Target for Holcim Plant Decision

Holcim (New Zealand) Ltd will take its proposal for a new cement plant at Weston, near Oamaru, to parent company Holcim Ltd early in the new year.

“We were originally aiming to put a proposal before the Holcim Ltd Board by year end, however a number of factors, including the need to allow extra time for suppliers to provide up-to-date capital cost information have impacted on the project timeline”, said Holcim Capital Projects Manager, Ken Cowie.

Achieving accurate costs for the project has been a key focus for staff working on the project over recent months. The work has involved reviewing and refining earlier cost estimates for mechanical, electrical and civil aspects of the plant construction.

Factors influencing the Holcim Ltd Board’s decision could include how the Holcim New Zealand proposal compares with other international investment opportunities, timing factors around availability of capital, New Zealand Government policies, and satisfaction with the information supplied by Holcim New Zealand.

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Holcim (New Zealand) Ltd is a leading New Zealand supplier of cement, aggregates, ready mixed concrete and lime. Its involvement in the New Zealand building industry dates back to 1888, and today it operates more than 37 sites and employs approximately 500 people. It is part of the Holcim Group, one of the world’s leading suppliers of cement, aggregates and construction-related services represented in around 70 countries on all continents.

Internet: www.holcim.com/nz