JK Cements is optimistic about its plans to more than double output to 17 mn t by 2016-17 from 7.5 mn t currently. Oversupply in the cement industry has also added to the challenges currently faced by the sector.The company plans to invest Rs 5000 crore for this expansion, with Indian banks lending two-thirds of the amount. The company’s current debt stands at Rs 1300 crore. Raghavpat Singhania, special executive of the firm expects demand to pick up soon. He added that the cement industry was cyclical and 2007 was the peak period and the current period is the trough. So the firm expects demand to pick up by late 2012-13 or early 2013-14.