Philippines: Republic Cement Services Inc considers expansion

Republic Cement Services Inc (RCSI) is considering building production facilities in Visayas and Mindanao, Philippines, given the government's drive to improve the country's infrastructure.

The Manila Times reported RCSI president Don Lee, as saying that the move is in response to announcements made by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) that more projects were needed in the regions.

"At this point, DPWH is more aggressive in visions, projects and allocations of the budget in Visayas and Mindanao," Lee told reporters at the sidelines of Innovation Infrastructure Congress on Tuesday. "It is sending us a reminder to be faster in having more cement capacity in Visayas and Mindanao," Lee added.

Included in RCSI's upcoming expansions are an 800,000tpa cement grinding facility in Norzagaray, Bulacan, that is expected to be operational early next year.

Earlier this month, the Cement Manufacturers Association of the Philippines (CeMAP) surged 18.6 per cent to 6.37Mt on the back of strong construction activities by the private and public sectors.

RCSI is a joint venture between Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc and CRH. The two firms last September secured 99.09 per cent ownership of Lafarge Republic Inc.