Rock Hard Cement expecting more business as projects pick up

Though business was relative slow over the Crop Over period, the owners and operators of Rock Hard Cement are expecting business to pick up in the construction industry, as a number of construction projects will soon resume or get started.

Darren Matthews, Operations Supervisor with Rock Hard Cement (RHC) Limited, made the observation recently, during a media tour held of the cement company, located on the Spring Garden Highway in St. Michael.

“The construction market over the Crop Over season was relatively slow, but now everything is expected to (pick up). Come September, October, there is supposed to be a big increase in the amount of projects that resume (or) commence, whatever the case may be. So we expect a higher increase in volumes, coming in to the latter part of the year, September, October, November and then next year, there seems to be very, very good prospects in the pipeline,” Matthews remarked.

Pointing out that one major project to get in full swing will be the construction project at the site of the historic Sam Lord’s Castle in St Philip, Matthews added, “We are just waiting for everything to start up entirely, (but) Rock Hard has been the choice at Sam Lord’s for most contractors so far, so that is one of the major projects that is on the agenda”.

“But there is also the finishing of Sandals going on and a couple other big projects that are supposed to start very soon,” he maintained.

The Operations Supervisor meanwhile noted that business is going well to date for Rock Hard Cement Limited, as Barbadians have responded well to the products being offered and the company has also been able to expand into regional markets as well.

“Business is doing well and sales are on the rise. So we are happy with where we stand right now and obviously looking to do better, as we go ahead,” Matthews asserted.

“We continue to expand into different territories. So far we are in St. Vincent, St. Lucia, Guyana, Trinidad and Barbados and in each of these markets, sales are doing exceptionally well. The customers, the end users are all happy to have a new product and more choice and different qualities. They have more options now to choose from and everyone is happy moving forward,” he further stated.

When the issue of the battle between Rock Hard Cement Ltd. and the Town and Country Planning Department however came up, it was noted that the matter is still under litigation and no detailed comments were therefore offered about the ongoing legal battle.

Matthews however did point out that Rock Hard, fully aware that it is next to the Flour Mill, has a “no dust policy” in effect and as such, daily cleanups are a must. (RSM)