Holcim in key talks over plant options, New Zealand
Holcim is talking to a range of West Coast groups as part of its investigation into future plant options.
The company is exploring one medium-term and two long-term options to meet demand for cement.
The medium-term option is to continue with the existing Westport plant, with a capital works programme, and to import bulk cement.
Long-term options are new dry- process plants at Wesport or at Weston, near Oamaru.
The company confirmed at resource consent hearing in Oamaru this week that if a new plant was built at Weston, the Westport plant would close, but it might take five years before the Weston plant could produce a bag of cement.
Holcim general manager strategy and development Paul Commons said the company was talking to key people and organisations about retaining cement operations at Westport. He said meetings were also being held with Westport staff to ensure they were well- informed about the options the company was exploring.
At a meeting on August 8, with key local body representatives, the company addressed questions on factors that could support a decision favouring future cement operations at Westport.
Holcim wants to narrow its options to two.
Published under Cement News
