09 August 2022

Vietnam: Xuan Tanh Cement plans to commission its upcoming 4.5Mt/yr Ha Nam cement plant in October 2022. Viêt Nam News has reported that the new plant will bring Ha Nam province’s cement capacity to 10Mt/yr.

Vietnam consumed approximately 63.5Mt of cement in 2021.

Japan: Sumitomo Osaka Cement recorded sales of US$337m in the first quarter of the 2023 financial year, up by 3.7% year-on-year from US$325m in the first quarter of the 2022 financial year. Despite this, the company reported a loss for the quarter of US$8.23m, compared to a net profit of US$20.5m in the first quarter of the 2022 financial year. For the first half of the current 2023 financial year, Sumitomo Osaka Cement expects to deliver sales of US$726m and a net profit of US$3.71m.

Philippines: Eagle Cement’s sales rose by 24% year-on-year to US$246m in the first half of its 2023 financial year from US$199m a year earlier. Its income was US$53.4m, down by 20% year-on-year from US$66.6m. Eagle Cement attributed the decline to cost impacts resulting from the Russian invasion of Ukraine and bottlenecks in global supply chains. Its operating expenses were US$26.1m, up by 35% year-on-year.

Sri Lanka: Tokyo Cement Group increased its turnover to US$45.2m in the first quarter of it 2023 financial year, up by 53% year-on-year from first-quarter 2022 financial year levels. A shortage of imported raw materials and the country’s on-going fuel crisis hampered local cement demand. The group’s cement sales volumes declined during the quarter, while its cost of sales increased by 24% year-on-year. ‘Steep’ currency depreciation compounded the effects of the increase in expenses. Nonetheless, the company recorded a profit of US$1.48m.

The producer said “Tokyo Cement has taken many proactive measures to minimise the impact of economic downturn on the group's performance. Anticipating a challenging environment, the group has reforecasted demand, rescheduled sourcing and production plans, and adjusted cash flows accordingly. The group has deployed drastic cost saving measures, streamlined operations, and postponed capital expenditure. While the short to medium term economic landscape remains uncertain, Tokyo Cement has a proven track record of resilience and resurgence, and is committed to rebuilding the nation, stronger than ever before.”

South Africa: Bowman International has launched Bowman Split Bearings South Africa to deliver the manufacturer’s high-load capacity split roller bearings to the South African and African markets.

Managing Director Paul Mitchell said “There are several heavy-side industries in South Africa and Africa that struggle with the detrimental effects of bearing failure. Our new associates – directors Gary Mayer and Leon Van den Berg – will support businesses in these areas to reduce downtime by specifying the Bowman Advanced Roller Bearing, which is specifically designed for high-load applications.”