IME Group opens Nepal’s first fibre cement board industry

KATHMANDU: For the first time in Nepal, an industry producing international-standard fibre cement boards has commenced commercial operations.

Established under the IME Group with an investment of approximately Rs 1.5 billion, the Everest Fibre Cement Board Industry was officially inaugurated today.

Minister for Industry, Commerce, and Supplies, Damodar Bhandari, inaugurated the facility during a special event held in Kathmandu.

On the occasion, he also unveiled a range of fibre cement board products manufactured by the industry.

Highlighting the significance of the venture, Minister Bhandari stated that the establishment of a quality-driven, eco-friendly, and technologically advanced industry marks a major milestone in Nepal’s path toward industrial development. He emphasized that such industries not only contribute to import substitution but also lead the construction sector toward sustainable growth. The government, he added, is committed to encouraging production-oriented investment.

Chandra Prasad Dhakal, Chair of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) and Chair of IME Group, noted that the new industry is a prime example of utilizing domestic raw materials and local resources to boost Nepal’s construction sector.

He further remarked that the venture will help reduce Nepal’s dependency on imports, save foreign currency, and support the nation’s journey toward an economically self-reliant future.

The Everest Fibre Cement Board Industry is located in Fatwa Bijaypur Municipality–6, Rautahat district.

According to the company, the factory operates with fully automated technology across the entire production process – from raw material mixing to board cutting, pressing, and drying.

The plant has a production capacity of 75,000 square feet of fibre cement boards per day, offering boards in 4 feet x 8 feet dimensions and thicknesses ranging from 4mm to 30mm.

The boards are flexible, fire-resistant, weatherproof, environmentally friendly, and highly durable.

These fibre cement boards are ideal for a variety of applications including exterior cladding, partitions, false ceilings, modular kitchens, and eco-panels. They can also be used as a full substitute for bricks and plaster in structural construction.

Because such structures can be completed within 10–15 days, the demand for these products is growing rapidly not only in Nepal but also in international markets.

In times of natural disasters like earthquakes, floods, or landslides, these boards provide a quick, affordable, and sustainable solution for emergency shelters.

Their plaster-free and paint-free finish significantly reduces both construction time and cost.

The company has placed strong emphasis on local employment generation, currently employing around 200 individuals, with over 98% from the local community and more than 40% women workers.

These employees are actively engaged in processes ranging from production to packaging.

According to the company, Everest Fibre Cement Board Pvt. Ltd. aims to deliver environmentally sustainable, high-quality, and competitively priced products, thereby making a meaningful contribution to Nepal’s construction and industrial sectors.