- 126,000 manhours safely completed with no lost time incidents (LTIs)
- Employed over 200 local contractors, reflecting Jamaican talent and resilience
- Cement production to increase by up to 30% – driving growth in Jamaica’s construction and manufacturing sectors
- Improved carbon footprint aligned with Cemex’s “Future in Action” strategy
- Highlights government’s policy in support of investment and productivity
Rockfort, June 26: Caribbean Cement Company Limited (CCCL), a subsidiary of global building materials leader, Cemex, commissioned its US$42 million Debottleneck Project at its Rockfort facility in East Kingston earlier today.
Less than three years after being announced, the multifaceted project which forms part of the company’s strategic initiative to strengthen the self-sufficiency of Jamaica’s cement manufacturing sector and reduce dependency on cement imports has been safely and successfully completed. In addition to enhancing operational efficiency, the project will advance CCCL’s environmental sustainability objectives in line with Cemex’s “Future in Action” strategy.
This project underscores Cemex’s commitment to supporting national development and fostering growth within Jamaica’s construction sector as well as the wider Caribbean region.
During the ceremony, Alejandro Ramirez, Regional President for Cemex South, Central America, and the Caribbean, reaffirmed Cemex’s commitment to Jamaica and the region.“With this project, we are not only increasing our production capacity but are actively contributing to the long-term growth of Jamaica’s construction and manufacturing sectors. We believe in the potential of this region and are proud to be a catalyst for its continued progress and development,” he said.
Managing Director of CCCL, Mr. Jorge Martinez acknowledged the significant contributions made by the Jamaican workforce towards the project’s successful completion. “More than 200 local contractors contributed to the delivery of this project, demonstrating skill, innovation, and resilience. Their efforts facilitated the sharing of technical knowledge, thereby building long-term local capacity. This is a testament to the strength and potential of Jamaican talent,” he remarked.
Mr. Martinez also extended his gratitude to the Government of Jamaica, particularly recognizing Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, and Minister of Industry, Investment, and Commerce, Senator the Hon. Aubyn Hill for their leadership in fostering a policy environment conducive to investment, sustainability, and productivity.
In response, Prime Minister Holness praised Cemex for its ongoing investments in Jamaica and its vital contributions to local manufacturing.
“To the management and team at Cemex and Carib Cement I commend your vision and partnership. You are not just investing in equipment—you are investing in Jamaica’s future. You have demonstrated that local capacity can meet global standards. That innovation can be married with sustainability. That business success can support national development,” he said.
Meanwhile, Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Senator the Hon. Aubyn Hill, welcomed the investment as significant. He also lauded the role played by the employers.
The scope of work for the project included the installation of a new main baghouse, a solid fuel dosing system with storage silo, CO₂ fire suppression and inerting systems, upgraded process ducts, a new compressed air system, and a kiln chimney.
The Debottleneck Project is a key development for CCCL in its efforts to enhance efficiency and sustainability in cement production, contributing to the stability and growth of Jamaica’s infrastructure and economy.
Cemex Regional President for South, Central America and the Caribbean Region, Mr. Alejandro Ramirez (fifth left), cuts a ribbon with Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness (fourth right), to officially commission Carib Cement’s Debottleneck Project, at its Rockfort facility on June 26. Others from left participating are Mayor of Kingston, Mr. Andrew Swaby; Chairman of the Board of Carib Cement, Mr. Parris A. Lyew Ayee CD.; Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Senator the Hon. Aubyn Hill; Member of Parliament for East Rural St. Andrew, Mrs. Juliet Holness; Carib Cement Managing Director, Mr. Jorge Martinez; Trinidad Cement Limited Group Chairman Mr. David Inglefield and Chargee d’affaires at the Mexican Embassy in Jamaica, Councillor Cecilia Barros.
The expanded kiln which includes a new main baghouse, a solid fuel dosing system with storage silo, CO₂ fire suppression and inerting systems, upgraded process ducts, a new compressed air system, and a kiln chimney
