The Hetauda Cement Industry, which resumed operations four weeks ago after a six-month shutdown, has once again halted production due to equipment failure.
Production stopped last Friday as some kiln equipment requires repairs and additional parts need to be purchased and installed, according to Acting General Manager Bin Kumar Karna.
The state-owned factory had been idle for six months due to financial difficulties. Although production resumed recently, it lasted only a few weeks before the technical problems forced another shutdown. Currently, the factory is packing previously produced cement into sacks, Karna added.
Established by the government in 1976 AD in Lamsure, Hetauda, the industry began commercial production on December 11, 1986. The government invested Rs 1.5 billion in its construction.
At its peak, the factory produced 18,000 bags of cement daily, but due to aging equipment, daily output has dropped to 12,000 bags. The industry employs about 200 permanent staff, including administrative, technical, and labor personnel. Limestone is sourced daily from Bhainse and Okharekhani in Makawanpur and Jogimara in Dhading. -- RSS
