Cemex completes Apo Cement expansion

Cemex Philippines has inaugurated a new PHP3bn (US$67.3m) cement mill at its Apo Cement plant in Naga City, Cebu, as part of its comprehensive expansion plan in the country.

President Benigno 'Noynoy' Aquino III was guest of honour at the 1May 2015 ceremony which coincided with Philippine Labor Day celebration.

The mill increases the capacity of Cemex's Apo Plant by 1.5Mta, resulting in an additional 40 per cent of the company's capacity in the Philippines.

"We are convinced that cement means a better house that improves our standard of life, a new road that allows us to communicate with others, a hospital that saves lives, a port that contributes to
the economy of the place, and an airport that brings people and health from abroad," said Pedro
Palomino, Cemex Philippines president during the inauguration event themed "Building a Better
Future."

The project provided employment to an estimated 800 workers during its construction. Meanwhile,
Apo Cement Corporation currently employs around 950 regular and direct contract personnel.

Aside from the cement mill in Cebu, Cemex Philippines has finished the construction of new marine
distribution terminals located in Manila, Iloilo, and Davao amounting to a total of PHP1bn. The company has also invested in new businesses recently, involving ready-mix concrete, aggregates production and distribution, concrete pavements, and affordable housing solutions.

"Our interest in the country remains very high, and we continue to study closely new opportunities
as we see how the administration is doing a very good job in boosting inclusive growth efforts and
economic standing," said Joaquin Estrada, Cemex Asia president.

Cemex has been present in the Philippines since 1997 through its two cement plants. Apart from the Apo
Cement Corporation in Naga City, Cebu, Cemex also operates the Solid Cement Corporation in Antipolo City, Rizal.