Cbb inaugurates new 0.2Mta Arica plant

Cbb (formerly known as Cementos Bío Bío) has inaugurated its new 0.2Mta cement plant in Arica, northern Chile in the presence of Chile’s Minister of Economy, José Ramón Valente.

The project represents an investment of US$16m and is the company’s fifth production unit – in addition to plants in Antofagasta, San Antonio, Teno and Talcahuano. In addition to the kiln line, it includes 1100m2 of green areas.

While some of the output will be delivered to the local market, the company has also earmarked part of production to be sold across the border, into Peru. It expects to create synergies with the company’s planned cement plant in the south of Peru.

"We firmly believe in the development of the regions and from the north of Chile, that's why we decided to invest in this region and we are very grateful to the community of Arica that has received our company in the city. Our nearest plant is in Antofagasta at 700km away, that's why Arica becomes an operations centre relevant to our business, "said Enrique Elsaca, general manager of Cbb.