BAHRAIN’S Falcon Cement Company (FCC) and Thailand’s LV Technology (LVT) have signed an engineering service agreement for the upgrade of FCC’s facilities.

FCC is the first Bahrain-based fully integrated cement producer. Its chairman Hisham Al Rayes said FCC, being the first and only integrated cement plant in Bahrain, plays an important role in the kingdom’s economy.

“Leveraging LVT’s vast experience and services, FCC will increase the size of its operations and its ability to deliver more consistent supplies of cement to the domestic market with improved quality,” he said.

“We have seen solid growth in cement demand in Bahrain over the last year. This reflects the success of efforts by the government to support economic growth and underscores the recovery of the local housing and commercial markets.”

FCC executive director Salah Sharif remarked: “We are extremely pleased to announce this agreement with LVT. Together we will implement a series of upgrades, which will increase production at our plant and in turn help to reduce the kingdom’s dependence on imports.

“We expect to improve the overall operational efficiency of the plant making us more competitive and ensuring we continue to meet the needs of our customers and the growing demand for high-quality, locally produced cement.”

The agreement was signed by Sharif and LVT managing director Hans Jorgen Nelsen in the presence of Bahrain’s Industry and Commerce Minister Dr Hassan Fakhro and Al Rayes.