Mugabe officially opens $82 million PPC factory in Harare

PPC Zimbabwe's new Harare mill has been officially commissioned by President Robert Mugabe and a high level government delegation. Valued at US$82 million, the world-class facility features a cement ball mill with dynamic separator, a single line packer and palletiser, and road and rail off-loading facilities - positioning PPC to meet local demand, as well as boost the country's ability to export to the region.

Two years in the making, PPC Zimbabwe proudly unveiled the full capabilities - and potential - of its new Harare mill to Government, stakeholders and key customers this week. 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 neighbours. 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 that Government remains committed to ensuring that companies like PPC Zimbabwe operate in an environment conducive to their business and get a fair return on their investment. "We will also continue to support the industry through legislation such as Statutory Instrument 125 of 2016 in order to control cheap cement imports."

Todd Moyo, Chairman of PPC Zimbabwe, highlighted that PPC's significant investment in the mill demonstrated its long-term positive outlook and forecast for the country and region, "This investment includes the upskilling of local labour in the factory's construction, as well as contracting local companies including JR Goddard Construction, Ascon-Tencraft and HVC - all of which contributed towards the opening of this advanced facility." He added that the new factory will continue to provide downstream opportunities for local businesses.

In line with its brand promise of "strength beyond the bag", PPC Zimbabwe also launched its new Surecast 42.5R cement at the event - a first for the country. "This fast-setting cement is the only 42.5R product manufactured locally," explains Moyo. "Developed in direct response to market need, its 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. We look forward to working with our customer partners to leverage its benefits in their projects: manufacturing pre-cast products faster and stripping formwork quicker. We're excited to see it impact the market positively."

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. "We look forward to reporting on other key developments in the DRC and Ethiopia in the months to come, as we continue to gear ourselves to contribute significantly to the growth and development of the continent well into the future," said Moyo.

"Allow me to express my sincere appreciation to PPC Zimbabwe for their diligence in constructing this plant and the positive contributions they continue to make to Zimbabwe. Congratulations to everyone who has contributed to this exceedingly amazing plant," President Mugabe concluded as he officially opened the new PPC Harare plant.