SIBLINE (Ciment de Sibline sal) is one of the major clinker and cement producers in Lebanon. Sibline currently produces 3,400 tons of clinker per day. Thus, resulting with an annual production of cement exceeding 1.35 Million tons.
In addition, SO.IME Liban sal, a subsidiary company of SIBLINE, produces readymix concrete at an annual capacity of 200,000m3.
Sibline products include materials for Lightweight Construction Solutions and Construction Chemicals.
Sibline is one of the major participants of Project Lebanon exhibition this year (16-19 May, BIEL).
Ifpinfo had the following interview with the CEO of the company Mr. Talaat El Lahham.
Q. When was the company established and what development stages did it go?
A. In 1987, Sibline completed the construction and commissioning of its first production line with a capacity of 800 tons of clinker per day.
In 1995, the company started a project for expanding its production capacity by adding a new line of 2,400 tons of clinker per day. This new line was commissioned during late 1998 and enabled the company to be a major player in the Lebanese cement market. The expansion increased the company’s growth subsequently through tripling its production ability and optimizing its costs.
In 1995, the Lebanese Government granted SIBLINE the exclusive right to use the Jiyeh port facilities by virtue of Decree No. 6797. The port is located in Jiyeh, Lebanon, which is 5 kilometers away from the plant.
In 1999, The company witnessed a major growth of its market share by reaching more than 21% of the Lebanese market. The prime location of Sibline’s cement plant, played a major role in developing its own geographical market.
In 2004, SIBLINE added a Coal and Petcoke grinding station that included horizontal ball mill in order to reduce production costs and to align with the sources of energy used by its competitors,
In 2012, SIBLINE completed an upgrade project on its clinker production line 1 which consisted of preheater cyclone modifications and improvements including the installation of the Gooseneck. This enhancement allows for more than 40% utilization of alternative fuel. This project also permitted for the installation of a complete new clinker cooler with a production capacity of 1000 metric tons per day.
As part of this upgrade and for a better compliance with the environmental requirements, SIBLINE installed a bag house for final dedusting with a capacity of 1000 metric tons per day.
In 2014, and thanks to key acquisitions, SIBLINE added two new entities in order to close the loop of products targeting the construction industry. In addition to its existing divisions of Cement and Readymix, SIBLINE launched two new business entities in construction material: Lightweight Construction Solutions and Construction Chemicals. The new divisions will offer a wide range of products that will re-enforce construction projects on the levels of quality, productivity and sustainability.
Q. Where is the company located and what about your environmental goals?
A. SIBLINE is located in Mount Lebanon district, in Iklim El Kharoub, Shouf area that is situated at the entrance of the southern part of the country. Yet, the company headquarters are located in Beirut. SIBLINE is a joint stock company with a capital of LBP 120,225,750,000 (US$ 80,000,000).
SIBLINE currently provides 530 job positions and puts forward indirect employment for more than 800 people in the domain of logistics, transportation and distribution of cement and other products.
As of March 1st, 2007, Secil s.a. became a major shareholder in SIBLINE.
The good progress on the environmental front was achieved in dust emission reduction, where Sibline replaced the electrostatic precipitator by a bag filter of its first kiln line in 2013 and in 2016 concluded the same job in its second line.
Sibline develops and continuously improve its good relationships with all internal and external stakeholders for mutual respect and understanding.
Sibline ambition and determination is to explore more opportunities in the future.
Q. What can you say about SIBLINE’s main activities?
A. Sibline produces clinker, cement, ready-mix concrete, materials for lightweight construction solutions and construction chemicals”
Q.Can you please name some major Projects executed by your company?
A.Cement & Concrete: Airport Road, Lebanese University Campus (Hadath), Dahr El Baydar Bridge, Beirut Airport.
Lightweight Blocks: Sama Beirut, Le Royal Dbayhe, Beirut Tower, Geitawi Hospital, Vision 1793- Spears Beirut, Edelweiss – Faqra Club, Iranian Embassy Beirut, Aya Tower-Beirut.
Q.Your Insights regarding Lebanon’s construction and energy markets?
A.There was a slowdown in the construction work and cement consumption during 2014 and 2016 while the volume of the construction works during 2016 was a bit better than 2015. It is expected that consumption will improve in 2017.
Q.Your history of participation in the show, how was your experience so far?
Sibline participates in Project Lebanon since 2014.
The show is always organized properly and the layout is good.
The attendance and the number of visitors are acceptable and the benefits of Sibline from participating in the show are good.
Q.Products to be displayed at Project Lebanon 2017?
A.Lightweight, normal blocks and construction chemicals.
Q.Your expectations of the show?
We expect to see more participants and more visitors this year.
Q.Any expansion strategies or future plans?
A.Sibline has plans to increase its cement production for the coming years.
ifpinfo
27 February
