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The cement machinery industry in India has evolved over the years keeping pace with the technological developments overseasThe Indian cement machinery industry is engaged in the manufacture of complete cement plants with capacities upto 10,000 TPD. based on dry processing and pre-calcination technology. The thrust on infrastructure projects by the Indian government augurs well for the cement industry and, in turn, for the cement machinery industry.Cement companies have already expanded their capacities in anticipation of demand from the housing and infrastructure sectors. However, since the demand has not materialised, there is excess capacity in the cement industry. But this is deemed to be a passing phase, and the demand is expected to pick up once the economy turns around. Once this happens, the cement manufacturers are expected to once again go into expansion mode and this is where the machinery manufacturers can play a vital role by catering to the need latest for the technology machines, equipments and products for cement manufacturers.According to the Ministry of Heavy Industries, presently there are 18 units in the organised sector for the manufacture of cement plant machinery. Modern cement plants are designed for high product quality, higher output with lower energy consumption and zero downtime. Presently, in India, cement is manufactured through dry process, wet process or semi-wet/semi-dry process. The dry process is considered superior because of its high fuel economy. Hence, many of the older wet process plants are being converted to dry process.The technological collaborations of Indian companies with international cement machinery manufacturers have made it possible for Indian cement companies to procure plant, machinery and equipments for large sized plant with capacities of 3,000 TPD and more. The industry has been delicensed and foreign direct investment upto 100 per cent along with technological collaboration is allowed under the automatic route.EvolutionThe cement plant and machinery industry has evolved over the years, moving from the wet process technology to the dry process based on pre-heater and pre-calciner technology, thereby improving fuel efficiency. The size of the dry process kilns ranges from 1,500 TPD to as much as 10,000 TPD. For grinding raw materials, vertical roller mills have replaced ball mills, use of continuous homogenising silos for homogenisation of raw meal, use of pre-blending stockpile, roller presses and high-efficiency separators, electronic packing machines, bag loading machine and advanced process control and instrumentation are some of the major changes observed in cement plant and machinery manufacture.The dry process cement plants are equipped with efficient pollution control measures to meet the stringent pollution control norms laid down by various state pollution control boards. Some of the pollution control equipments include fabric bag dust collectors, gravel bed filters, electrostatic precipitators, etc.The mini cement plants are based on vertical shaft kiln technology or rotary kiln technology. The vertical shaft kiln is suitable for mini cement plants as low capacity plant fabricated by small workshops can be installed at a lower cost. Also, it requires less space and has lower maintenance and refractory cost. The rotary kiln plant is based on dry process with suspension pre-heater and can be designed indigenously.AMCL MachineryA-1/1, MIDC, Butibori, Dist – Nagpur, Maharashtra – 441 122. Tel.: 7104 – 265723, 265 724 Fax: 7104- 265 893, 265 725 www.amcl.inC K Somany, ChairmanAMCL Machinery is a group company of Hindustan National Glass & Industries. Based in Butibori, Nagpur the firm spreads across 5000 square metres. AMCL is in the business of design, manufacturing, supply & installation of vertical roller pre-grinding mill, tri-lobe blowers. The organisation also manufactures complete range of rubber & tyre machinery. It is also engaged in supply and installation of mechanical equipments in these industries. AMCL was founded in 1975 as a joint venture company of ACC and Leonh Herbert Machinfabrik (ThyssenGroup Company), Germany, with 74 per cent stake of ACC with manufacturing unit in Kalwe, Mumbai. In 1995, ACC bought over 26 per cent equity from Leonh Herbert and AMCL become wholly owned subsidiary of ACC. In 1995 second manufacturing unit was set up at Madukkarai, Coimbotore. In March, 2008 HNG (Hindustan National Glass) group purchased 100 per cent shares of AMCL with a vision of entering in the engineering business. The company is certified with ISO 9001:2000.Enexco502, Udyog Vihar, Phase-III, Gurgaon – 122 016.Tel: +124-400 1301/ 02/ 03/ 04/ 05 Fax: +91-124-400 1306 www.enexco.comK G Puetz, Managing DirectorEnvisioned in May 1995, Enexco Teknologies has emerged as a successful business enterprise. With an aim of serving the cement industry and other core