Economy & Market

Business success is measured by financial health

Published

13 years ago

June 30, 2012

admin

Government initiatives on infrastructure through direct investment or private participation continue to be the major thrust for a developing economy like India and the proposed investment of one trillion US dollars in the infrastructure area during the 12th Five Year Plan brings cheers to the cement industry, says Maurizio Caneppele, Managing Director, Zuari Cement.How would you describe the growth of Zuari Cement after you have taken over at the helm?
Zuari Cement has shown a steady progress in terms of market expansion and volume growth since the early 2000s. Italcementi Group entered the Indian market in January 2001, through a 50/50 joint-venture with KK Birla Group in Yerraguntla cement plant (2 mn tonnes per year), located in southern Andhra Pradesh. Zuari Cement then took over another plant, Sri Vishnu Sitapuram, situated in the north-eastern part of Andhra Pradesh. Finally, in May 2006, Italcementi Group went on to acquire full control of the company with a capacity of 3.5 million ton per year. In 2008, a 43 MW captive power plant was set up at Sitapuram.In 2010, the production capacity was further expanded at Yerraguntla plant by installing a second burning line of 2 million tons of clinker and adopting top-of-range technical solutions, with particular focus on energy performance. A one million ton grinding centre at Chennai was commissioned early in 2011. Zuari Cement has now reached a cement capacity of more than 6 million tons.Any business success is of course measured by financial health. Over the last decade, our turnover has grown at 16 per cent CAGR, while we have scored a profitability in line with the best competitors. So yes, we have witnessed quite an active growth scenario within the organization.What factors are driving growth at Zuari Cement? What would be growth drivers in future?We believe that growth relies on a few key driving factors such as demand, brand power, control on production costs and a definite commitment to sustainability. At Zuari Cement, we have effectively prioritized all these factors, as our consistent growth shows. While constant efforts are on to optimize the cost of production, our commitment towards sustainability is definitely in line with the Group’s strong focus worldwide.Going by the current trend and market scenarios, the Indian cement market is projected to grow by around 9 per cent CAGR over the next five years, primarily led by demand from infrastructure and housing segments.Our brands are relentlessly energized through the innovative marketing efforts of our team. Zuari Cement has been recognized earlier as a "Master Brand" and more recently confirmed as a "Power Brand".What is your share of the South Indian market and how do you plan to increase it?Currently, our market share in South India is around five per cent and we are targeting to keep this level in the medium term, given the high number of new plants already in the pipeline. Our traditional market comprises the five southern states, with a growing presence in Maharashtra and Orissa.We are planning to strengthen our industrial network via a greenfield plant in northern Karnataka, which will help us expand further into Maharashtra. We are also considering one or more grinding units to better serve our market.What needs to be done by the Government for development of the cement industry?Government initiatives on infrastructure through direct investment or private participation continue to be the major thrust for a developing economy like India. The proposed investment of one trillion US dollars in the infrastructure area, as detailed in the 12th Five Year Plan, brings cheers to the cement industry, giving a primary role to the cement companies to contribute to the growth curve.What are the innovations and product development at Zuari Cement? What new products are you planning to introduce?
Innovation is what we live by and innovation is what drives us. Our Group mission is "to create value in the building materials sector through the innovative and sustainable use of natural resources for the benefit of our communities and clients". Among the most ambitious plans for 2013 are the production and marketing of two among Italcementi Group’s innovative products: TX Active Cement – a revolutionary ecological product, dust and CO2 "eater" – and Transparent Cement, which was presented with great success at the 2010 Shanghai Exposition. These products will reinforce the image of Zuari Cement and Italcementi as an innovative and technologically superior producer.What are the issue faced by cement companies? How do you tackle those issues?Cost control remains the main issue of concern, with increase in power, fuel, raw material cost as a great challenge. Further issues, like effective capacity utilization and talent retention, add up to the present day’s woes faced by many cement companies. We constantly identify opportunities and implement strategies to tackle these issues.Where do you see Zuari Cement in the next five years?Italcementi Group is strongly committed to the Indian market, where is strengthening its presence through organic and in-organic expansions. In 2011, we have reached an agreement with Zuari Industries for the acquisition of 74 per cent of Gulbarga Cement. The company is developing the project of a three million ton per year cement plant in North Karnataka, that – beside direct cement despatch – will supply clinker to a large grinding unit that we are going to erect at Solapur in Maharashtra. Therefore we feel we are setting important milestones for the continuous enhancement of a brand committed to a sustainable and effective growth.What is your opinion about markets for the cement industry in Tier II and Tier III cities?The tier I/metro cities still are top demand generators; however, the infrastructure push along with local spend at the tier II/III cities makes these markets more and more lucrative for future consumption and growth.How do you respond to needs of the industry to ‘go green’ and look for more sustainable sources of energy?The new line at Yerraguntla is equipped with the best available technology; new high-performance bag-filters have been installed also on the two other old kilns, to bring dust emissions well below the most stringent norms. We are investing large resources in projects that target growing percentage of alternate fuels, starting from biomass, while we continue to expand the utilization of available additives like fly-ash and slag, to preserve natural resources. Italcementi Group focuses on the continuous search for sustainable production processes and innovative solutions to meet the growing market demand for eco-friendly applications and products.

