Top officials of building solutions provider Holcim Philippines, Inc. recently met with Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez to share the company’s initiatives to better support the government in upgrading the country’s infrastructure through stable supply of quality cement nationwide.
Holcim Philippines Chairman Tomas Alcantara, President and CEO John Stull and Senior Vice President for Sales William Sumalinog personally expressed the company’s willingness to further build up its production capacities in light of the increased cement demand driven by the government’s massive infrastructure investments. They also assured the DTI compliance to product standards to ensure highest quality and performance.
“DTI has implemented new initiatives and policies to encourage investments to create more employment opportunities, and at the same time support the government’s plans for progress. I am happy to hear Holcim’s commitment to implement cement capacity expansion to ensure that our infrastructure and construction requirements will be well supported and generate additional employment,” Lopez said.
Holcim Philippines is currently implementing projects that will raise its cement capacity nationwide to 12 million metric tons by 2019 from the current 10 million metric tons. The Company is studying further investments on additional clinker lines with the construction sector expected to sustain its strong growth amid the healthy economy.
“The Company recognizes the strong potential of the Philippine market and is committed to continue being a partner in its progress as seen by our efforts to improve operations and competitiveness,” said Alcantara.
For his part, Stull noted that the Company has been rolling out new technologies and approaches that enable local builders to deliver projects within deadlines and budgets. A key focus is blended cements that are not as energy intensive to produce but deliver superior results for building.
“Our Company supports the DTI’s drive to maintain the high standards for cement which is critical especially at this time of high construction activity. We also want to reassure them that Holcim Philippines can be counted upon to provide the market not just with high-quality cement, but innovative construction solutions that help the country build better with certainty,” he said.