Cherat Cement looks to expand capacity, Pakistan

Pakistan-based cement producer Cherat Cement has reportedly decided to install a new production line with a production capacity of over 1.3Mta, according to a report in The News International (Pakistan).

Citing Abid A Vazir, executive director of the company, the report states that expansion is being undertaken to meet expected increases in domestic demand. The increase is expected to be fuelled by government spending on major infrastructure projects, with a special focus on the construction of highways and hydropower as well as housing projects. Private sector spending on construction-related projects is likely to be driven by the inflow of remittances, according to Cherat. Furthermore, expected improvements in the  political situation in neighbouring Afghanistan – Pakistan's largest export market – may also give a boost to reconstruction activities.

The term-loan for the project has been arranged, while the company has established the letter of credit for the foreign component of the loan. Tianjin Cement Industry Design and Research Institute has reportedly been contracted to build the plant.

Cherat Cement currently operates a 1.1Mta plant near Nowshera, in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan.