Kathmandu. For the first time in Nepal, Everest Fiber Cement Board industry, which produces international quality fiber cement board with an investment of Rs 1.5 billion from IME Group, has come into operation from today.
Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Damodar Bhandari formally unveiled the fiber cement board produced from the industry and various products to be manufactured from it while inaugurating the industry at a programme held in Kathmandu on Wednesday.
Addressing the programme, Minister Bhandari said the establishment of quality, environment-friendly and state-of-the-art technology-based industries in the country was an important step towards nepal’s industrial development. Minister Bhandari said the government would always encourage production-oriented investment as the industry would not only replace imports but also lead the construction sector on the path of sustainable development.
Speaking on the occasion, President of Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) and Chairman of IME Group Chandra Prasad Dhakal said that new industries have been set up to contribute to the construction sector using indigenous raw materials and local resources.
Dhakal said that this would create employment within the country and pave the way for a self-reliant economy by replacing imports and avoiding large-scale foreign exchange outflow as it would be produced in Nepal. Dhakal said that the industry has given a message that it is possible to produce construction materials of international standard within Nepal through indigenous skills, local resources and possibilities.
Established under the IME Group at an investment of around Rs 1.5 billion, the industry is located in Fatuwa Bijayapur Municipality-6 of Rautahat district. The entire process in this industry, from raw material adulteration to board cutting, pressing and drawing, is based on fully automated technology. The industry has the capacity to produce 75,000 square feet of cement fiber boards daily. The boards produced here are available at 4 feet in length, 8 feet in width, and in thickness from 4 mm to 30 mm. These boards are flexible, fire-resistant, not affected by sunlight, environment friendly and very durable.
Fiber cement board is used in various structures including the exterior of the building, pattation, false ceiling, modular kitchen, eco panel. Even a complete structure can be constructed as an alternative to bricks and plaster, which can be prepared in 10-15 days, so the demand for it is increasing rapidly not only in Nepal but also in the international market.
Even in emergency infrastructure construction during natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods or landslides, the industry’s produced boards will become a fast, cheap, and sustainable alternative. There will be no hassle of plaster or color, so there will be significant savings in time and cost.
This industry has emphasized on the promotion of local employment. At present, about 200 people have direct or indirect employment, including more than 98 percent local manpower and more than 40 percent female workers.
They are involved in everything from processing to packing. Everest Fiber Cement Board aims to contribute significantly to the construction sector through environment-friendly, quality and competitive products.