sectors with an array of engineering products and services, the company has grown significantly over the years. The firm operates in Gurgaon and has material handling units, process , packing and loading equipments. Spread across an area of more than 22,000 sq mtrs, the firm is an organized set up capable of manufacturing supply of complete cement plant, grinding units, packing plant and material handling components apart from regular processing equipments. Apart from this, the company also manufactures a wide range of material processing equipments for the cement industry like silos, bucket elevators, and clinker conveyor etc. Capitalizing on the vast growth potential that India has on offer and riding on its technological brilliance, Enexco is constantly delivering cost effective performance oriented solutions.FL SmidthFLSmidth House, 34, Egatoor, Kelambakkam Rajiv Gandhi Salai, Chennai – 603 103.Tel: 44-4748 1000 / 2741 1000 Fax: 44- 2747 0301/0302 www.flsmidth.comBjarne Moltke Hansen, Managing DirectorFLSmidth is one of the leading suppliers of equipment and services to the global cement and minerals industries. The company supplies everything from single machinery to complete cement plants and minerals processing facilities including services before, during and after the construction backed with by tailored consultancy and support services. The firm offers full service solutions in six core focus industries: coal, iron ore, fertilizers, copper, gold and cement. FLSmidth supplies the minerals and cement industries globally with everything from engineering, single machines and complete processing plants, to maintenance, support services and operation of processing facilities. The core technologies and services range from material handling in the quarry throughout processing to end product. Headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark the firm has its offices in more than 50 countries. The organisation was established in the year 1882 in Copenhagen, Denmark by Frederik L?ssoe Smidth and has become a leading supplier to the global cement industry.KHD Humboldt WedagA-36, Mehtab House, Mohan Co-operative Industrial Estate, Mathura Road, New Delhi 110 044.Tel: 011-4210 1110 www.khd.comMartin Gierse, CSC HeadKHD first entered the Indian cement market in 1982, in collaboration with Cimmco Birla Ltd. At the end of 2000, a dedicated cement division was established in New Delhi to directly cater to the requirements of customers in the Indian and Asian sub-continent. With over 155 years of experience in the cement industry, KHD is a global leader in cement plant technology, equipment, and services. KHD offers a wide spectrum of products and aftermarket services for the cement industry, and is a leader in energy-efficient and environmentally friendly products for the grinding and pyro-processing sections of cement plants. The technology-focused group includes process engineering and project management among its core competencies. The company has registered its presence in the countries like USA, Russia and China.Promac EngineeringAlahalli, Off Kanakapura Road, Anjanapura Post, Bangalore, Karnataka 560 062Tel: 080-2632 0372 www.promacindia.comJ. Surendra Reddy, Chairman & Managing DirectorPromac caters to all kinds of heavy engineering, fabrication and machining requirements through the heavy and medium machine shop comprising machines like VTL’s, (up to 10.5 mtr , 100 tons and 3 mtr height), Gear hobbing machines (up to 7 mtr , 40 module and 1 mtr face width), floor boring machines, heavy duty lathes, Italian make Rolling machine for cold rolling thickness upto 120mm, Robot Plasma Cutting Machine etc. and is supported by a light machine shop with several lathes, radial drilling and grinding machines. The facilities at Promac Unit – I are spread over 30,000 sq. meters. A new fabrication centre, Promac Unit- II, in a government developed industrial area in close proximity to the above shop is constructed on an area of over 50,000. sq. metres and it is equipped with heavy facilities like 150 T EOT crane, sand blasting facility, Heat treatment furnace, modern paint shop, etc. The organisation was established in the year 1972 in Bangalore.Putzmeister Concrete MachinesPlot N4 Phase IV, Verna Industrial Estate, Verna, Salcette GoaPhone: +91-832-6696-000 Fax: +91-832-6696-300Michael Schmid-Lindenmayer, Managing DirectorOver 3,900 employees ensure that equipment to the value of around ??1 billion ($ 1.5 billion) is produced annually in the Putzmeister group works and delivered to customers in 154 countries on all five continents. This includes 3,400 concrete pumps, a variety of booms in more than 40 covering size and specification, over 4,300 mortar pumps, almost 2,500 screed conveyors and well over 700 high-pressure cleaners.Schwing Stetter IndiaF71, F72 SIPCOT Industrial Estate, Irungattukottai, Sriperumpudur, Kanchipuram District – 602 105, Tamil NaduTel.: +91 44 27156780/1, 