With its new $5 million silo capacity project at Lyttelton nearing completion, Holcim (New Zealand) Ltd is moving to the next stage of the $100 million investment programme that will allow it to import and distribute bulk cement for supply to the New Zealand market.
The company announced that it will build two 30,000 tonne import terminals, one in the South Island and one in the North Island, and aims to have these operational within two to three years.
After reviewing proposals from ports throughout New Zealand, Holcim NZ has identified Auckland (Waitemata) and Timaru as its preferred locations for the two terminals.
“An import terminal at the Port of Auckland enables Holcim to supply cement direct into one of its major markets,” Holcim (NZ) Ltd capital projects manager Ken Cowie says.
“And choosing the Port of Timaru provides effective access to the major market of Christchurch, using the new silo capacity there, and to the rest of the South Island.
“Building an import terminal at Timaru is also consistent with the option of eventually building a new cement plant at Weston, near Oamaru, although this remains on hold for the foreseeable future.”
The company announced in August last year that imported cement will replace local production at the company’s Westport cement plant, which will close once the two import terminals are fully operational.
Subject to confirming final details with the preferred ports, construction is intended to commence this year.
