Cement manufacturer East African Portland Cement PLC has resumed manufacturing at its Athi River plant after the replacement of a faulty kiln shell that had caused frequent downtimes in the process.
The upgrade saw the cement manufacturer cut out 16 meters of the dilapidated Kiln shell and replaced it with a new one at a cost of Sh500million.
The company’s Managing Director (MD) Oliver Kirubai stated that the upgrade is in line with East African Portland Cement’s recently launched five-year strategic plan that is anchored on a long-term performance-driven cycle to put it back firmly on a profitability path.
“We have already started producing our own Clinker after an upgrade of our Kiln. With the upgrade, we expect improved plant reliability and an output increase of almost 50 per cent. Blue Triangle Cement will be produced in plenty and availed across the country,” said Kirubai.
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He further noted that the upgrade and optimal running of the plant will result in efficient energy consumption translating to the production of cement at a cost that will allow customers to purchase Blue Triangle Cement at friendlier prices.
Kirubai further assured the customers that orders on Blue Triangle Cement will be serviced within the agreed turnaround times in line with the Customer Service Charter as the firm has fully resumed its operations.
The firm’s Head of Plant Operations, Stanley Irungu noted that the replaced part of the kiln will ensure constant running resulting in increased clinker production of good quality to grind cement that will satisfy its market.
“We have been waiting to undertake this project and now that it is done, we can now guarantee continuous plant availability,” said Irungu.
Kenya currently has 13 cement plants with only 4 cement plants with integrated clinkering and capabilities.
SOURCE; Capital business
