CIMERWA, Rwanda’s largest cement producer, last week unveiled its new corporate identity and product packaging.

The new identity brings into the market a sporting bold blue 32.5 bags and bright red color for the 42.5 bags.

The brand comes at a time when the cement firm is finalising works on its new state-of-the-art production facility in Bugarama, Rusizi District.

The plant, which will boost CIMERWA’s manufacturing capacity by six times, will commence production early in the second half of the year.

When fully operational, the plant’s production capacity will increase from the current 100,000 tonnes per year to 600,000 tonnes.

"We have moved from the previous green to a bold blue reflecting the refreshing nature of the business as we go through a rebirth and repositioning of CIMERWA. The previous logo was a closed diamond; the new logo is open, symbolising the bright future of the company and the journey we will be making together towards the top,” Legodi, Busisiwe, Chief Executive Officer, CIMERWA, said.

Legodi confirmed that construction of the plant is now complete and only undergoing structured tests in line with global best practices on cement manufacturing.

"The testing phase, which is the most important in preparing the plant for production, will take at least two months. Our aim is to certify that the new plant operates efficiently and effectively when it is running fully and produce a quality cement to meet Rwanda’s growing demand,” she added.

According to François Kanimba, the minister for trade and industry, the country’s industrial and construction sectors are expected to register strong performances by the end of the year, thanks the firm’s efforts to expand its production.

"Construction and real estate are key sectors and potential major drivers of future economic growth in Rwanda, mainly due to the high demand for residential and commercial buildings.

Statistics from the Rwanda Development Board puts total housing needs in Kigali alone at 458,265 dwelling units.Government is keen to develop home-grown industries that will offer locally made, world class products and, in the process, reduce the large bill we spend on imports, Kanimba said.

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