Leading cement maker Holcim Philippines, Inc. is confident that it can better support the country’s development and continue growing its business with the completion of capacity expansion projects, successful introduction of innovative products and stronger sustainability focus in 2020.

Last year, the company completed upgrades to its plants in La Union, Bulacan and Davao, which raised the company’s annual cement production capacity to 10 million metric tons. These enable Holcim to provide reliable supply for the country’s construction industry, which grew by 16.3% in the third quarter of 2019 on the robust expansion of the private sector and resumption of infrastructure building.

The company also continued to develop innovative products that address local building needs. In March, Holcim officially launched nationwide Solido, a blended cement designed as a better alternative to Ordinary Portland Cement for roads and light infrastructures. Solido sales became a significant portion of Holcim’s product mix in 2019 as customers shifted to this option in recognition of its superior strength and durability for its application.

On the building solution side, Holcim began preparations to make available its 24-hour concrete SuperFastCrete to other key urban markets moving forward. Already being used in major thoroughfares in Metro Manila, SuperFastCrete is effective for maintaining urban roads that need to be quickly repaired and reopened. The company is also developing its soil stabilization solution for improved durability of farm-to-market roads and permeable concrete technology for flood control applications.

President and CEO John Stull said: “There continues to be a bright outlook for the Philippines and its construction industry. The many initiatives we implemented in 2019 make us more capable in helping the country achieve its development goals. We are confident that our focus on innovation and commitment to sustainability enables us to continue being a partner of the country’s progress, helping our customers grow and driving our performance.”

Furthermore, Holcim has strengthened its engagement with key government offices and customers to highlight the company’s social and environmental initiatives that contribute to development aside from cement and building solutions.

For example, Holcim recorded significant improvement in the workplace and road safety records of its contractor and haulers in 2019 through skills trainings and stringent implementation of standards. The company has similarly engaged its customers on the value of workplace safety leading to a number of business partners establishing their own departments dedicated to this.

Holcim Philippines also continued to help local government and industry partners manage their wastes in a sustainable manner by using qualified and properly sorted materials as alternative fuels in making cement. This has enabled Holcim to again divert tens of thousands of wastes away from landfills last year and contribute to easing the country’s challenge in this area.