Holcim Colombia has announced it will begin the construction of a new cement plant in Buga, Valle del Cauca, Colombia.

The new plant will have a capacity of 0.5Mta and represents an investment of US$30m.

It is expected to employ 200 people during its construction phase with a further 180 direct and indirect jobs in transport logistics between Buenaventura and Buga.

“I would like to emphasise that following the merger of LafargeHolcim [the plant] is the first investment the company authorises in Latin America, which demonstrates great confidence in Colombia,” said Elsa Noguera, Colombia’s Minister of Housing.

The Buga works is scheduled to come online in the first quarter of 2018.