Economy & Market

Fornnax launches world’s biggest secondary/fine shredder for AFR pre-processing

Published

1 week ago

November 7, 2025

admin

Fornnax has introduced its latest breakthrough – the R-MAX3300, for handling low-density waste streams, offering a powerful solution for cement AFR plants.

Fornnax Technology has launched its latest breakthrough – the R-MAX3300, the biggest secondary shredder in its class. The unveiling took place on 14th October, 2025 at IFAT India 2025 in Mumbai, one of the most prestigious events for environmental technologies, waste management, and sustainable resource innovation.

The launch ceremony was graced by esteemed industry leaders and dignitaries. The guest list included Md Fahim Sopariwala, CEO, GEPIL India; Sridhar Jagannathan, Vice President, Zigma Global; Priyesh Bhatti, CEO, GEPIL India; Shailendra Singh, Deputy General Manager, Prism Johnson (Cement Division); Ulhas Parlikar, Global Consultant, Waste Management, Circular Economy, Policy Advocacy and Co-processing; Saurabh Palsania, Joint President (Strategic Sourcing), Shree Cement; Rajeev Patel, DGM (Process), Mangalam Cement; and Anumodan Kumar Dubey, Mangalam Cement.

This state-of-the-art equipment represents a significant advancement for India’s recycling and waste processing landscape, offering a powerful solution for cement AFR plants and waste-to-energy facilities.

Building on the proven performance and legacy of the R Series secondary shredder, which has long been trusted for high-density materials like tyres and cables, the newly introduced R-MAX3300 is specifically engineered for handling low-density waste streams. These include Municipal Solid Waste (MSW), Commercial and Industrial (C&I) waste, Bulky waste, Legacy waste, Wood waste, and Construction & Demolition (C&D) waste.

By incorporating advanced shredding technology, the R-MAX3300 enables seamless and highly efficient production of Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) and Solid Recovered Fuel (SRF) within the ideal particle size range of 30 to 50 mm. Its design prioritises versatility, durability and superior performance, directly supporting industrial operations that demand consistency and scale.

“The R-MAX3300 represents a monumental leap forward in our vision to become a global leader by 2030 in recycling technology through innovation,” said Jignesh Kundaria, Director and CEO, Fornnax Technology. “With the rising challenges of waste management in India and globally, this machine is not just a product; it’s a powerful tool for change. We engineered it to handle the most difficult waste streams with unparalleled efficiency, turning what was once considered unusable waste into a valuable resource. It directly addresses the urgent demand for effective, large-scale shredding technology that can support cement kilns and waste-to-energy facilities in achieving the desired output,” he added.

The launch of the R-MAX3300 arrives at a pivotal moment. India currently generates over 160,000 tons of municipal solid waste daily, while government-led initiatives such as Swachh Bharat Mission and Smart Cities are accelerating the demand for RDF and waste-to-energy solutions. Simultaneously, the global industrial shredder market is expected to grow at a 5–6 per cent CAGR, driven by stricter recycling regulations and increasing waste generation.

Kundaria further emphasised, “Our commitment goes beyond just selling machinery; it’s about empowering our customers to achieve lasting efficiency, sustainability, and growth. We see ourselves as a trusted partner who stands beside them at every step – from technology deployment to ongoing support, ensuring they can rely on Fornnax not only for performance but also for consistency, dependability, and long-term value.”

The R-MAX3300 is equipped to handle high-throughput processing of pre-shredded or coarse materials, making it ideal for SRF/RDF production, composting pre-treatment, and volume reduction for logistics optimisation. It is expected to play a crucial role in Integrated Waste Management Projects (IWMP) and bio-mining operations both within India and globally.

