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Cement demand is up and the trend is likely to continue

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says HM Bangur, Managing Director, Shree Cement. In an interview with Indian Cement Review, he spoke on the various aspects of the cement industry and the company’s diversification plans. Read on…

Shree Cement has posted a 10-per cent drop in top line and an 80-per cent fall in bottom line, but your employee and fuel costs have increased by 30 per cent. Can you explain this anomaly? What will be your future strategy?
There is no anomaly in our results. The major contributory for sharp decline in bottom line are:

  • drop in cement realisation by 9-10 per cent
  • increase in power & fuel cost by 32 per cent led by increase in fuel prices, and
  • increase of depreciation by 39 per cent due to commissioning of new projects.

The cement demand has picked up in the months of January and February 2011 and the rising trend is likely to continue. The cement dispatches and realisation are expected to improve and consequently the top line and bottom line will also improve. However, the high fuel prices may impact the bottom line.

Recently, Shree Cement has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Karnataka Government. Why has the company chosen Karnataka? Tell us more about the mining lease agreement with Karnataka Government.
The major input for cement is limestone and plenty of good quality limestone is available in Gulbarga. Further, Gulbarga is also closer to Maharashtra and hence there is dual advantage of marketing cement in southern as well as western region markets.

We have been allotted mining lease by the Goverment of Karnataka in over 1,362 acre in Kodla and Benkanahalli villages of Gulbarga district and the land acquisition has almost completed.

Power and fuels are the main drain on the company’s exchequer. What are the steps you have taken to minimise the impact?
We have started using imported coal apart from petcoke and are looking for long-term fuel supply agreements. We are also exploring the possibilities for allotment of coal linkages and for the purpose, we have filed applications for coal linkages for our cement and power plants.

Is the company planning any diversification? Please elaborate.
Apart from cement, we have undertaken power as another sector for growth. The total power generation capacity of the company is 260 MW including 46-MW waste heat recovery plant (green project), the largest green power capacity in the world cement industry excluding China. The company is setting up another 300- MW capacity thermal power plant at Beawar (Rajasthan), which will be operational in next six months.

Which are the new markets the company is planning to tap?
The company is stepping up its volume growth in traditional markets viz, Rajasthan, Delhi, Haryana, Uttarakhand and western Uttar Pradesh. The company has also made foray into new markets like Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, etc.

RMC in India is in its nascent stage. Is there any plan to bolster the RMC business? How does RMC fare in comparison with site cement?
As of now, there is no plan to diversify into RMC business. RMC has no comparison with the site cement as there is a huge difference in the quality of concrete produced by the two. The quality and durability of RMC is far better.

Cement demand is driven 70 per cent by housing and the balance by infrastructure, etc. Given the pace of investment in infrastructure, do you foresee a shift in ratio of the demand drivers?
Infrastructure development and housing are the key demand drivers for cement in India. A strong demand pull is expected from infrastructure and rural/individual housing. Currently, the housing market is approximately 60-65 per cent of the total cement demand. Looking at the infrastructure spend, a gradual shift is expected from housing sector to infrastructure segment.

Cement being a cyclic business, which are the areas the company is focusing to extenuate the impact of uncertainties in cement sector?
We believe that the goverment’s continuous thrust on infrastructure development and housing sectors will keep the cement demand growing. We do not foresee any uncertainty in cement business in the near future.

Can you tell us about the company’s CSR initiatives?
The company considers corporate social responsibility (CSR) a business responsibility to ensure inclusive growth. To increase the level and sphere of its welfare activities, the company has formed "Shree Rural Foundation", a platform to carry out all social welfare activities.

Imparting sustainable livelihood, generating education, providing infrastructure support, relief work and other welfare activities are few of the various community development programmes that have been taken up by the company. It also aims to satisfy larger goals like creating infrastructure. The company has joined hands with the state government to build new roads of around 60-km stretch to shorten the distance between its plants as well as to serve the civic requirement of local community.
Towards its health and safety initiatives, the company has sponsored setting up of a neurological centre at the Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital in Ajmer. Shree Cement was ranked among the top 20 best employers of India in a survey conducted by "Business Today" in 2008-09. Shree Cement was the only cement company to be figured in this list.

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Economy & Market

Power Build’s Core Gear Series

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A deep dive into Core Gear Series of products M, C, F and K, by Power Build, and how they represent precision in motion.

