Laying a solid foundation for its return to the cement industry, PHINMA Corporation (PHINMA) through its subsidiary Philcement Corporation (Philcement) launched its first state of the art cement facility at the Freeport Area of Bataan in Mariveles, Bataan.
The inauguration and blessing, which signals the commencement of the cement plant’s operations, was attended by Edgie Ruiz, representing Bataan Governor Albert S. Garcia, Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan Check and Administrator Emmanuel D. Pineda, PHINMA President and CEO Ramon Del Rosario, Jr., Philcement President and CEO Eduardo A. Sahagun, Seasia Nectar Port Services Inc. Chairman Ramon R. Atayde, as well as representatives of government agencies and members of the business sector.
The Philcement Plant and Port in Mariveles is the first of its kind in the Philippines and potentially one of the largest in the world with an initial, annual capacity of 2 million tons of cement. With highly automated equipment, the facility will allow Philcement to serve the growing demand for high quality cement of Filipino customers in a very efficient manner.
In his opening remarks at the inauguration and blessing, PHINMA President and CEO, Ramon Del Rosario Jr explained that, “We are today telling the world that we are back in cement and, like when we first began over 60 years ago with a vision to help build the nation, we are back with the same burning desire to make it our business to help build the nation by playing a significant role in infrastructure development.”
PHINMA’s nation-building commitment is further enhanced as Philcement embarks on a greener and more sustainable journey with the new facility in Mariveles. Philcement will engage the host communities to be part of the production process by providing residence with the livelihood opportunity of sewing the bulk bags so this can be re-used in the facility.
PHINMA is paying tribute to its roots as it returns to the local cement industry. Founded in 1956 after the acquisition of the Cebu Portland Cement Company plant in Bacnota, La Union, PHINMA through the years took over the management of cement plants in Bulacan, Rizal, and Davao-expanding its stake in the industry with quality cement under the Union Cement brand. It is through the revival of this Union Cement legacy brand that PHINMA aims to return to its position of prominence, helping provide a much needed stable supply of high quality cement.
Mr.Eduardo Sahagun, Philcement President and CEO said that, “In PHINMA, cement is what we know best. Looking at the opportunities from the construction business now, we should prepare to expand, not just in the Philippines, but also in the ASEAN Region. Our Mariveles facility makes PHINMA extremely well placed to take advantage of this growing regional opportunity.”