Holcim breaks ground on Timaru terminal

Holcim has hosted the official groundbreaking ceremony for its new cement import terminal at the Port of Timaru.

Member of Parliament for Rangitata, Hon Jo Goodhew planted a tree to celebrate the groundbreaking.

The old silos have already been demolished by PrimePort and the site is clear for construction to begin on the new import terminal. The company has all the approvals required and continues to work closely with PrimePort and the Timaru District Council

Holcim’s managing director, Jeremy Smith says this investment can be taken as a sign of the  global company’s confidence in the strength of the New Zealand market and in particular the opportunities with the rebuild of Christchurch post earthquake.

“The Port of Timaru terminal provides effective access to the major market of Christchurch, utilising the new $5m  silo capacity completed in January 2014 at the Lyttelton Port of  Christchurch. This terminal also provides effective distribution to the whole of the South Island market and the lower North Island as well.”

Up to 50 people will be employed at the Timaru site during the construction phase and up to eight once fully operational. Construction will now get underway in earnest and the timeframe for having the terminal fully operational is planned for the first quarter of 2016.