27156537/8, 47108100, 37178100 Fax No : +91 44 27156539Anand Sundaresan, Managing DirectorSchwing Stetter India, a 100 per cent subsidiary of the Schwing Group of companies GMBH was incorporated in the year 1998. We are the pioneers of Indian Concrete Construction equipment industry catering to the Indian customers with world class concrete conctruction equipments. Schwing Stetter India has introduced path breaking products in the Indian concrete pumping industry such as BP 350 concrete pumps, CP 30 batching plants and the 6 M3 Truck mixers which became synonymous with the RMC industry. Today, with an unprecedented growth, Schwing Stetter India has successively dedicated manufacturing bases for its three core product range namely Concrete Batching plant, Concrete Pump and Transit Mixer. It employs more than 1400 experienced and skilled personnel working in the 3 factories and 12 branches all over India catering to the diverse customer needs from its centralized world class design centre.Sinoma InternationalNo.16 Wangjing North Road, Beijing, China Post Code 100035Tel:+86-10-64399518 Fax:+86-10-64399510 Http: www.sinoma.com.cnWang Wei, PresidentSinoma International Engineering Co. was founded in December 2001. Sinoma International is mainly engaged in domestic and overseas large-scale project general contract integration services ranging from engineering consultancy, engineering design, construction and erection, equipment manufacturing, supply, commissioning, operation and maintenance etc. Basing on the succession and integration of the superior resources accumulated in Chinese cement industry over the past 50 years, the company is now looking at developing and expanding overseas. The hundreds of large-scale cement production line executed by Sinoma International are reaching over 30 countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, and America.Takraf India94 / 3, TTK Road, Alwarpet, Chennai 600 018.Tel: 44-2499 5514 Fax: 44-2499 6451 www.takraf.co.inK Gopal, Director-SalesTakraf India was incorporated in 1995 to cater to Material Handling and Mining projects in India with an aim to provide engineering solutions. Hailing from the Tenova Takraf group the company has its references of over 200 equipment and systems to satisfy the customer need in India and across the world. The company specializes in producing mining, port and yard equipments.ThyssenKrupp Industries India Pimpri, Pune 411 018 Tel:020- 6612 4001 Fax: 020- 2742 5821 www.thyssenkruppindia.comHeinz Dickens, Managing DirectorThyssenKrupp is a diversified industrial group. ThyssenKrupp generated sales of more than ??9 billion. For the company, innovations and technical progress are key factors in managing global growth and using finite resources in a sustainable way. Backed by engineering expertise in the areas of material, mechanical and plant, the customers have gained an edge in the global market and manufacture innovative products in a cost and resource efficient way. The ties between India and ThyssenKrupp date back to 1860. The first cement factory in India was established in the year 1914 in the city of Porbandar. In the year 1929, Krupp estended its involvement by setting up a construction plant in India. Currently, with sales of about ??20 Million India is the second largest market for ThyssenKrupp in Asia-Pacific with diversified business activities carried out by the local Group companies. Headquartered in Germany, the organisation has its offices in Nashik, Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad and Bangalore and internationally it operates in over 80 countries.Universal Construction Machinery & EquipmentUniversal House, Warje Naka, Pune-411029Tel : +91-20-2523 0777, Fax : +91-20- 2523 1777 www.uceindia.comRanjeet R. More, Managing DirectorThe Universal Group, an ISO-9001:2000 Company, is among India’s leading engineering conglomerates. A major player in construction and material handling equipment industry, Universal has emerged as a one- stop-shop for providing end-to-end solutions for the construction industry. Universal is a pioneer in manufacturing of reversible mini mobile batching machine with the state ahead technology of load cell based in-built system, water measuring system, admixture dosing system. The machine is available in the capacity of 550 ltrs, 800 ltrs, 1050 ltrs. The company also manufactures planetary concrete mixers. The Universal mast climbing works platform is yet another addition to Universal’s inventory and is a substitute for bamboo and steel scaffoldings. The front end tipping Tough Rider is used to carry material where truck and tractors cannot move. Tough Rider is used to carry cement, bags from go down to mixing yard, concreting of industrial sheds, Tunnel Jobs. Universal’s bar bending and cutting machines have electro-hydraulic rigid technology which offers unique advantages such as more power to weight ratio, ease of operation and maintenance.