With this grand launch, Fornnax continues to set global benchmark and move decisively towards the vision of becoming global leader in recycling technology by 2030 that is state-of-the-art, innovative, economical, efficient reliable and eco-friendly.

Concrete

Fornnax wins Top Domestic Sales Award 2024-25 by AIRIA

Published

1 week ago

November 7, 2025

admin

Fornnax bags the Excellence in Top Domestic Sales Award 2024–25 by the All India Rubber Industries Association (AIRIA).

The company has been honoured with the Excellence in Top Domestic Sales Award 2024–25 by the All India Rubber Industries Association (AIRIA) under the Rubber Machineries and Equipment category. The award recognises Fornnax’s exceptional market leadership, strong sales performance and continued commitment to sustainable innovation.

With over a decade of specialised expertise, Fornnax has emerged as a transformative force in India’s tyre recycling sector, commanding nearly 90 per cent of the domestic market while steadily expanding across Europe, Australia, the GCC, and other global regions.

Fornnax’s advanced recycling systems—comprising the SR-Series Primary Shredders, R-Series Secondary Shredders, and TR-Series Granulators—are engineered for durability, efficiency, and high-output performance. These technologies are widely deployed in end-of-life tyre (ELT) processing and other waste management applications, reinforcing Fornnax’s reputation as a trusted industry partner.

Expressing his gratitude, Jignesh Kundaria, Director & CEO, Fornnax, said, “We are incredibly proud to receive this recognition from AIRIA. This award validates the trust that our customers and partners have placed in us over the years. I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all our clients and partners who have been an integral part of this journey and our continued success. At Fornnax, our goal has always been to empower the recycling industry with innovative, high-performance solutions that make sustainability both achievable and profitable.”

The award also underscores Fornnax’s pivotal role in promoting circular economy practices by enabling the conversion of end-of-life tyres and rubber waste into reusable raw materials. Through ongoing R&D, new product innovation, and a solutions-driven approach, the company continues to help industries worldwide adopt eco-conscious, scalable recycling models.

As India’s recycling landscape evolves to meet global sustainability benchmarks, Fornnax stands at the forefront with internationally certified technology, a proven track record, and a clear vision for environmentally responsible growth.

Concrete

Pacific Avenue Completes Acquisition of FLSmidth Cement; Rebrands as Fuller Technologies

Published

2 weeks ago

November 4, 2025

admin

The acquisition of FLSmidth Cement by Pacific Avenue Capital Partners marks a new phase of focused growth and innovation.
Rebranded as Fuller® Technologies, the company will continue delivering world-class solutions with renewed investment and direction.

Pacific Avenue Capital Partners (“Pacific Avenue”), a global private equity firm, has completed its acquisition of FLSmidth Cement following the fulfillment of all customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. The transaction includes all of FLSmidth Cement’s intellectual property, technology, employees, manufacturing facilities, and global sales and service organizations.

As Fuller Technologies, the company will continue to seamlessly support its customers while advancing its robust portfolio of capital equipment, digital solutions, and service offerings. With a sharpened focus on Pyro and Grinding technologies, alongside core brands such as PFISTER®, Ventomatic®, Pneumatic Conveying, and Automation, Fuller Technologies aims to deliver enhanced value and reliability across the cement and industrial sectors.

Under Pacific Avenue’s ownership, Fuller Technologies will benefit from increased investment in people, products, and innovation. The dedicated management team will work to optimize operations and strengthen customer relationships, ensuring continuity and excellence during this exciting transition.

“We are proud to be the new owner of FLSmidth Cement, now Fuller Technologies, a global leader with a rich history of providing mission-critical equipment and aftermarket solutions in the cement and industrial sectors. We will continue to build upon the Company’s legacy of being at the forefront of technological innovation, service delivery, and product quality as we support our customers’ operations,” says Chris Sznewajs, Managing Partner and Founder of Pacific Avenue Capital Partners.

Pacific Avenue’s deep experience in executing complex industrial carve-outs and guiding standalone businesses into their next growth phase will be instrumental in shaping Fuller Technologies’ future. With a proven track record in building products and capital equipment industries, Pacific Avenue is poised to help Fuller Technologies optimize performance, accelerate growth, and create long-term value for its customers and stakeholders worldwide.