Tokyo Cement adds fifth vessel to transportation fleet

Tokyo Cement, has announced the addition of a fifth vessel, MV Mohar to its fleet of cement transport ships on 11 August. 

The 22,000 metric ton, pneumatic bulk cement carrier was inaugurated byChief GuestArjuna Ranatunga, Minister of Ports, Shipping and Aviation and Guest of Honour Upul Jayasuriya, Chairman, Board of Investments, Sri Lanka.

Dr. Harsha Cabral, Chairman, Tokyo Cement Group in his speech, paid tribute to the Visionary Founder Chairman, late Deshamanya  A.Y.S. Gnanam, one of the greatest industrialistsin Sri Lanka for his foresight and contribution to the development  to the nation. He also thanked the distinguished gathering for their presence at this special occasion. 

S.R Gnanam, Managing Director, Tokyo Cement Group, speaking at the launch event said,“Logistics is an integral part of our business, and the increase in local demand has required us to enhance our capacities not just in transportation, but manufacturing and energy generation. We are always striving to improve our business performance because doing so is Tokyo Cement’s contribution to building Sri Lanka, and ensuring strong, sustainable development.”

With an increase in production capacity of one million tonnes in Trincomalee, the new vessel will play the vital role of transporting cement to the Colombo Port, in order to distribute more efficiently to the masses. 

Explaining further Gnanam said: “The cement industry is often times described as a barometer of a country’s march to economic development and prosperity. What we are currently seeing is a surge in demand for products and services which is a good indicator of market confidence. Over the last three decades, Tokyo Cement has built itself up to become one of Sri Lanka’s most valuable brands with an installed capacity of over two million tonnes of cement, over 600 employees and 20 billion rupees in assets. Our success reflects the continuing growth of Sri Lanka and its economy.”

The company’s reputation for excellence is coupled with a commitment to social responsibility. Over the years Tokyo Cement has made a number of valuable contributions to uplift the standards of the communities in which it operates. These efforts range of vocational training to school nutrition to building homes and empowering dealer networks. As Gnanam pointed out: “It’s about taking care of more vulnerable communities and fostering a sense of family and partnership.”

Tokyo Cement has always strived to bring out the best in people of all ages and abilities, from empowering communities to protecting the environment. They have encouraged academic engagement through the first ever All-Island School’s Quiz Program, to the reforestation of mangroves along at-risk coastlines, to the rehabilitation of coral reefs with recycled concrete. Further they are funding a Construction Training Academy to raise the standards of construction nationally whilst providing necessary occupational training; Tokyo Cement remains resilient in its dedication to the betterment of society.

Meanwhile, innovation remains the cornerstone of the business with the company pursuing best practices in energy efficiency. Tokyo Cement also lists many firsts including setting up Sri Lanka’s first automated cement factory, commissioning the first 10 megawatt biomass power plant in Trincomalee,  becoming the first local company to achieve the ISO 14001 Environment Management Systems certification, and becoming the first cement manufacturer to achieve the ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems certification.