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Concrete

Reimagining Logistics: Spatial AI and Digital Twins

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Digital twins and spatial AI are transforming cement logistics by enabling real-time visibility, predictive decision-making, and smarter multi-modal operations across the supply chain. Dijam Panigrahi highlights how immersive AR/VR training is bridging workforce skill gaps, helping companies build faster, more efficient, and future-ready logistics systems.

As India accelerates infrastructure investment under flagship programs such as PM GatiShakti and the National Infrastructure Pipeline, the pressure on cement manufacturers to deliver reliably, efficiently, and cost-effectively has never been greater. Yet for all the modernisation that has taken place on the production side, the end-to-end logistics chain, from clinker dispatch to the last-mile delivery of bagged cement to construction sites, remains a domain riddled with inefficiencies, opacity and manual decision-making.
The good news is that a new generation of spatial computing technologies is now mature enough to transform this reality. Digital twins, spatial artificial intelligence (AI) and immersive augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) training platforms are converging to offer cement producers something they have long sought: real-time visibility, autonomous decision-making at the operational edge, and a scalable solution to the persistent skills gap that hampers workforce performance.

Advancing logistics with digital twins
The cement supply chain is uniquely complex. A single integrated plant may manage limestone quarrying, kiln operations, grinding, packing and despatch simultaneously, with finished product flowing through rail, road, and waterway networks to reach hundreds of regional depots and distribution points. Coordinating this network using spreadsheets, siloed ERP data, and phone calls is not merely inefficient; it is a structural liability in a competitive market where delivery reliability is a key differentiator.
Digital twin technology offers a way out. A cement logistics digital twin is a continuously updated, three-dimensional virtual replica of the entire supply chain, from the truck loading bays at the plant to the inventory levels at district depots. By ingesting data from IoT sensors on conveyor belts and packing machines, GPS trackers on road and rail fleets, weighbridge records, and weather feeds, the digital twin provides planners with a single, authoritative picture of where every ton of cement is, in real time.
The value, however, goes well beyond visibility. Because the digital twin mirrors the physical system in dynamic detail, it can run scenario simulations before decisions are executed. If a primary rail corridor is disrupted, logistics managers can model alternative routing options, shifting volumes to road or coastal shipping, and assess the cost and time implications within minutes rather than days. If a packing line at the plant is running below capacity, the twin can automatically recalculate dispatch schedules downstream and alert depot managers to adjust receiving resources accordingly.
For cement companies operating multi-plant networks across geographies as varied as Rajasthan and the North-East, this kind of end-to-end situational awareness is transformative. It collapses information latency from hours to seconds, enables proactive rather than reactive logistics management, and creates the data foundation upon which AI-driven decision-making can be built. Companies that have deployed logistics digital twins in comparable heavy-industry contexts have reported reductions in transit time variability of up to 20 per cent and meaningful decreases in demurrage and detention costs, savings that flow directly to the bottom line.

Smart logistics operations
A digital twin is only as powerful as the intelligence layer that sits on top of it. This is where Spatial AI becomes the critical differentiator for cement logistics.
Traditional logistics management systems are reactive. They record what has happened and flag exceptions after the fact. Spatial AI systems, by contrast, are proactive. They continuously analyse the state of the logistics network as represented in the digital twin, identify emerging bottlenecks before they crystallise into delays, and recommend corrective actions.
At the plant gate, AI-powered visual inspection systems using spatial depth-sensing cameras can assess truck conditions, verify load integrity and confirm seal tamper status in seconds, replacing the manual checks that currently slow throughput. At the depot level, Spatial AI can monitor stock drawdown rates in real time, cross-reference them against pending customer orders and inbound shipment ETAs, and automatically trigger replenishment orders when safety thresholds are approached. In transit, AI systems processing GPS and telematics data can detect anomalous vehicle behaviour, including extended stops, route deviations, speed irregularities and alert fleet managers instantly.
Perhaps most significantly for Indian cement logistics, Spatial AI can optimise the complex multi-modal routing decisions that are central to competitive cost management. Given the variability in road quality, seasonal accessibility, rail rake availability, and regional demand patterns across India’s vast geography, the combinatorial complexity of routing optimisation is beyond human planners working with conventional tools. AI systems can process this complexity continuously and adapt routing recommendations as conditions change, reducing empty running, improving vehicle utilisation and cutting fuel costs.
The agentic dimension of modern AI is particularly relevant here. Agentic AI systems do not merely analyse and recommend; they act. In a cement logistics context, this means an AI system that can, within pre-authorised boundaries, directly communicate revised dispatch instructions to plant teams, update booking confirmations with freight forwarders and reallocate available rail rakes across plant locations, all without waiting for a human to process a recommendation and make a call. For logistics executives, this represents a genuine shift from managing a workforce to setting the rules of engagement and reviewing outcomes. The operational tempo achievable with agentic AI simply cannot be matched by human-in-the-loop systems working at the pace of emails and phone calls.

