Global cement company Holcim wants to modify plans for its proposed plant at Oamaru to allow it to export clinker, aiming to boost revenue following a large fall in sales last year.Clinker is a material created during cement production.Holcim, which is aw
Global cement company Holcim wants to modify plans for its proposed plant at Oamaru to allow it to export clinker, aiming to boost revenue following a large fall in sales last year.
Clinker is a material created during cement production.
Holcim, which is awaiting a decision by its parent company whether to move its plant from Westport to Oamaru, said in a newsletter to be circulated to about 8000 residents and other interested parties that it wanted to strengthen its business case for the project.
The company is revisiting the cost of the new plant, originally estimated at up to $400 million, and expects a decision from its Swiss parent by the end of the year.
Modified plans to enable the export of clinker would still remain within consented boundaries and height restrictions, Holcim capital projects manager Ken Cowie said.
"We've been investigating the capability of the supply chain to meet this requirement, and have identified the need for some modifications to the plant layout and design to enhance its clinker manufacturing capacity."
No extra train trips would be needed to transport clinker to Timaru's port on the proposed cement train, he said.
Sales fell by 20 percent last year, with one of the biggest declines in cement demand in 50 years, as the recession hurt construction activity.
