A new packaging plant in the port of Pulau Baai, due to come on-stream later this year, has led PT Semen Padang to target cement sales of 442,100t in 2018.

The new packing plant in the provincial city of Bengkulu "will guarantee good quality and availability of supply throughout the year of 2018,"  said Nur Anita Rahmawati, public relation head of PT Semen Padang.

"In 2017, Semen Padang dominated the cement market in Bengkulu, and we believe the market share could still be increased in 2018," added Ms Rahmawati.

Last year, the subsidiary of state-owned cement producer PT Semen Indonesia recorded sales at 398,519t or 48 per cent of the market in Bengkulu.

Market competition is tight in Bengkulu, forcing producers to work hard to maintain or increase their market shares. Semen Padang, which is based in West Sumatra, has improved services, and distribution facilities to keep its market domination, according to Nur.

"Hopefully the Semen Padang packing plant would be able to start operations later this year," she added.
The operation of the packing plant would contribute to marketing drive and to increasing market share of Semen Padang in the province."

Cement will be supplied in bulk from West Sumatra, where the company has a number of cement factories.