Pacific Cement Ltd (PCL) is facing another challenge as it temporarily suspends operations at its cement mill due to an issue with the mill’s motor. The disruption began in mid-December 2025, according to Fijian Holdings Ltd (FHL), the parent company of PCL.
FHL announced that the repair work on the motor has been completed and that the company is currently in the full commissioning phase this week, aiming for a swift return to production. They anticipate that normal operations could resume within about a week, with a corresponding normalization of supplies. However, during this downtime, the supply of 40kg General Blend and General Portland (GP) cement will be limited until manufacturing restarts.
This latest incident draws attention to the persistent difficulties faced by PCL, particularly due to the aging infrastructure and machinery that have led to repeated mill breakdowns. During FHL’s annual general meeting in 2024, management outlined plans to ultimately replace the existing facility with a new plant in the next two to three years, although these plans are still in the conceptual stage.
At the AGM, CEO Jaoji Koroi spoke candidly to shareholders, addressing the operational challenges stemming from the mill, which has been in service since 1962. He acknowledged the increasing frequency of machine failures that have adversely affected both production efficiency and profitability.
Despite these ongoing operational setbacks, there is optimism for PCL’s future. With the successful execution of modernization plans and essential upgrades to equipment, the company may very well pave the way for a more stable production environment, which could bolster their performance in the coming years.