Bridging the skills gap
Technology investments in digital twins and spatial AI will deliver diminishing returns if the human workforce cannot operate effectively within the new systems they create. This is a challenge that India’s cement industry cannot afford to underestimate. The sector relies on a large, geographically dispersed workforce, including truck drivers, depot managers, despatch supervisors, fleet maintenance technicians, many of whom have been trained on paper-based processes and manual workflows. Retraining this workforce for a digitised, AI-augmented environment is a substantial undertaking, and conventional classroom or on-the-job training methods are poorly suited to the scale and pace required.
Immersive AR and VR training platforms offer a fundamentally different approach. By creating photorealistic, interactive simulations of logistics environments, such as a plant dispatch bay, a depot yard, the interior of a cement truck cab, allow workers to practice complex procedures and decision-making scenarios in a safe, consequence-free virtual environment. A depot manager can work through a simulated rail rake delay scenario, making decisions about customer allocation and communication
without the pressure of real orders being affected. A truck driver can practice the correct procedure for securing a load of bagged cement without the risk of a road incident.
The learning science case for immersive training is compelling. Studies consistently show that experiential, simulation-based learning produces faster skill acquisition and higher retention rates than didactic instruction, with some research indicating retention rates three to four times higher for VR-based training compared to classroom methods. For complex operational procedures where muscle memory and situational awareness matter as much as conceptual knowledge, the advantage of immersive simulation is even more pronounced.
Today’s leading cloud-based spatial computing platforms enable high-fidelity AR and VR training experiences to be delivered on standard mobile devices, removing the hardware barrier that has historically made immersive training impractical for large, distributed workforces. This is particularly relevant for cement companies with depots and logistics operations in tier-two and tier-three locations, where access to specialised training hardware cannot be assumed.
The integration of AR into live operations also creates ongoing learning opportunities beyond formal training programs. As an example, maintenance technicians equipped with AR overlays can receive step-by-step guidance for equipment procedures directly in their field of view, reducing error rates and service times for critical plant and fleet assets.

New strategy, new horizons
India’s cement industry is entering a period of intensifying competition, rising logistics costs, and demanding customers with shrinking tolerance for delivery variability. The companies that will lead over the next decade will be those that treat logistics not as a cost centre to be minimised, but as a strategic capability to be built.
Digital twins, spatial AI and immersive AR/VR training are not distant future technologies, they are deployable today on infrastructure that Indian cement companies already operate. The question is not whether to adopt them, but how quickly to do so and where to begin.

About the author:
Dijam Panigrahi is Co-Founder and COO of GridRaster Inc., a provider of cloud-based spatial computing platforms that power high-quality digital twin and immersive AR/VR experiences on mobile devices for enterprises. GridRaster’s technology is deployed across manufacturing, logistics and infrastructure sectors globally.

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Concrete

Beyond Despatch: Building a Strategic Supply Chain Process

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Dr SB Hegde, Global Cement Industry Leader discusses the imperative need for modern cement plants to recognise packaging and bag traceability as critical components of quality assurance and supply chain management.

In cement manufacturing, considerable attention is given to clinker quality, kiln operation, grinding efficiency and laboratory control. Yet the final stage of the process, cement packaging and despatch, often receives less strategic focus. The cement bag leaving the plant gate represents the final interface between the manufacturer and the customer. Even if clinker chemistry, fineness and strength development are well controlled, weaknesses in packaging, handling, or distribution can affect product quality before it reaches the construction site.
Operational experience from cement plants across different regions shows that packaging efficiency and bag traceability have a significant influence on product reliability, logistics performance and brand credibility. In modern cement plants, packaging systems are no longer viewed merely as despatch equipment. They are increasingly recognised as an important part of quality assurance, supply chain management and customer confidence.

