Domicem, the leading cement company in the Dominican Republic, marked a milestone with the inauguration of its second production line in Sabana Grande de Palenque, aiming to increasing the cement production capacity in the region.

The grand opening ceremony was attended by the President of the Dominican Republic Luis Abinader, alongside other dignitaries.

The expansion is a boon for the economy and promises to generate hundreds of direct and indirect jobs, with an increase in the current production capacity to 3 million tons annually, to be able to cater to domestic demands while also opening the doors for expanded exports to new regional markets.

Over the past three decades, the Dominican Republic has been experiencing annual growth in cement production at an average rate of 6.0 per cent. Annual consumption has surged from 866,000 tons in 1978 to 5.6 million tons by 2022. The new production line, strategically aligned with market demands, not only addresses domestic needs but positions the country as a key player in the regional cement market.

Francesca Colaiacovo, chairman of the board of directors of Domicem, in expressing gratitude to the enterprising families that have united Italy and the Dominican Republic in this project, said: “I would like to thank the partners of Domicem, enterprising families, who have been able to unite two countries, Italy and the Dominican Republic, in a project that today represents a source of pride for the country, fully respecting environmental, social and economic sustainability.”

Adriano Brunetti, CEO of Domicem, providing insight into the scale of the project, said: “The project of the second production line that we are going to inaugurate today involves exactly: an investment of around RD$8,000 million pesos, more than US$130 million dollars, which makes Domicem the cement plant with the largest clinker production capacity in the country with more than 2.1 million tonnes and a cement production capacity of almost 3 million tonnes annually.”

The expansion includes the integration of state-of-the-art facilities such as the Loesche Vertical Mill, a five-stage pre-calcination tower, and a hybrid filter clinker production furnace. This advanced technology reflects Domicem’s commitment to maintaining a competitive edge in the regional cement market.

He added that the newfound self-sufficiency in clinker production, eliminates the need for imports, which exceeded 800,000 tons in the past year. This shift ensures stability and sustainability, crucial factors for the growth of the cement and construction sector, pivotal components of any thriving economy.

With this expansion, Domicem solidifies its role as a driving force in the Dominican Republic’s economic landscape, and sets ambitious benchmarks for the entire Caribbean.