IME Group begins fibre cement board production

Kathmandu, June 25

Everest Fibre Cement Board Industry, the first of its kind in Nepal to produce international-quality fibre cement boards, has officially started production.

The industry, established under the IME Group with an investment of Rs. 1.5 billion, was inaugurated by Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Damodar Bhandari, at an event in Kathmandu on Wednesday.

Speaking at the event, Minister Bhandari highlighted the importance of establishing a high-quality, environmentally friendly, and technologically advanced industry within Nepal, calling it a significant step towards the country’s industrial development.

He emphasised that such industries not only reduce reliance on imports but also steer the construction sector toward sustainable growth, and added that the government will continue to support production-based investment.

Chairman of the IME Group and President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Chandra Prasad Dhakal, said that the new facility uses domestic raw materials and local resources and is aiming to contribute to the construction sector.

"The industry would generate employment, save foreign currency through import substitution, and help build a more self-reliant economy," he said while adding that the industry demonstrates Nepal’s ability to produce world-class building materials using local skills and resources.

Located in Fatuwa Bijaypur Municipality–6 of Rautahat district, the automated production plant manages the entire process - from mixing raw materials to cutting, pressing, and drying.

The industry has a daily production capacity of 75,000 square feet of fibre cement boards, available in sizes of 4 foot by 8 foot, and thickness ranging from 4mm to 30mm.

"The boards are flexible, fire-resistant, weatherproof, eco-friendly, and highly durable. Their applications include external cladding, partitions, false ceilings, modular kitchens, eco-panels, and even complete structural construction—offering an alternative to bricks and plaster that can be completed within 10–15 days," the company said.

According to it, such features have led to rising demand, both domestically and internationally.

The boards also serve as an efficient, cost-effective solution for building emergency shelters in the event of natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, or landslides. "With no need for plaster or paint, the product significantly reduces time and cost," said Managing Director of the company, Pradip Pandit.

The industry places strong emphasis on local employment, currently engaging around 200 people—over 98 per cent of whom are from the local community, and more than 40 per cent are women.

They are involved in all processes from production to packaging.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 26 June 2025.