Votorantim Cimentos on Wednesday inaugurated its new plant in Sivas, central Turkey, continuing the company’s strategy of geographic diversification with investments in markets with high growth potential.

Involving an investment of EUR140m, the new plant has a capacity of 1.8Mta and will replace the company's old Sivas facility, located about 500km from the capital Ankara and 900km from Istanbul.

“This expansion makes our Sivas operation not only more competitive and efficient, but also better aligned with new technologies and environmental regulations,” said Walter Dissinger, CEO of Votorantim Cimentos. “Our investment plan also includes expansions in the United States (Charlevoix) and Argentina (San Luis) by 2018, which reinforces the company’s strategy of geographic diversification and its commitment to long-term development.”

Mr Dissinger attended the plant’s opening ceremony alongside Turkish officials, as well as members of the Board of Votorantim Cimentos and company executives for Turkey.

With a capacity of 1.8Mta, the new Sivas unit will serve strategic regions of the Turkish market