At the heart of every high-performance industrial system lies the need for robust, reliable, and efficient power transmission. Power Build answers this need with its flagship geared motor series: M, C, F and K. Each series is meticulously engineered to serve specific operational demands while maintaining the universal promise of durability, efficiency, and performance.

Series M – Helical Inline Geared Motors
Compact and powerful, the Series M delivers exceptional drive solutions for a broad range of applications. With power handling up to 160kW and torque capacity reaching 20,000 Nm, it is the trusted solution for industries requiring quiet operation, high efficiency, and space-saving design. Series M is available with multiple mounting and motor options, making it a versatile choice for manufacturers and OEMs globally.

Series C – Right Angled Heli-Worm Geared Motors
Combining the benefits of helical and worm gearing, the Series C is designed for right-angled power transmission. With gear ratios of up to 16,000:1 and torque capacities of up to 10,000 Nm, this series is optimal for applications demanding precision in compact spaces. Industries looking for a smooth, low-noise operation with maximum torque efficiency rely on Series C for dependable performance.

Series F – Parallel Shaft Mounted Geared Motors
Built for endurance in the most demanding environments, Series F is widely adopted in steel plants, hoists, cranes and heavy-duty conveyors. Offering torque up to 10,000 Nm and high gear ratios up to 20,000:1, this product features an integral torque arm and diverse output configurations to meet industry-specific challenges head-on.

Series K – Right Angle Helical Bevel Geared Motors
For industries seeking high efficiency and torque-heavy performance, Series K is the answer. This right-angled geared motor series delivers torque up to 50,000 Nm, making it a preferred choice in core infrastructure sectors such as cement, power, mining and material handling. Its flexibility in mounting and broad motor options offer engineers the freedom in design and reliability in execution.
Together, these four series reflect Power Build’s commitment to excellence in mechanical power transmission. From compact inline designs to robust right-angle drives, each geared motor is a result of decades of engineering innovation, customer-focused design and field-tested reliability. Whether the requirement is speed control, torque multiplication or space efficiency, Radicon’s Series M, C, F and K stand as trusted powerhouses for global industries.

http://www.powerbuild.in
Call: +919727719344

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Economy & Market

Conveyor belts are a vital link in the supply chain

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Kamlesh Jain, Managing Director, Elastocon, discusses how the brand delivers high-performance, customised conveyor belt solutions for demanding industries like cement, mining, and logistics, while embracing innovation, automation, and sustainability.

In today’s rapidly evolving industrial landscape, efficient material handling isn’t just a necessity—it’s a competitive advantage. As industries such as mining, cement, steel and logistics push for higher productivity, automation, and sustainability, the humble conveyor belt has taken on a mission-critical role. In this exclusive interview, Kamlesh Jain, Managing Director, Elastocon, discusses how the company is innovating for tougher terrains, smarter systems and a greener tomorrow.

Brief us about your company – in terms of its offerings, manufacturing facilities, and the key end-user industries it serves.
Elastocon, a flagship brand of the Royal Group, is a trusted name in the conveyor belt manufacturing industry. Under the brand name ELASTOCON, the company produces both open-end and endless belts, offering tailor-made solutions to some of the most demanding sectors such as cement, steel, power, mining, fertiliser, and logistics. Every belt is meticulously engineered—from fabric selection to material composition—to ensure optimal performance in tough working conditions. With advanced manufacturing facilities and strict quality protocols, Elastocon continues to deliver high-performance conveyor solutions designed for durability, safety, and efficiency.

How is the group addressing the needs for efficient material handling?
Efficient material handling is the backbone of any industrial operation. At Elastocon, our engineering philosophy revolves around creating belts that deliver consistent performance, long operational life, and minimal maintenance. We focus on key performance parameters such as tensile strength, abrasion resistance, tear strength, and low elongation at working tension. Our belts are designed to offer superior bonding between plies and covers, which directly impacts their life and reliability. We also support clients
with maintenance manuals and technical advice, helping them improve their system’s productivity and reduce downtime.

How critical are conveyor belts in ensuring seamless material handling?
Conveyor belts are a vital link in the supply chain across industries. In sectors like mining, cement, steel, and logistics, they facilitate the efficient movement of materials and help maintain uninterrupted production flows. At Elastocon, we recognise the crucial role of belts in minimising breakdowns and increasing plant uptime. Our belts are built to endure abrasive, high-temperature, or high-load environments. We also advocate proper system maintenance, including correct belt storage, jointing, roller alignment, and idler checks, to ensure smooth and centered belt movement, reducing operational interruptions.

