Published: 07 June 2015

Cement manufacturer PPC Zimbabwe (PPC)  - a subsidiary of South Africa-based PPC International - plans to more than double production from 600 000 tonnes to 1,4 million tonnes annually following completion of its $75 million Harare plant.

Its managing director Njombo Lekula said work at the plant was progressing well and is expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2016.

"We believe in the Zimbabwean economy that is why we are investing a lot of money at a time when the economy is not performing so well.  As a company, we have no doubt that this country will deliver to the expectations of its citizens and businesses as well," he said.

Construction experts say the move will ensure that PPC continues to be a key player in the development of infrastructure in Zimbabwe and neighbouring countries.

Lekula noted that PPC's Bulawayo plant, which produced 600 000 tonnes of cement last year, was operating at 70 percent capacity due to liquidity constraints and economic difficulties.

"We are not doing as projected on the export market as heavy rains in Zambia and Mozambique have impacted on demand in these countries," he said.

PPC dominates the domestic cement market alongside Lafarge Cement Zimbabwe, a subsidiary of Lafarge the French building materials group.
- dailynews

You might also want to read this

• PPC boss steps down
• New CEO for PPC
• PPC to dispose Colleen Bawn, Bulawayo houses
• PPC Zimbabwe revenue declines by 20%
• PPC to invest dividends in govt bonds
• PPC volumes up
• PPC hit hard by foreign currency crisis
• The construction industry - a key partner in the economic integration
• PPC Zimbabwe demands land back
• PPC banks on Zimbabwe polls