Dangote strategises to reduce cement price, opens more depots

DANGOTE Cement has approved the opening of more cement depots across the country to further take the products nearer to the people.With this, the company has liberalised its distribution channels by widening its sales point network.The company is also adding more lines to its existing cement plants across the federation with the attendant expectation that it would lead to reduction in the price of the commodity.This, it believes, will also ensure not only the stability of price, but also guaranteeing availability at the most reasonable price.Group Managing Director of Dangote Cement, Devakumar Edwin said in Lagos at the weekend that the company, at the height of skyrocketing price of cement, had acquired 5000 trucks to boost its logistics and pave the way for even distribution of the product across the nation.According to him, having solved the problem of logistics, the next phase is to ensure a wider distribution depot and register more dealers and bring the product closer to the customers.He explained that 'with Obajana's 10. 25 metric tonnes per annum (mtpo), and its fourth line under construction, the company's production capacity will be far above the nation's demand.It would be recalled that the company's Benue plant of 3.5mtpa is producing to capacity. When added to the 6 mtpa Ibese plant production, the company will have a total production capacity of 19.75mtpa.'What we are doing now is to liberalize the distribution network by increasing our depots and registering more credible distributors. All we required is the Certificate of company registration, two passport photographs and letter of intent.'Henceforth, we are guaranteeing 48 hours registration with a minimum purchase of one trailer load that is 600 bags monthly. In fact no deposit is required. And customers can collect from any of our plants', Edwin stated.According to him, individuals, corporate organizations and institutional buyers seeking to buy Dangote cement in bulk could just walk into any of the company's depots or offices nationwide.He added that the company has begun a media campaign aimed at sensitizing the people to this development. 'On the long run we hope that this effort will not only make cement available in every nooks and cranny of Nigeria but will reduce the price and make the price stable.
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