Operational importance of packaging
Cement packaging systems must operate with high speed, accuracy and reliability to support efficient despatch operations. Rotary packers equipped with electronic weighing systems have improved packing accuracy and productivity in many plants.
However, maintaining operational discipline remains essential. Regular calibration of weighing systems, maintenance of packer spouts and proper bag application are important for maintaining consistent bag weights and preventing cement loss.
Operational benchmarks observed in many cement plants are summarised in Table 1.
Plants that improved calibration discipline and equipment maintenance have reported packing loss reductions of about 1 per cent to 1.5 per cent, which represents significant annual savings.

Quality assurance beyond the plant gate
Quality control in cement plants traditionally focuses on laboratory parameters such as fineness, compressive strength and chemical composition. However, the condition of cement when it reaches the customer is equally important.
Cement bags may travel through several stages including plant storage, transport vehicles, dealer warehouses and retail outlets before reaching the construction site. During this journey, cement may be exposed to humidity, rough handling and improper storage conditions.
Table 2 shows common factors that may affect cement quality during distribution.
Studies indicate that cement stored under humid conditions for long periods may experience 10 per cent to 20 per cent reduction in early strength. Therefore, maintaining proper packaging integrity and traceability is essential.

Role of cement bag traceability systems
Traceability systems allow manufacturers to identify when and where cement was produced and despatched. These systems connect packaging operations with production records and logistics data.
When customer complaints occur, traceability enables manufacturers to identify:

  • Production batch
  • Packing date and time
  • Plant location
  • Laboratory test results

Several technologies are used to implement bag traceability, as shown in Table 3.
Among these technologies, QR code authentication systems are becoming popular because customers can verify product authenticity through smartphones.

Digital transformation
Digital technologies are transforming cement packaging operations. Modern packing lines now integrate:

  • automated rotary packers
  • electronic bag counting systems
  • robotic palletising systems
  • ERP-based despatch management
  • digital supply chain monitoring

These technologies improve operational efficiency and transparency across the supply chain.
Such systems help manufacturers track cement movement across the distribution network and respond quickly to quality concerns.

Case Study: Digital Cement Bag Authentication
Several cement manufacturers in Asia and the Middle East have implemented QR code-based bag authentication systems to improve supply chain transparency.
In one integrated cement plant, QR codes were integrated into the rotary packing machine. Each cement bag received a unique digital identity linked to the production database.
The QR code contained information such as:
• plant location
• manufacturing date and time
• product type
• batch number

Customers and dealers could scan the code using a mobile application to verify product authenticity.
After implementation, the company reported:
• reduction in counterfeit bag circulation
• improved despatch data accuracy
• faster resolution of customer complaints
• better visibility of distribution networks

The system was also integrated with the company’s ERP platform, enabling real-time monitoring of production and despatch activities.

Future-Smart Packaging Systems
The future of cement packaging lies in the integration of Industry 4.0 technologies with logistics and supply chain management.
Packaging lines will increasingly become part of connected digital ecosystems linking production, quality control, despatch and market distribution.
Artificial intelligence and data analytics may also help detect abnormalities in bag weight variations, equipment performance and despatch patterns.

Global benchmark indicators
Global benchmarking of cement packaging operations highlights the increasing importance of efficiency, automation and digital traceability in modern cement supply chains. Leading cement plants are now focusing on key performance indicators such as packer availability, bag weight accuracy, packing losses, truck turnaround time and digital traceability coverage. Studies show that overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) in many industrial operations is still around 65 per cent to 70 per cent, whereas world-class plants aim for levels above 85 per cent, indicating significant scope for improvement in operational efficiency.
At the same time, the global cement packaging sector is expanding steadily, supported by growing infrastructure demand and increased emphasis on reliable and moisture-resistant packaging solutions. The cement packaging market is projected to grow steadily in the coming decade as companies adopt automation, smart packaging technologies and integrated logistics systems to improve despatch efficiency and supply chain transparency. In this context, benchmarking against global indicators helps cement plants identify performance gaps and adopt best practices such as automated bagging systems, QR-based traceability, ERP-linked despatch monitoring, and predictive maintenance of packing equipment.

