UniCem launches high strength performance product in Uyo

 The United Cement Company of Nigeria (UniCem) has launched a high strength performance product suitable for bridges, dams, high-rise buildings and road projects to meet the needs of customers in the construction industry.

The company, which is the leading manufacturer and supplier of cement in the South South and South East of the country, has its plant at Mfamosing in Cross River State.

Known as ‘UniCem 42.5’ and available in bulk and jumbo bags, the product launch took place at the Le Meridien Ibom Hotel, Uyo and was attended by key players in the construction industry including members of the Nigerian Society of Engineers and major contractors in Akwa Ibom State.

According to Vipul Agrawal, the company’s marketing and technical assistant director, the high strength performance cement will take care of 10% of the company’s customers needing quality cement for the development of infrastructure and commercial projects.

“With the increase in infrastructure in the region, the company has again in the effort to meet and satisfy the needs of its customers within that segment of the market introduced a new product called, ‘UniCem 42.5’, produced specifically for heavy construction works like high-rise buildings, long-span bridges, dams, flyovers, pre-cast, roads, among others”, Agrawal said.

He said the benefits of the high strength performance include low heat of hydration, workability, reducing bleeding, reduced porosity, improved cohesion, smooth surface finish and environmental friendliness.

The company which plans to increase its production capacity from 1.8 million metric tons to 2.3 metric tons in 2013, says it is committed to further expansion to deliver 5.0 million metric tons per annum by 2016 thus doubling its production capacity.

Agrawal lauded the Federal Government’s backward integration policy which, according to him, had given rise to “massive investment and rapid expansion of the local cement production capacity”, adding that the company would continue to meet the

customers’ needs through the sourcing of high quality raw materials for its cement production and the adoption of various quality control measures in the production process.

Noting that the product conforms to Nigeria Standards NIS 444.1:2003, he said it combined strength performance at all ages with enhanced durability, describing it as a product of choice for infrastructure and commercial projects.

Earlier, the sales director, Williams Anam, who declared the event open accompanied by other officials of the company said UniCem 42.5 could be delivered at worksite by dedicated UniCem transport fleet and expressed the commitment of the company to corporate social responsibility and safety issues.

ANIEFIOK UDONQUAK, Uyo