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An Historical PerspectiveCaribbean Cement Company, which in 2002 celebrated its 50th anniversary was conceptualized in 1921. There was much argument and debate prior to the opening of the company for commercial production in 1952.
The arguments used for a local plant were to curb the shortage of cement being experienced as a result of the war, the presence of a large local market, an adequate supply of cement for government's building projects and to utilize the shipping space made available by the reduction of cement imports for other necessary commodities. Also, it was the aim to produce and sell on the local market at a price less that the cement imported from Britain. Before the war, cement was shipped from Britain at a cost four times the cost of producing in Jamaica. The first proposed site for the cement plant was Port Henderson, because it was at the entrance to the Kingston Harbour and was in an area rich in limestone deposits. The government had been in discussion with the Associated Portland Cement Manufacturing Limited (APCML) since 1938. In 1945, approval was granted by the House of Representatives for a local company to be formed under the control of APCML. The proposed structure was for APCML to own 80% of the company and the remaining 20% was to go to Jamaican companies and individuals. A plant with a capacity of 30,000 tonnes per annum was being considered. There was much public debate and pressure on the government because of what many considered to be an unfavourable position to the people of Jamaica. APCML expected a return of 12.5%. This meant that at best the local price of cement would have been minimally less than the price of the British imported product. The negotiations between the government and APCML which ensued were deadlocked, and in 1947, APCML rejected the government's offer.
Founders of the new company included the well known Canadian-British industrialist Sir William Stephenson. Sir William served as Chairman for nearly 20 years and had earned the name "Intrepid" as a result of intelligence work done during the war. The new proposed site was Harbour Head, with easy access to mineral deposits and a deep water harbour. The start-up capital was £1,200,000, to be raised in Jamaica and partially in London and New York. This sum was finally raised by 1951, 4½ years later. The company opened its doors on January 28, 1952 and started commercial production a few weeks later, on February 8. Key Milestones in Our History
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| © Copyright 2008 Caribbean Cement Company Limited Terms of Use | Copyright Notice |
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The idea of a cement company in Jamaica was aired in 1921. However, serious consideration was given to the idea in the years just prior to the end of World War II. 
In 1947, Caribbean Cement Company Limited was incorporated and in 1948 accepted the government's cement franchise terms for the construction of a plant with a capacity of 100,000 tonnes.