Lafarge WAPCO Celebrates Five Decades of Cement Production
Lagos Nigeria: October 4, 2010: Lafarge Cement WAPCO Nigeria Plc, one of the leading cement manufacturing companies in Nigeria celebrates five decades of being at the forefront of cement manufacturing and sales in Nigeria. Significantly, the company along with the country commemorates 50 years of glorious existence and its continuous contribution to the growth of the Nigerian economy through its brand, Elephant Cement.
Speaking at a media interactive session held at Protea Hotel to announce the company's 50th anniversary, Chief Olusegun Osunkeye, Chairman, Board of Directors said : ‘‘The company is committed to supporting the government in strengthening the nation's economy''. Over the years, it has acquired strategic and visible presence in the business environment with competitive advantage in terms of product quality and consistency of our dear product, Elephant Cement. These and more are what we celebrate at 50. "We will continue to create employment by expanding our production plants and adding value to people's lives".
Lafarge WAPCO has also made tremendous contributions to the availability of cement in this country and nations'industrial scene in general.
The company is confident of not only sustaining, but also hopes to surpass these achievements in the next 50 years. From next year, its capacity will be doubled with the commencement of the Lakatabu Project to increase production from 2.2 metric tons to 4.2 metric tons of cement yearly to enable the company keep up the pace of growth in the construction industry.
In his remark, the Managing Director of Lafarge WAPCO, Mr. Samy Abdelkader, said Elephant Cement has remained the flagship of cement in Nigeria and is symbolized with the strength of an elephant. "Our brand, Elephant Cement which is the celebrant, has not only left traces of its existence, it has made an indelible mark on the building industry and the country"
‘‘Today, our claim to leadership is in the value we bring to our business: commitment to Health and Safety, quality production that has stood the test of times, qualify workforce that we continue to develop, returns on investment to our investors and our care to the communities around us. I am confident that we will continue to maintain these values in the next 50 years''.
As part of the company's efforts to ensure that Elephant cement is available and affordable to all, the company has increased its efforts in customer service through e- collection process facilities to ensure fast delivery of its products within 24 hours. This is coupled with an increase in its sales depots nationwide.
It should be noted that Lafarge Cement WAPCO Nigeria PLC formerly West African Portland Cement Company (WAPCO) was established in 1959 with its first factory in Ewekoro, Ogun State. The company lighted its first kiln to commence production on December 3rd, 1960 in Ewekoro.
