For more than six decades, Pacific Cement Limited has helped build the Fiji we know today.
Since commencing operations in Lami in 1961, the company has supplied more than 70 per cent of Fiji’s cement requirements. Its products have helped turn plans into homes, roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, churches, hotels, businesses and public infrastructure across the country.
Look around Fiji today and much of what you see carries part of the Pacific Cement story.
It can be found in the foundations of family homes, the classrooms where generations have learned, the hospitals that care for our people and the roads and bridges that connect communities. It is part of the buildings that support business, tourism, government and everyday life.
For many Fijians, these structures are more than concrete and steel. They are places where families have grown, children have been educated, businesses have started and communities have gathered.
Pacific Cement has been there throughout Fiji’s development, often quietly, but always present.
Established as Fiji Industries Limited, the company became Fiji’s first local cement manufacturer. At a time when Fiji was building the foundations of a modern nation, local cement production gave the country greater confidence in its ability to meet its own development needs.
From its Lami plant, generations of employees have worked to keep cement flowing to projects across the country. Their efforts have supported thousands of construction workers, engineers, contractors, transport operators, businesses and families whose livelihoods depend on the construction industry.
The company’s contribution has also extended beyond Fiji, with Pacific Cement products supplied to other Pacific Island countries and used to support development across the region.
In 2014, Fiji Industries Limited became Pacific Cement Limited. The new name reflected a trusted brand that had already become closely associated with construction and development in Fiji and the wider Pacific.
Now, after more than 60 years of nation building, Pacific Cement is preparing for the next chapter of its journey.
The company is progressing a proposed $35 million upgrade and modernisation of its Lami operations. The project includes a new cement mill, two new silos and a modern packing plant.
This investment represents more than an upgrade of machinery and facilities. It is a renewed commitment to Fiji.
The proposed project will strengthen local manufacturing capacity, improve operational efficiency and support better environmental performance. It will also help ensure that Fiji continues to have access to locally manufactured cement for future homes, communities, businesses and national infrastructure.
As part of this journey, Pacific Cement recently held an Environmental Impact Assessment public consultation at the Lami Parish Hall. Residents, landowners, community representatives, government agencies and other stakeholders were invited to learn about the project and share their views.
The consultation allowed important discussions on dust control, water quality, traffic management, environmental protection and continued community engagement. Pacific Cement sincerely appreciates the questions, concerns and recommendations raised by those who attended.
The company recognises that its future must be built in partnership with the people of Lami and the wider community. It remains committed to listening, responding responsibly and working closely with the Department of Environment, the Fiji Ministry of Environment and Climate Change and other relevant authorities.
Pacific Cement also acknowledges Dr Paulo Vanualailai and the Environmental Impact Assessment consulting team for guiding the consultation and responding openly to questions from the community.
The proposed new plant is expected to become operational in 2027.
When it begins operating, it will mark the start of a new era for a company that has already contributed so much to Fiji’s development. It will carry forward the work started by previous generations while preparing Pacific Cement to meet the needs of generations yet to come.
For more than 60 years, Pacific Cement has helped Fiji build.
Now, it is building its own future so that it can continue helping build the nation.
Part of this story is sourced from the Pacific Cement Ltd Facebook page.