Holcim to launch green cement

KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 22): Holcim Malaysia is launching Malaysia's first green cement range in early January 2012. It recently secured the eco-label certification from Sirim in October.

Chief executive officer Mahanama Ralapanawa (also known as Rale) said,  "We are proud to be Malaysia's first green cement manufacturer, building on this milestone our approach is to support and promote sustainable development and construction in Malaysia."

Despite global concerns, the company remains optimistic that government regulation of the construction sector, incentives and a move towards green building development and certification will drive the cement and construction materials sector in 2012 in Malaysia.

"Holcim continues to remain confident in Malaysia and will continue our investment and growth plans," Rale said in a statement on Thursday.

"The Budget 2012 highlight's Malaysia's economic soundness and commitment to investing in long term infrastructure projects. The establishment of new growth areas like the KLIFD [Kuala Lumpur International Financial District] and continued support of key corridors such as Iskandar will ensure Malaysia remains economically competitive, relevant and buoyant despite global problems in America and the European Union. Malaysia is positioning itself to attract investment from the right markets and is unlikely to be significantly impacted.

"As a measure of our confidence we are launching Malaysia's first eco-label certified cement range in early January followed by a several new value added services in line with our direction in the first quarter of 2012," he added. One of these is its I-Shop online ordering system.

Rale added that Holcim strongly promotes and supports sustainable construction through the Holcim Foundation for Sustainable Construction that promotes sustainable responses to the technological, environmental, socioeconomic and cultural issues affecting building and construction at the national, regional and global levels.

Holcim Malaysia is one of the world's leading cement companies. Formerly known as Tenggara Cement during its inception in 1985, the company was acquired by the Swiss-based Holcim Ltd in 1999, becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary the following year. Holcim Malaysia is located in Pasir Gudang, the premier industrial zone situated in Johor Port. The company produces various types of cement products and ready-mix concrete with annual sales of over RM202 million.