What are the key market and demand drivers for the conveyor belt industry?
The growth of the conveyor belt industry is closely tied to infrastructure development, increased automation, and the push for higher operational efficiency. As industries strive to reduce labor dependency and improve productivity, there is a growing demand for advanced material handling systems. Customers today seek not just reliability, but also cost-effectiveness and technical superiority in the belts they choose. Enhanced product aesthetics and innovation in design are also becoming significant differentiators. These trends are pushing manufacturers to evolve continuously, and Elastocon is leading the way with customer-centric product development.

How does Elastocon address the diverse and evolving requirements of these sectors?
Our strength lies in offering a broad and technically advanced product portfolio that serves various industries. For general-purpose applications, our M24 and DINX/W grade belts offer excellent abrasion resistance, especially for RMHS and cement plants. For high-temperature operations, we provide HR and SHR T2 grade belts, as well as our flagship PYROCON and PYROKING belts, which can withstand extreme heat—up to 250°C continuous and even 400°C peak—thanks to advanced EPM polymers.
We also cater to sectors with specialised needs. For fire-prone environments like underground mining, we offer fire-resistant belts certified to IS 1891 Part V, ISO 340, and MSHA standards. Our OR-grade belts are designed for oil and chemical resistance, making them ideal for fertiliser and chemical industries. In high-moisture applications like food and agriculture, our MR-grade belts ensure optimal performance. This diverse range enables us to meet customer-specific challenges with precision and efficiency.

What core advantages does Elastocon offer that differentiate it from competitors?
Elastocon stands out due to its deep commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. Every belt is customised to the client’s requirements, supported by a strong R&D foundation that keeps us aligned with global standards and trends. Our customer support doesn’t end at product delivery—we provide ongoing technical assistance and after-sales service that help clients maximise the value of their investments. Moreover, our focus on compliance and certifications ensures our belts meet stringent national and international safety and performance standards, giving customers added confidence.

How is Elastocon gearing up to meet its customers’ evolving needs?
We are conscious of the shift towards greener and smarter manufacturing practices. Elastocon is embracing sustainability by incorporating eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient manufacturing techniques. In parallel, we are developing belts that seamlessly integrate with automated systems and smart industrial platforms. Our vision is to make our products not just high-performing but also future-ready—aligned with global sustainability goals and compatible with emerging technologies in industrial automation and predictive maintenance.

What trends do you foresee shaping the future of the conveyor belt industry?
The conveyor belt industry is undergoing a significant transformation. As Industry 4.0 principles gain traction, we expect to see widespread adoption of smart belts equipped with sensors for real-time monitoring, diagnostics, and predictive maintenance. The demand for recyclable materials and sustainable designs will continue to grow. Furthermore, industry-specific customisation will increasingly replace standardisation, and belts will be expected to do more than just transport material—they will be integrated into intelligent production systems. Elastocon is already investing in these future-focused areas to stay ahead of the curve.

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Economy & Market

Impactful Branding

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Advertising or branding is never about driving sales. It’s about creating brand awareness and recall. It’s about conveying the core values of your brand to your consumers. In this context, why is branding important for cement companies? As far as the customers are concerned cement is simply cement. It is precisely for this reason that branding, marketing and advertising of cement becomes crucial. Since the customer is unable to differentiate between the shades of grey, the onus of creating this awareness is carried by the brands. That explains the heavy marketing budgets, celebrity-centric commercials, emotion-invoking taglines and campaigns enunciating the many benefits of their offerings.
Marketing strategies of cement companies have undergone gradual transformation owing to the change in consumer behaviour. While TV commercials are high on humour and emotions to establish a fast connect with the customer, social media campaigns are focussed more on capturing the consumer’s attention in an over-crowded virtual world. Branding for cement companies has become a holistic growth strategy with quantifiable results. This has made brands opt for a mix package of traditional and new-age tools, such as social media. However, the hero of every marketing communication is the message, which encapsulates the unique selling points of the product. That after all is crux of the matter here.
While cement companies are effectively using marketing tools to reach out to the consumers, they need to strengthen the four Cs of the branding process – Consumer, Cost, Communication and Convenience. Putting up the right message, at the right time and at the right place for the right kind of customer demographic is of utmost importance in the long run. It is precisely for this reason that regional players are likely to have an upper hand as they rely on local language and cultural references to drive home the point. But modern marketing and branding domain is exponentially growing and it would be an interesting exercise to tabulate and analyse its impact on branding for cement.

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