As part of its expansion strategy, PPC South Africa announced last week the inauguration of its Ethiopian operation, Habesha Cement. The inauguration of PPC’s Ethiopia operations, marked the completion of the construction of the factory and installment of the technical and non-technical systems.
The establishment of Habesha Cement Share Company is the first of its kind in Ethiopia, established via a shareholding scheme consisting over 16,500 Ethiopian shareholders. The 1.4 million tonne per annum cement plant was built to address the demand for cement and assist the booming construction and infrastructure activities in the country.
Habesha Cement’s launch brings to three the number of projects PPC has successfully completed outside South Africa in the past year as part of its expansion strategy. This month PPC Barnet DRC sent off its first truck load of saleable cement from the plant near Kimpese in the Kongo Central province in western DRC. The 1 million tonnes per annum cement plant was commissioned in February this year.
Njombo Lekula, Managing Director, International operations, PPC said the completion of the plants in the DRC and Ethiopia have seen PPC achieve two significant milestones in their quest to become a major player in the cement industry across Africa. Both plants have been built using the latest technologies, in line with international standards.
With PPC celebrating its 125th birthday this year, this longer-term strategic approach is in line with the company’s philosophy and commitment to quality. In a press release by the company Lekula said PPC chose to focus on the bigger picture: the ultimate vision of success, which will challenge their thoughts and actions in terms of the products and materials manufactured as well as the projects invested in. It will also be helpful in strategic partnerships to be made in the future.
