To meet global standards in cement production while addressing the cases of building collapse, Africa largest cement producer, Dangote Cement Plc has launched the 52.5N higher cement grade into the Nigerian market, making it the first African cement manufacturer to achieve this feat.
Group MD of Dangote Cement, Devakumar Edwin, on Monday told journalists that raising the quality bar of its cement production from 42.5 to 52.5 cement grades is in line with the company’s commitment in delivering high quality and safe product to Nigerians.
The company has commenced the production of the cement grade in all its three plants: Ibese, Ogun State, Gboko, Benue State and Obajana in Kogi State, Nigeria, he revealed.
“For the past three months we have test-run the new products and it is now available in the markets. In the second half of this year, we are coming out with yet another new superior product,” Edwin disclosed, adding that the new cement grade would sell at the same price with the 42.5 cement grade.
In recent times, a coalition of civil society groups and professional bodies has accused the cement manufacturers of producing sub-standard cement, which has led to the collapse of several buildings in the country.
However, cement manufacturers have rejected a claim that building failures are caused by cement quality, saying, the root cause is most frequently related to poor construction practices and not cement quality.
Meanwhile, cement producers in the country has called on the Federal Government to support and protect the local industry from unfair competition, as “people like Dangote has stuck his neck out and invested heavily in the sector.”
“The industry is still at investment stage because many of our plants are still new. As we are talking now, Dangote is building extra lines at Ibese and Obajana. So, when you are in this stage of investment, you need to be protected,” Chairman of Cement Manufacturers Association of Nigeria Engr. Joseph Makoju said.
http://www.ventures-africa.com/2014/03/dangote-launches-high-grade-cement-into-nigerian-market/
