From the end of 2023 to the present, the Điện Biên Cement Joint Stock Company has faced many difficulties that have directly impacted its production and business. Fuel costs account for 30-50% of the production cost, while the prices of coal, electricity, and gasoline have continuously increased. The scarcity of raw materials, lengthy mining procedures, and high prices of additives have increased production costs. The export tax on clinker increased from 5% to 10%, causing the company to lose its competitive edge, while the consumer market is mainly within the province, accounting for up to 93% of its output. As a result, at times, the inventory of cement has increased significantly, affecting the company’s operations and impacting the entire industrial sector of the province.

To overcome these difficulties, the Điện Biên Cement Joint Stock Company has implemented a range of synchronous solutions, including optimizing the production process, saving costs, diversifying products, and expanding consumer markets both inside and outside the province. In parallel, the company has invested in upgrading its equipment systems and applying advanced technology to reduce energy consumption and dust emissions, ensuring sustainable development. The company has invested in an advanced, modern rotary kiln technology line with a capacity of 370,000 tons of clinker and 370,000 tons of cement per year. The equipment system has a high level of automation and applies information technology throughout the entire process, helping to strictly control technical specifications, save fuel, and reduce environmental emissions.

The company has replaced and improved outdated equipment that was installed in 2006. Many important items have been newly invested in and replaced, such as the electronic weighing system for the kiln, which helps to accurately control the ratio of raw materials and reduce electricity and heat consumption. The coal burner system has been improved to be compatible with many types of fuel, ensuring high combustion efficiency and contributing to reducing production costs and improving product quality. New technology additives are being applied to increase durability and stability and to meet the strict technical requirements of modern construction projects.

Many effective energy-saving solutions have been implemented synchronously, such as utilizing recovered heat for the pre-calciner and for coal drying, which helps save fuel. All 250W high-pressure mercury vapor lamps have been replaced with 100W high-power compact fluorescent lamps. Inverters have been installed for the compressed air system, the clinker cooling fan system, and the raw mill exhaust fan system. Heat from the kiln’s heat exchange tower is utilized to dry raw materials. In addition, the installation of capacitor banks for the transformer station and main motors in the factory helps to stabilize the electrical current and reduce energy loss during operation.

Mr. Nguyễn Văn Hòa, Director of the Administration and Human Resources at the Điện Biên Cement Joint Stock Company, said: “By implementing these synchronous solutions, the company’s production and business activities have remained stable, ensuring productivity, output, and business targets. In 2023, the company produced and sold 310,810 tons of cement; in 2024, it reached 296,260 tons. This year, the company aims to produce 270,000 tons of clinker and sell 320,000 tons of cement. As of the end of September, the output has reached 206,000 tons, equivalent to 64% of the annual plan. In addition, the company is focusing on expanding its consumer market to Lai Châu province and exporting to Laos.”

Along with its production and business activities, the company focuses on caring for the lives and ensuring the legitimate rights of its employees. Currently, the company maintains a stable workforce of over 250 officials and workers, most of whom are long-term employees. The workers enjoy all benefits as stipulated by regulations, such as social insurance, health insurance, and unemployment insurance. They receive their salaries, bonuses, allowances, and welfare benefits on time, ensuring a stable average income of VND 8.5 million/person/month. The company is committed to improving working conditions, investing in labor protection equipment, and ensuring safety in production, helping employees feel secure, committed, and able to develop their abilities.

Demonstrating a spirit of responsibility to the community, the Điện Biên Cement Joint Stock Company actively participates in social welfare activities in the province. Each year, the unit allocates hundreds of millions of VND to support programs for the poor, build houses for disadvantaged families and policy-beneficiary families, and contribute to the “Gratitude Fund,” “For the Poor Fund,” and the “Điện Biên Child Protection Fund.” At the same time, it supports with cement for the construction of schools, health stations, and welfare projects in remote areas where economic conditions are difficult.

In 2024, Mường Pồn commune experienced flash floods and landslides that damaged and swept away many homes. Promoting the spirit of “mutual affection and support,” the company donated 50 tons of cement to help people build and repair their houses and essential facilities, enabling them to work and produce with peace of mind and gradually recover from the natural disaster. Spreading the spirit of gratitude and community responsibility, the company recently sponsored over 100 tons of cement and construction materials for the construction of the Memorial Area for Heroic Martyr Phạm Văn Cường in Sam Mứn commune.

Mr. Nguyễn Văn Hòa affirmed that in the coming time, the company will continue to link its production and business development strategy with the interests of the province and the community. The enterprise prioritizes technological innovation, increasing competitiveness, improving product quality, expanding the consumer market to neighboring provinces, and gradually restoring its export market share. On that foundation, it will continue to affirm its role as a core enterprise in the construction materials sector, contributing to promoting the industrialization and modernization process of Điện Biên province.