Technology

Blend of engineering with unique production approach

Published

14 years ago

January 31, 2012

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Upgradation in technology and high emphasis on cost analysis leading to low wastages and economizing are primary changes seen in cement industryPuneet Arora is working as a Deputy Executive Director-Central Project office for the Dalmia Bharat Group. He has been associated with the group for the last 6 years. During his tenure, he has successfully undertaken the setting up of a cement plant in Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh and Ariyalur, Tamil Nadu with a production capacity of 5 million tonnes. He has also been instrumental in setting up a captive power plant in Ariyalur and OCL Kapilas grinding unit for ensuring easy availability and timely supply of cement to customers in the coastal area of Odisha.In his previous stint, he worked with Engineers India Limited (EIL). He was associated with the company for 16 years. He has completed his B.E Industrial Engineering from Thapar University and has done his MBA from Symbiosis Institute, Pune. A tete-a-tete with Puneet Arora…What have been the challenges you have faced in your career?There are challenges as regards granting of environmental clearances. Though quantum of projects has increased in the recent years, there has not been a marked improvement in skills needed to execute them. There are also issues of non availability of space and manpower. To some extent, skill sets of design and supervision staff have also failed to keep pace with times. The cement industry works on individual principles. The ability of an organisation to execute projects is dependent on a single point leader. Other industries are comparatively more process driven.What have been the achievements in your career?The achievements have been executing several projects within a set time limit and the allotted cost parameters. We have also employed the best technology inputs in project executions.What have been the changes you have witnessed in the Indian cement industry over the years?The primary change which the cement industry has seen in recent years has been an upgradation in technology. Earlier, people would not put a high onus on technology. High emphasis is also laid on cost analysis for a project leading to low wastages and economizing. Since 2006, the Indian cement industry has undergone an expansion phase in terms of production capacity. In the last four to five years, plant capacities have been expanded from one to one and a half million tonnes/year to two-five million tonnes per year. The cement industry has played a critical role in the Indian growth rate.Please comment on the competitiveness of the Indian cement industry vis-?vis the industry in other countries.The Indian cement industry has been acknowledged as the best in the world in terms of efficiency levels. We produce cement at low energy bands, power and cost. The world over, cement producers depend on high calorific material like coal for manufacturing the commodity. The Indian industry has come closer to using not very high calorific fuels. However, the European cement industry is technologically advanced than the Indian industry. We do not have a tendency to spend too much on technological developments.What efforts are needed to upgrade HR skills?Skill levels need to be developed from a project view point. Training programs need to be formulated for increasing the number of skilled manpower. Training skills in disciplines like welding have been evolved by companies like L&T and ACC. As an industry and as end users, we need to invest time and efforts in supporting these endeavors. Emphasis should be focused towards on job training.

Technology

ARAPL Reports 175% EBITDA Growth, Expands Global Robotics Footprint

Affordable Robotic & Automation posts strong Q2 and H1 FY26 results driven by innovation and overseas orders

Published

1 week ago

October 15, 2025

admin

Affordable Robotic & Automation Limited (ARAPL), India’s first listed robotics firm and a pioneer in industrial automation and smart robotic solutions, has reported robust financial results for the second quarter and half year ended September 30, 2025.
The company achieved a 175 per cent year-on-year rise in standalone EBITDA and strong revenue growth across its automation and robotics segments. The Board of Directors approved the unaudited financial results on October 10, 2025.

Key Highlights – Q2 FY2026
• Strong momentum across core automation and robotics divisions
• Secured the first order for the Atlas AC2000, an autonomous truck loading and unloading forklift, from a leading US logistics player
• Rebranded its RaaS product line as Humro (Human + Robot), symbolising collaborative automation between people and machines
• Expanded its Humro range in global warehouse automation markets
• Continued investment in deep-tech innovations, including AI-based route optimisation, autonomy kits, vehicle controllers, and digital twins
Global Milestone: First Atlas AC2000 Order in the US

ARAPL’s US-based subsidiary, ARAPL RaaS (Humro), received its first order for the next-generation Atlas AC2000 autonomous forklift from a leading logistics company. Following successful prototype trials, the client placed an order for two robots valued at Rs 36 million under a three-year lease. The project opens opportunities for scaling up to 15–16 robots per site across 15 US warehouses within two years.
The product addresses an untapped market of 10 million loading docks across 21,000 warehouses in the US, positioning ARAPL for exponential growth.

