Najran Cement has announced that it is to shut down its second production line in order to carry out scheduled maintenance.
The company, which has closed down its first line twice this year for maintenance and upgrade works, said that the second line closed yesterday and should reopen by 6 September.
The temporary closure is likely to cost around $400,000 (SR: 1.5m), but the firm said that it would not impact on its ability to meet market demand for clinker and cement.
Najran Cement began pilot production at its third line earlier this year after signing a three-year deal in May with Chinese firm CEIC to operate and maintain the line.
In the six months to June 30, Najran Cement revealed a 41% increase in net profit to SR: 151.2m ($40.3m), which it said was due to the fact that it incurred higher costs in the corresponding period last year relating to its flotation on the Saudi stock market, Tadawul. It also achieved higher sales in 2013.
