BASIC Industries PTE Limited commissioned a new Mobile Concrete Batching Plant as part of a $1.49 million investment to boost capacity and reliability in Fiji’s rapidly developing Western Division.
Basic Industries PTE Limited chair Semi Lotawa said the investment was needed because of existing operational challenges.
“Our existing batching plant, batching systems were ageing, revenue loss and customers frustration. During our visit to Nadi last December, we saw firsthand how reliability issues were limiting our competitiveness,” he said.
“This investment of $1.49 million dollars was approved because it directly supports our strategic priorities, which is achieving operational excellence and drive superior customer satisfaction.
“This small mobile batching plant represents a bold step forward.
“It allows us to increase production capacity, reliability to secure high-margin projects, deliver consistent high-quality batches with a fully PLC-controlled system and operate with agility to bring concrete production closer to where infrastructure has been built.”
Despite challenges with shipping delays, installation, coordination and ensuring there are people who train for the new system, the plant is now capable of producing 60 cubic metres of concrete, Mr Lotawa said.
Officiating as the chief guest at the plant’s inauguration on Friday, Ba Provincial Council Chairman Ratu Meli Tora acknowledged the project’s strategic timing.
“I thank the vision of the people in the Fijian Holdings Limited, nobody in Fiji will deny that development is fast here in the West,” he said.
“And within this corridor from Nadi to Lautoka, soon there will be a lot of development projects in this corridor, and I thank Fijian Holdings for being very visionary to have these installed so that they can cater for the demanding years to come.”
Addressing the staff responsible for the new equipment, Ratu Meli issued a challenge for stewardship.
“I challenge those of you to be invested with the responsibility to look after the plant and to shoulder the responsibilities which are going to be done in the years to come.”
