Holcim, Cemex suspend Luzon cement production

Holcim’s La Union plant

Two of the country’s largest cement manufacturers have suspended their cement production and distribution operations in Luzon to comply with the quarantine and social distancing measures implemented by the government to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

The largest cement producer Holcim Philippines suspended plant, terminal and office operations. This covered factories in Bacnotan, La Union, Norzagaray, Bulacan. Terminals in Calaca and Mabini, Batangas and Manila as well as dry mix factory in Paranaque have also ceased to dispatch products, the company disclosed to the Philippine Stock Exchange.

Cemex Holdings Philippines Inc. separately disclosed the suspension of Solid Cement plant in Antipolo City and the delivery of cement products.

In the meantime, Cemex said its APO Cement plant located in Naga, Cebu would continue to operate “under extraordinary mitigating measures, until further notice.”

Holcim stressed that its plants and terminals in Visayas and Mindanao would remain operational.

“These are unprecedented actions but necessary and critical to support the government’s efforts to combat the disease. We are doing our best to safeguard our communities and employees while protecting the integrity of our business during these very difficult and impactful times,” Holcim said.

Cemex said it believed that these measures were consistent with protecting the health and safety of its employees, contractors, customers and community.