Holcim (New Zealand) selects locations for two cement import terminals

Holcim (New Zealand) has selected Timaru and Auckland as the location for two new 30,000t bulk cement import terminals.

The company said that having reviewed proposals from ports throughout New Zealand, it had identified Waitemata in Auckland and Timaru as its preferred locations for the two terminals.

"An import terminal at the Port of Auckland enables Holcim to supply cement direct into one of its major markets", Holcim (New Zealand) Ltd capital projects manager Ken Cowie said.

"And choosing the Port of Timaru provides effective access to the major market of Christchurch, utilising the new silo capacity there, and to the rest of the South Island."

Construction is due to start in 2014, subject to confirming final details with the preferred ports.

Building an import terminal at Timaru was also consistent with the option of eventually building a new cement plant at Weston, near Oamaru, although this remains on hold for the foreseeable future, Cowie said.

The company announced in August that imported cement would replace local production at the company's Westport cement plant, which will close once the two import terminals are fully operational. The initiative also means Holcim is switching from manufacturing cement in New Zealand to importing.