets nationwide.
It, likewise, develops its soil stabilization solution for enhanced durability of farm-to-market roads and permeable concrete technology for flood control applications.
In addition, Holcim has beefed up its involvement with key government offices and customers in line with its social and environmental thrusts.
Safety record
For instance, the company posted significant improvement in the workplace and road safety records of its contractor and haulers in 2019 via skills trainings and strict implementation of standards.
It also engaged its customers on the value of workplace safety, resulting in a number of business partners putting up their own departments dedicated to this.
Holcim kept helping local government and industry partners manage their waste in a sustainable manner by using qualified and properly sorted materials as alternative fuels in making cement.
With this, it again diverted tens of thousands of waste materials away from landfills last year and contributed to easing the country’s challenge in this area.
“There continues to be a bright outlook for the Philippines and its construction industry. The many initiatives we implemented in 2019 make us more capable in helping the country achieve its development goals,” said John Stull, president and chief executive officer of HPI.
“We are confident that our focus on innovation and commitment to sustainability enables us to continue being a partner of the country’s progress, helping our customers grow and driving our performance,” he added.