Jamaica: Caribbean Cement Company (CCC) and Tank-Weld Metals have come to an agreement for Tank-Weld Metals to distribute locally-produced Carib Cement to the Jamaican market.

The companies said that, while the agreement is aimed at maximising the resources of both companies, it will also 'enhance efficiencies, create local jobs and be beneficial to customers, the travelling public and the environment.' The value of the deal was not shared. It is estimated, however, that through this partnership, CCC now has near 100% of the local market for cement.

The release further said that, to enhance efficiencies in a logistics-driven economy, both companies have identified an opportunity to pioneer domestic maritime transport of a locally manufactured product. Carib Cement will be transported by sea from the CCC Rockfort Pier to the TW Metals Rio Bueno Port in Trelawny for further distribution to the northern-based construction market using Tank-Weld's distribution capabilities.

The companies have said that the agreement will 'have social and environmental benefits as the use of maritime freight will see less wear and tear on the roads, less frustration for the travelling public and less pollution in the air, through the reduction in traversing across the island by road of bulky and heavy cargo.'

The companies also believe that this agreement will benefit the Jamaican consumer, as well as the local economy, as it increases domestic cement production, yielding greater production efficiencies, increasing the use of assets, boosting the local market and using more indigenous resources.