Formwork the way to go, says company

The local cement block industry currently experiencing supply and demand challenges, has been offered a possible way out of its difficulties.

Operators of the block manufacturing operations have indicated that they are so overwhelmed by the demand for blocks due to an emerging boom in the construction sector, that they are struggling to keep up.

Now Cemix, a leading producer of concrete, asphalt and aggregates, has come up with what the company believes is a better alternative to existing method used by block-makers.

“Looking at solutions to the current issues in trying to source concrete blocks, we are really recommending that contractors and clients look into formwork as a suitable alternative to traditional concrete blocks,” General Manager of Cemix Jason Edwards told Barbados TODAY on Wednesday.  He explained that formwork is a building method that uses molds to shape concrete into walls and structures, instead of traditional blockwork.

“Formwork is poured with concrete, therefore eliminating the need for concrete blocks, while also greatly reducing the time to erect a structure. This method can be used for both floors and walls, so it saves valuable time in the process and allows projects to continue,” he advised.               

Top officials of the leading manufacturers across the island told Barbados TODAY on Tuesday that repairs to crucial machines or breakdowns of plants have not made their supply situation any easier.

But Edwards pointed out, “While the industry is seeing some challenges, there are solutions out there that are both time and cost-effective that can keep these projects going.”

He noted that because Cemix is not in the block-manufacturing business, it is not facing the challenges that producers of concrete blocks currently confront.

“Overall, I’m pleased to report business for us is steady at the moment, continuing on from a successful period over the last two years. Thankfully, we are not having any issues with providing asphalt, concrete or aggregates to our residential and commercial customers,” Edwards assured.

Meanwhile, the island’s two cement producers are confident that they are able to meet its supply to the market.

“Rock Hard [Cement] is doing its best to supply the markets and customers with the best product at the best price and are confident that the island will rebound from the challenging period we have been in,” Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mark Maloney told Barbados TODAY.

Maloney, who is also one of the developers behind the Hyatt Resort that’s due to start construction this year, said confidence in leadership is the key to attracting foreign investment in capital projects here.

“Investment is increasing due to this and hopefully all sectors will benefit and more people will be able to find employment and business owners will find ways of providing products and services at competitive prices by being creative as we can’t sit and say prices are going up all the time,” the prominent businessman argued.

“Our group of companies is mindful that the more expensive the product, the least number of people there are to afford it… so we do our best to mitigate against increases to ensure we have a sustainable market,” Maloney assured.

General Manager of the Arawak Cement Company Carlos Cordero Castro does not foresee any difficulties in supplying the local market with his product.

“We are dealing with the market demand without a problem. Even if the demand grows, we will continue to serve because our production is where it’s supposed to be,” Castro said.