After three weeks of test production, Bishal Cement Industries (BCI) has formally commenced its operations from Saturday. The factory based in Manahiya VDC-4 of Rupandehi, has introduced Bishal OPC and Bishal PPC brand cements in the market.

The company has the capacity of producing 300 tons of OPC and 400 tons of PPC brand cement every day. “We are planning to utilize 70 percent and 30 percent of the total capacity to produce Pozzolanic Portland Cement (PPC) and Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC),” said Jayendra Chudal, executive director of the company.

Officials of the company have claimed that it is the first environment friendly cement producer with least emissions. “The factory has in-built dust controller machine and six dust bag collectors to control the emissions,” said Chudal.

The company has claimed that it has spent 15 percent of the total investment on minimizing the pollution level during pre-production, production and post-production period.

The company has been sourcing raw materials such as gypsum from India, Pakistan and Bhutan but using locally produced clinker.

Constructed with the total cost of over Rs 500 million, the company has provided direct employment opportunities to 150 skilled and semi-skilled workers.

According to Chudal, the company plans to increase daily production by 400 tons of 50-kg sacks within six months. With the commencement of production, total cement factories operating along the Bhairawa-Lumbini Industrial corridor has reached eleven.

Cement producers estimate that Nepal has been importing 30 percent of cement from India to meet the total domestic demand for 25 million tons.

The company has targeted the capital and key cities of the western parts of the country as the major markets for its products. “We are providing our cement Rs 10 per sack cheaper than our competitors in our market,” he added.

source: republica,28 july 2012