Pacific Cement Limited has announced the suspension of its cement production due to a mill breakdown. The company, which operates as a subsidiary of Fijian Holdings Limited, has taken immediate steps to send the damaged mill part to Australia for repairs. Repairs are expected to take approximately three months, during which time all key stakeholders have been informed about the situation and the anticipated timeline for resumption.
To manage potential supply shortages during this downtime, Pacific Cement is strategically rationing its current inventory and is also importing cement to meet the essential needs of its key customers. This proactive approach aims to mitigate the impact of the suspension on the construction sector, which has already been facing challenges.
Interestingly, the construction activity in Fiji had been witnessing a slowdown earlier this year, with a reported decline in the value of work completed for infrastructure projects. According to recent economic updates, the total construction work fell by 8.9% compared to last year. However, there were signs of recovery prior to this disruption, with an increase in cement production and sales, highlighting a growing demand for construction materials that may help stabilize future operations.
The situation reflects broader challenges facing Fiji’s manufacturing and construction sectors, where both operational efficiency and cost management are critical. Nevertheless, Pacific Cement’s commitment to supplying its customers during this period and the recent growth trends in cement demand provide a hopeful outlook for a rebound as the company navigates through these difficulties.
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