KINGSTON, Jamaica — Caribbean Cement Company said a major kiln upgrade, extended maintenance shutdown and weather disruptions weighed on its production levels in 2025, as the company sought to clarify recent reports on its output performance.

The cement manufacturer said it completed a US$42-million kiln expansion and debottleneck project last year, which required a full shutdown of its kiln for about 55 days — significantly longer than the typical 15 to 20 days for routine maintenance.

The extended downtime reduced cement output by 167,500 tonnes, exceeding the overall decline in production recorded in 2025 compared with the previous two years, the company said.

Despite the disruption, Caribbean Cement said it took steps to maintain supply to the local market, including building inventory ahead of the shutdown to avoid shortages.

The upgraded kiln was commissioned between April and May 2025 but required a stabilisation period before reaching full capacity. The company said the improvements later delivered a record monthly output of 109,682 tonnes in July 2025.

Production was also affected by adverse weather conditions over the past two years. The company cited disruptions from Hurricane Beryl and Tropical Storm Rafael in 2024, followed by Hurricane Melissa in 2025, which impacted operations at its east Kingston plant and reduced operating windows.

In addition, construction activity slowed after Hurricane Melissa as recovery efforts shifted to clean-up, leading to weaker demand and higher inventory levels. This prompted the company to pause kiln operations for about 30 days in October 2025.

Caribbean Cement said the combined effects of the expansion programme, ramp-up period, weather disruptions and demand shifts contributed to its 2025 production levels.

The company reported an improvement in output in early 2026, with first-quarter cement production rising about 33.1 per cent to 289,695 tonnes compared with the same period a year earlier.

Caribbean Cement said it remains focused on meeting local demand as it continues to address operational challenges.