DAR ES SALAAM : Mbeya Cement, a Lafarge Holcim subsidiary, has introduced higher strength cement saying its production capacity will triple to 1.1million metric tonnes at end of the month.
The company, with its 35 per cent locally owned, said the cement dubbed Tembo Supaset 42.5 cement used by civil contractors and pre-casters.
Lafarge Tanzania, Chief Executive Officer, Ms Catherine Langreney, said the product specifically addresses the needs for block making, concrete mix, mega structures and high visibility infrastructure projects—bridges, roads and stadiums.
“This brand is the result of careful [almost one year] research and development by our cement technical experts, Ms Langreney said yesterday during the launch. She added: “[Supaset CEM II] is specially formulated Portland composite cement engineered to meet the fast-setting requirements of block makers.”
The introduction of Supaset, is expected to help Tembo Cement, to increase its market share in the block making segment, improve customer satisfaction with Lafarge brands while reinforcing their position as leader in innovation within the Tanzanian construction industry.
The CEO said in the next two months before the year ends, Tembo Cement will launch two new innovative products to meet demand of fast growing construction industry and the economy at large.
To cater for the future demand the company envisages to commence a new vertical grinding production plant, the first in sub-Sahara Africa, at the end of this month. “The new plant with installed capacity of 700,000 [metric] tonnes and will elevates our capacity to 1.1million tonnes,” She said.
The company in southern highland plains current produces 400,000 metric tonnes annually. Lafarge Tanzania Marketing and Communication Director Mr Allan Chonjo said it took almost a year for R&D of the Supaset until receiving all certifications.
“Some of the key benefits to consumers are Supaset strength and durability which translates into stronger and more lasting structures,” Mr Chonjo said.
