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Holcim Cement Plant Ibity

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Industrial site

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The Holcim cement plant in Ibity, located near Antsirabe, is Madagascar's largest and most vital construction material production facility. The site exploits the vast limestone reserves of the Ibity Massif to manufacture high-quality cement for the national building industry. As a key player in the country's infrastructure development, the plant meets a substantial portion of the domestic demand for Portland cement. Its primary product, marketed under the 'Orimbato' brand, is a staple in construction projects across the island. The facility features a massive rotary kiln and modern grinding mills designed for high-efficiency output. In recent years, Holcim Madagascar has prioritized reducing CO2 emissions and integrating alternative fuels into its production process. Beyond its industrial role, the plant is a significant employer and a major contributor to social projects in the Vakinankaratra region. Without this facility, Madagascar would remain entirely dependent on costly cement imports.

Location: Madagascar
Nearby: Antsirabe (17 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Sep, Oct.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	19	19	19	17	15	13	12	13	16	18	19	20
Rain mm	459	332	252	107	38	31	35	18	22	77	203	337

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?

The Holcim Cement Plant Ibity in Madagascar is a key supplier to the island's construction industry, using locally quarried limestone. It provides cement for infrastructure projects and housing in the region, contributing to economic development.

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Visiting

The plant is an active industrial site and generally not open to the public, but the exterior with silos and the quarry is visible from the surrounding highway. From elevated points near the village of Ibity, the entire factory complex can be seen.

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Where to view it

A good viewpoint is the RN7 national road near Ibity, where the white silhouettes of the cement plant stand out against the green hills. From the slopes of Mount Ibity itself, an impressive view of the entire facility and the quarry is offered.

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Local products

The main product is cement in various grades, sold in bags or bulk to construction companies and traders across Madagascar. In the area, limestone and other local building materials are also quarried, possibly available at nearby markets.

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Active season

The cement plant operates year-round, with production peaking during the construction season (May to November, dry season). During the rainy season (December to April), transport and quarrying may be impacted by wet conditions.

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Nearby

A visit to the Ibity region can be combined with a hike up Mount Ibity, known for its unique flora. The nearby city of Antsirabe, famous for its thermal springs and craft workshops, is also worth a detour.

Geography

Coordinates

-20.08330, 47.00000

Facts

The Ibity plant commenced operations in the 1970s.
Its annual production capacity is approximately 160,000 metric tons of cement.
The facility's primary commercial brand is 'Orimbato'.
Limestone is sourced directly from an adjacent open-pit quarry in the Ibity Massif.
The plant integrates biomass, such as rice husks, into its fuel mix to reduce emissions.
It is the primary domestic supplier for national road and bridge construction.