BASIC Industries PTE Limited has launched a new Mobile Concrete Batching Plant following a significant investment of $1.49 million, aimed at enhancing efficiency and capacity in Fiji’s rapidly expanding Western Division. The company’s chair, Semi Lotawa, emphasized the necessity of this investment due to existing operational challenges with their aging batching systems, which had resulted in revenue loss and customer dissatisfaction.
During a visit to Nadi last December, Lotawa noted how reliability issues were hindering their competitiveness. “This investment directly supports our strategic priorities, which include achieving operational excellence and delivering superior customer satisfaction,” he stated.
The newly commissioned mobile batching plant signifies a promising advancement for BASIC Industries, as it allows for increased production capacity and improved reliability. This upgrade will enable the company to handle high-margin projects and ensure the delivery of high-quality concrete batches, utilizing a fully PLC-controlled system. Furthermore, it will allow for more agile operations by relocating concrete production closer to sites of intensive infrastructure development.
Despite early challenges associated with shipping delays, installation logistics, and training personnel for the new system, the plant is now capable of producing up to 60 cubic meters of concrete, as confirmed by Lotawa.
The inauguration of the new facility drew attention from local leaders, with Ba Provincial Council Chairman Ratu Meli Tora acknowledging the project’s strategic timing amidst ongoing construction initiatives in the Nadi to Lautoka corridor. Tora commended Fijian Holdings Limited for their visionary leadership in ensuring the necessary infrastructure is in place to support future development projects.
In a call to action for the staff, Ratu Meli challenged them to take responsibility for the new equipment, reinforcing the importance of stewardship in operations that are set to meet the demands of upcoming years.
This investment and the plant’s launch reflect a broader trend among businesses in Fiji, emphasizing the need for modern infrastructure to keep up with growing demands and market conditions. Similar investments in industries, such as those reported with FOOD Processors Fiji Ltd’s recent facility upgrades, signify a continuous commitment to enhancing local capacities that stimulate economic growth and improve job opportunities across various sectors in the country. With ongoing developments, there is a hopeful outlook for the future, as businesses align their strategies to meet the demands of a thriving economy and community.