Lafarge Cement Zimbabwe secures additional funding for plant upgrades

Lafarge Cement Zimbabwe has secured approval from its parent company, Lafarge Group, to invest an additional $5m on plant upgrades this year. The cement maker last year announced plans to invest about $10m-$15m on upgrading grinding capabilities. According to the company, the plant upgrades will push its volumes from 0.39Mta to 0.5Mta.  

Speaking to local press at the sidelines of the company's AGM, Amal Tantawi, chief executive of Lafarge Zimbabwe, told The Herald Business that the all the investments will go towards rehabilitation of the plant, refurbishing inlets to the kiln and other smaller measures that will reduce costs.

In terms of the company's outlook for 2015 Ms Tanwani added: "Preparatory work done at the plant has started bearing fruits and we hope this new investment approved will go a long way in enhancing our cost-cutting initiatives based on plant efficiencies."

Lafarge Zimbabwe's output in 2014 was 0.32Mta, with the company claiming a 30 per cent share of the domestic market. Last year it also introduced a new cement grade, SupaSet 42.5R, specially suited to use in blockmaking, precast and structural concrete and dam construction, offering lower water demand, consistent and rapid strength growth, and fast setting, along with good workability, cohesion and durability.