Caribbean Cement Company Limited on Saturday indicated that its kiln would be back to normal operation by yesterday, giving the company the capacity to produce cement at double the island’s peak demand.

The company, which was responding to reports of a shortage of cement on the local market, said the problem was “a minor glitch” which has been resolved. This, the company said, would be evident in the market by tomorrow.

“By early Saturday, September 24, into Sunday, September 25 regular production will be restored with Carib Cement recovering excess capacity to meet the needs of all our customers by Tuesday, September 27,” the company said in a news release.

The company explained that in recent months it embarked on a $700-million (US$5.5- million) overhaul of the kiln and one of its cement mills at its Rockfort Plant, which were “in desperate need of upgrade”, as they were operating below their optimal capacity.

“In anticipation of this work, our inventories were increased to satisfy any downturn in supply. Despite those actions, during that period our supply to the market was at 90 per cent of peak demand, leading to a slight rationing of supply,” the company said.

“We apologise for this unavoidable minor glitch and appreciate the understanding of our customers with which we have maintained close communication. This necessary upgrade has put the company in a position to meet and surpass the increased demand, which is being forecast based on the expected spike in construction projects across Jamaica in the upcoming months,” the company said.