The construction of a modern environment-friendly cement factory recently started in Guangzhou, capital city of south China's Guangdong Province.

With a total investment of more than one billion yuan, the new factory is planned to replace the Guangzhou Cement Company. The project is jointly funded by Hong kong-based Yue Xiu Enterprises Holdings, Guangzhou Cement Company and Germany's Heidelberg Cement Group, the world's third largest multinational cement company.

Founded in 1929, Guangzhou Cement Factory has received constant objections from nearby residents for the air pollution caused by it in recent years.

In March 2000, the factory was listed in the city's relocation plan. The new factory to replace it locates in a local industrial zone far from residential areas.

The new factory covers nearly 52 hectares and is expected to be completed in 2005.

To reduce emission of waste powder, the new factory introduced a Japanese cement product line. The annual output will increase from one million tons to 2.3 million tons.

(Xinhua News Agency April 7, 2003)