ACC is expected to take at least two months evaluating bids. The successful bidder will be required to install a new 7,000-tonne-a-day (t/d) cement line and expand ACC's existing power and desalination facilities. Other works include the closing down of four existing cement kiln lines and the incorporation of kiln line six with existing equipment at line five. Austroplan Austrian Engineeringis the consultant on the expansion scheme.

ACC produces 2.5 million tonnes a year (t/y) of clinker, with grinding capacity of above 3 million t/y.

Southern Province Cement Company (SPCC)has decided to retender the project to upgrade its plant at Al-Majardeh, north of Abha. A contract award - originally scheduled for late August - is now expected by the end of the year.

Five companies including IHI, Denmark's FL Smidthand companies from China, India and Turkey are planning to bid for the project in partnership with local contractors. The expansion project involves the construction of a 4,000-t/d clinker line and power plant, desalination and sewage treatment units and related facilities. India's Holtecis the consultant on the scheme.