CONTENDERS to be Rugby’s next MP have each paid a visit to the town’s cement works.
Conservative candidate Yousef Dahmash and Labour’s John Slinger visited Cemex to learn more about plans for its Rugby site.
Coun Dahmash, who represents Hilmorton at County Council level, learnt more about the business’ proposed Mill 7 upgrade – an integral part of the plant’s ongoing decarbonisation plans which the company says would lead to a reduction in the plant’s CO2 emissions and enhance its milling capacity.
He was also updated on the restoration of the Parkfield Road Quarry.
He said: “Not only is Cemex a vital part of our local economy and a large employer, it also does a great deal to support local projects and to engage with the local community and schools.
“I was grateful when they funded Safe Drive Stay Alive roadshows in Rugby aimed at keeping young drivers, and their passengers, safe, which was started by incredible local residents George and Giulietta Galli-Atkinson after the tragic loss of their daughter, Livia.
“They are also rapidly decarbonising, using alternative fuels and regenerating Parkfield Road Quarry.”
A Cemex spokesperson said: “It was a pleasure to show Yousef our operations first hand, and to further discuss the exciting proposals he has worked with us on in his local roles to invest in new technologies at the site. These developments will aid the delivery of our net zero goals and bring employment and economic benefits to the town of Rugby.”
Coun Slinger, who represents New Bilton on Rugby Borough Council, said it was fascinating to visit the plant and see Rugby from its seven-story tower.
He added: “I am making every effort to meet businesses of all sizes and discuss the challenges and opportunities they face as well as how local and national government might support them in the future.
“Cemex is a large employer in our town, with a huge output, and plays a pivotal role in supplying cement across the country, particularly to critically important sectors such as construction and infrastructure.
“Staff told me about Cemex’s long-term financial investment in the Rugby site. This has made it one of the most advanced cement works in the world that has been able to drastically increase the use of recycled waste as fuel and reduce CO2 emissions.
“We discussed their community engagement and support for community groups, and I encouraged them to continue and expand this as our town and the surrounding villages develop.”
The Cemex spokesperson said: “It was a pleasure to welcome John to Cemex’s Rugby Cement plant for a tour of the site, a discussion about our operations within Rugby, and our future investment plans that will enable us to further deliver on our net zero commitments, and to show our commitment to the town.”
