According to Dr. José Fernando Martirena, director of the Structures and Materials Research and Development Center (CIDEM) at the university, at full capacity, the plant will be able to produce between eight and 10 tons of cement daily.

This start-up will have a positive impact on programs directed toward strengthening the production of construction materials to address the country’s housing problem,

Dr. Martirena said, while explaining that the project is the result of a cooperative effort with Switzerland, Habitat 2, and the IPIAC enterprise, as well as the local government.

The small plant will operate continuously with staff working two 12-hour shifts for a period of six months, followed by a shutdown for required maintenance, before resuming production.

The effort reflects a practice emphasized by Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, who has repeatedly called for universities to participate more actively in local production processes, Dr. Martirena added.

Argelio Abad Vigoa, director of the research institute’s Geominera enterprise, in charge of operating the new plant, explained to Granma that required raw materials are guaranteed, since studies were conducted previously of kaolinitic clay, calcium carbonate, and gypsum deposits within the province, while the workforce has been fully trained.

Abad Vigoa reported that 20 similar plants are projected in various regions around the country including one in the Villa Clara municipality of Remedios, where abundant deposits of raw materials exist that can supply a plant for several years.

Prior to this visit, Ramiro Valdés toured other sites of economic importance in the province, including the new Sosa chorine plant, and the cauldron manufacturer in Sagua la Grande, in addition to the Mechanical Plant and Santa Clara’s printing facility.

The Cuban Vice President also reviewed progress being made on the regional housing program, and on efforts to better control gasoline usage, among other projects.

- The tour began at the “60th Anniversary of the October Revolution” Sugarcane Combine Harvester Enterprise, where the President learned of the main products produced in its workshops.

- Touring the “Heroes of July 26” Mechanical Enterprise, Díaz-Canel noted that given the installed capacity of the factory, its production could be diversified to include services for the population.

- The President reviewed the semi-hard cheeses line of the Holguín Dairy Products Enterprise, where he spoke with workers and master cheesemakers.

- The mini-industry of the Frutas Selectas Enterprise, included in the tour, exhibits local alternatives to boost food production and has the necessary productive links with other sectors of Cuban industry.

- The President, accompanied by ten ministers, toured the Celia Sánchez Manduley University of Holguín.

- Meanwhile, in Moa, various aspects related to the production of nickel and cobalt, as important exportable items, were reviewed; and the Cuban President learned details of the production processes in the Comandante Pedro Soto Alba and Comandante Ernesto Che Guevara factories, which to date have met production plans by 105% and 91%, respectively.