Cement company’s expansion to increase production capacity
Ray Nkonyeni Municipality mayor Zodwa Mzindle said the expansion represents a new chapter in their community’s economic journey.
Over 100 high profile private and government stakeholders from Ugu and KwaZulu Natal graced NPC Huaxin’s celebration ceremony at its newly expanded Simuma Plant in Murchison recently.
The company’s spokesperson Smangele Tshabalala said the expansion commenced in September 2024, and that at the end of it, NPC will increase its clinker production capacity and cement production to meet the demand in KZN and beyond.
“The Simuma Plant has been modified and upgraded into a state-of-the-art facility to enhance efficiency, improve reliability, and ensure environmental sustainability. The kiln upgrade is part of a multi-faceted expansion project to increase cement production from 1.5 million tonnes per annum to 2.8 million tonnes.”
According to Tshabalala, in December 2023, NPC was acquired by the Huaxin Group, a multi-national cement and building materials giant based in China, which committed to invest over R1 billion in expansion and growth
“NPC is one of over 600 operations within the Overseas Business Unit of the Huaxin Group. This expansion is a crucial step in NPC’s new chapter, and its overall renewal and growth strategy.”
Huaxin Group president, Li Yeqing said the expansion is a commitment to strengthen and grow the NPC brand in South Africa by investing in the latest technology.
“It will help NPC increase its production capacity, grow its market share, and make it a great cement business. The investment goes far beyond production numbers, it reflects Huaxin’s intent to boost local economic development, make a positive impact in local communities and to set a new benchmark for excellence, speed and sustainability in global cement projects.”
NPC CEO Wang Xuanqin said NPC, being the only cement producer in KZN, has significant cement manufacturing and mining investments in Durban, Port Shepstone and Newcastle, with over 450 permanent employees and over 500 contractors in the province.
“We are proud of what we have achieved in less than one year of implementing our project – nine months to be precise.”
Ray Nkonyeni Municipality mayor Zodwa Mzindle said the expansion represents a new chapter in their community’s economic journey.
“This plant symbolises the spirit of innovation, progress, and collaboration. It showcases our region’s potential to attract investment and grow the local economy.”
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