PPC Zimbabwe has opened its new US$82m Harare mill that has been commissioned by President Robert Mugabe.
Also read:PPC Limited to build milling plant in Zimbabwe
The facility features a cement ball mill with dynamic separator, a single line packer and palletizer, and road and rail off-loading facilities. This is in positioning PPC to meet local demand, as well as boost the country’s ability to export to the region.
Also read:South Africa cement supplier PPC announces decrease in sales
The mill, which will bring PPC’s collective capacity (Bulawayo and Harare) to 1,4 million tonnes per annum will allow the company to increasingly penetrate the northern regions of the country and grow exports into its neighbors.
It will also ensure continued roll-out of its bulk and mini-bulk strategy, enabling PPC to partner strategically with developers and construction clients to boost efficiencies and delivery on projects.
Speaking at the event, Zimbabwe’s Minister of Trade and Commerce Dr Mike Bimha noted the Government’s continuous commitment towards ensuring companies like PPC Zimbabwe operate in a business- conducive environment as well as getting a fair return on their investment.
Todd Moyo, Chairman of PPC Zimbabwe, acknowledged PPC’s significant investment in the mill as demonstration of its long-term positive outlook and forecast for the country and region, in that it was inclusive of up skilling in local labour in the construction.
The company also contracted other local companies; JR Goddard Construction, Ascon-Tencraft and HVC – all of which contributed towards the opening of this advanced facility.
In line with its brand promise of “strength beyond the bag”, PPC Zimbabwe also launched its new Surecast 42.5R cement at the event, certainly a first for the country.
The cement’s increase in early strength makes it the ideal offering for small, medium and large contractors – allowing new flexibility in mix designs, better brick yields and a total reduction in concrete cost for readymix, among others.
With the Harare mill fully functioning and ready to meet demand, its official commissioning sees another milestone in the PPC Group’s African expansion strategy achieved. Moyo also spoke of key developments in DRC and Ethiopia later on this year.
