Cementos Fortaleza, owned by Carlos Slim, will commence operations in a few weeks in alliance with Plycem, which is also part of the Elementia group owned by Carlos Slim and Mexican entrepreneur Antonio del Valle Ruiz.

The joint venture is scheduled to inaugurate a cement plant in Barranca, Puntarenas, at the end of September, according to the Federal College of Engineers and Architects (CFIA).

The new player will compete with the already-established cement producers, Cemex and LafargeHolcim.