Financial Performance – Q2 FY2026 (Standalone)
Net Revenue: Rs 25.7587 million, up 37 per cent quarter-on-quarter
EBITDA: Rs 5.9632 million, up 396 per cent QoQ
Profit Before Tax: Rs 4.3808 million, compared to a Rs 360.46 lakh loss in Q1
Profit After Tax: Rs 4.1854 lakh, representing 216 per cent QoQ growth
On a half-year basis, ARAPL reported a 175 per cent rise in EBITDA and returned to profitability with Rs 58.08 lakh PAT, highlighting strong operational efficiency and improved contribution from core businesses.
Consolidated Performance – Q2 FY2026
Net Revenue: Rs 29.566 million, up 57% QoQ
EBITDA: Rs 6.2608 million, up 418 per cent QoQ
Profit After Tax: Rs 4.5672 million, marking a 224 per cent QoQ improvement

Milind Padole, Managing Director, ARAPL said, “Our Q2 results reflect the success of our innovation-led growth strategy and the growing global confidence in ARAPL’s technology. The Atlas AC2000 order marks a defining milestone that validates our engineering strength and accelerates our global expansion. With a healthy order book and continued investment in AI and autonomous systems, ARAPL is positioned to lead the next phase of intelligent industrial transformation.”
Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Pune, Affordable Robotic & Automation Ltd (ARAPL) delivers turnkey robotic and automation solutions across automotive, general manufacturing, and government sectors. Its offerings include robotic welding, automated inspection, assembly automation, automated parking systems, and autonomous driverless forklifts.
ARAPL operates five advanced plants in Pune spanning 350,000 sq ft, supported by over 400 engineers in India and seven team members in the US. The company also maintains facilities in North Carolina and California, and service centres in Faridabad, Mumbai, and San Francisco.

Technology

M.E. Energy Bags Rs 490 Mn Order for Waste Heat Recovery Project

Second major EPC contract from Ferro Alloys sector strengthens company’s growth

Published

1 week ago

October 15, 2025

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M.E. Energy Pvt Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Kilburn Engineering Ltd and a leading Indian engineering company specialising in energy recovery and cost reduction, has secured its second consecutive major order worth Rs 490 million in the Ferro Alloys sector. The order covers the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) of a 12 MW Waste Heat Recovery Based Power Plant (WHRPP).

This repeat order underscores the Ferro Alloys industry’s confidence in M.E. Energy’s expertise in delivering efficient and sustainable energy solutions for high-temperature process industries. The project aims to enhance energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions by converting waste heat into clean power.

“Securing another project in the Ferro Alloys segment reinforces our strong technical credibility. It’s a proud moment as we continue helping our clients achieve sustainability and cost efficiency through innovative waste heat recovery systems,” said K. Vijaysanker Kartha, Managing Director, M.E. Energy Pvt Ltd.

“M.E. Energy’s expansion into sectors such as cement and ferro alloys is yielding solid results. We remain confident of sustained success as we deepen our presence in steel and carbon black industries. These achievements reaffirm our focus on innovation, technology, and energy efficiency,” added Amritanshu Khaitan, Director, Kilburn Engineering Ltd

With this latest order, M.E. Energy has already surpassed its total external order bookings from the previous financial year, recording Rs 138 crore so far in FY26. The company anticipates further growth in the second half, supported by a robust project pipeline and the rising adoption of waste heat recovery technologies across industries.

The development marks continued momentum towards FY27, strengthening M.E. Energy’s position as a leading player in industrial energy optimisation.

Technology

NTPC Green Energy Partners with Japan’s ENEOS for Green Fuel Exports

NGEL signs MoU with ENEOS to supply green methanol and hydrogen derivatives

Published

1 week ago

October 15, 2025

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NTPC Green Energy Limited (NGEL), a subsidiary of NTPC Limited, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Japan’s ENEOS Corporation to explore a potential agreement for the supply of green methanol and hydrogen derivative products.

The MoU was exchanged on 10 October 2025 during the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan. It marks a major step towards global collaboration in clean energy and decarbonisation.
The partnership centres on NGEL’s upcoming Green Hydrogen Hub at Pudimadaka in Andhra Pradesh. Spread across 1,200 acres, the integrated facility is being developed for large-scale green chemical production and exports.

By aligning ENEOS’s demand for hydrogen derivatives with NGEL’s renewable energy initiatives, the collaboration aims to accelerate low-carbon energy transitions. It also supports NGEL’s target of achieving a 60 GW renewable energy portfolio by 2032, reinforcing its commitment to India’s green energy ambitions and the global net-zero agenda.