United Cement Company of Nigeria Limited (UniCem), Nigeria’s third largest cement manufacturer, last week undertook two trade fora with its end-users comprising customers, masons, block makers and builders in Aba, the commercial hub of Abia State, and later in Owerri, the Imo State capital, to share information on cement product application.

According to Vipul Agrawal, UniCem’s marketing director, “our objective is to reinforce good service, product quality and strengthen relationship with our customers by educating them on the best way to use the product to achieve good result.

“This event is one way through which we engage our customers, and part of our strategy to reach targeted 5,000 end-users this year, 2014, with information on (cement) product application, as well as strengthening our partnerships in the South-South and South-East regions.”

Agrawal said the fora were part of the cement company’s ongoing training of block makers, artisans and masons, and engagement of business partners, all aimed at deepening information on the right application of cement for building and construction.

The UniCem marketing director re-echoed the Standards Organisation of Nigeria’s (SON) assertion that there was no sub-standard cement in the country; although there has been raging controversy on the product’s grading – the 32.5R and 42.5R.

He informed that the company was fully committed to corporate social responsibility (CSR), safety and environment, and had numerous initiatives for which it had received multiples recognitions on regional and national levels, adding that UniCem had been engaging its customers since inception, and would continue to reach out to them as a way to meet their expectations.

UniCem began operations in 2009, from its brand-new 2.5 million metric tons capacity plant at Mfamosing in Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State. Currently, the firm has begun building its N84 billion second production line of 2.5 million metric tons capacity, planned to commence production by 2016.

BEN EGUZOZIE

Nigeria's leading finance and market intelligence news report. Also home to expert opinion and commentary on politics, sports, lifestyle, and more

Join BusinessDay whatsapp Channel, to stay up to date

Open In Whatsapp