Strategic Recommendations
To fully benefit from packaging and traceability systems, cement manufacturers should consider the following approaches.
• Packaging systems should be treated as an integral part of the manufacturing value chain rather than simply despatching equipment.
• Investments in modern packers, automated loading systems and digital traceability technologies should be encouraged.
• Industry associations may also promote standard traceability practices to reduce counterfeit products and improve transparency in the cement market.
Finally, continuous training of plant personnel in packaging operations and maintenance practices is essential for sustaining operational efficiency.

Conclusion
Cement packaging has evolved from a routine mechanical operation into a strategic component of modern cement manufacturing. Efficient packaging systems ensure that the quality achieved within the plant is preserved during transportation and distribution. Traceability technologies allow manufacturers to track cement movement, investigate complaints and prevent counterfeit products.
As the cement industry moves toward digitalisation and integrated supply chains, packaging and bag traceability will play an increasingly important role in quality assurance, operational efficiency and customer confidence. Ultimately, the cement bag leaving the plant carries not only cement but also the reputation and responsibility of the manufacturer.

References

  1. Hewlett, P.C., & Liska, M. (2019). Lea’s Chemistry of Cement and Concrete. Butterworth-Heinemann.
  2. Schneider, M., Romer, M., Tschudin, M., & Bolio, H. (2011). Sustainable cement production. Cement and Concrete Research, 41(7), 642–650.
  3. International Cement Review. (2023). Advances in cement packaging and logistics systems.
  4. World Business Council for Sustainable Development (2021). Cement Industry Supply Chain Innovation Report.
  5. Gartner, E., & Hirao, H. (2015). Reducing CO2 emissions in cement production. Cement and Concrete Research.
  6. ScienceDirect Industry Studies. (2024). Operational efficiency benchmarks and overall equipment effectiveness in industrial manufacturing systems.
  7. World Cement Association. (2022). Digital Transformation in Cement Manufacturing and Logistics. London.
  8. Towards Packaging Research. (2024). Global cement
    packaging market trends and technology outlook. Industry Market Analysis Report.
  9. Towards Packaging Research. (2024). Global cement
    packaging market trends and technology outlook. Industry Market Analysis Report.

About the author:
Dr SB Hegde is a Professor at Jain College of Engineering, Karnataka, and Visiting Professor at Pennsylvania State University, USA. With 248 publications and 10 patents, he specialises in low-carbon cement, Industry 4.0, and sustainability, consulting with cement companies to support India’s net-zero goals.

Table 1. Key Operational Parameters for Cement Packaging Systems

Parameter Typical Industry Range Recommended Target Operational Significance
Rotary packer capacity 2400–3600 bags/hr 3000–4000 bags/hr Improves despatch efficiency
Bag weight tolerance ±0.5 kg ±0.25 kg Reduces customer complaints
Bag leakage rate 1 per cent to 2 per cent <0.5 per cent Minimises cement loss Packing accuracy 98 per cent to 99 per cent >99.5 per cent Ensure compliance with standards
Truck loading time 30–45 minutes 20–30 minutes Improves logistics efficiency

Table 2. Causes of Cement Quality Degradation During Distribution
Factor Typical Cause Impact on Cement
Moisture exposure Poor storage or rain exposure Lump formation
Long storage duration Slow inventory turnover Loss of early strength
Bag damage Rough handling Cement loss
Improper stacking Excessive loading Bag rupture
Counterfeit bag reuse Refilling of empty bags Brand damage

Table 3. Comparison of Cement Bag Traceability Technologies
Technology Advantages Limitations
Printed batch code Low cost and simple Limited traceability
Barcode Fast scanning Requires equipment
QR code Smartphone verification Requires digital platform
RFID tagging Automated tracking Higher cost
Blockchain systems High transparency Complex implementation

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Economy & Market

SEW-EURODRIVE India Opens Drive Technology Centre in Chennai

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The new facility strengthens SEW-EURODRIVE India’s manufacturing, assembly and service capabilities

SEW-EURODRIVE India has inaugurated a new Drive Technology Centre (DTC) in Chennai, marking a significant expansion of its manufacturing and service infrastructure in South India. The facility is positioned to enhance the company’s responsiveness and long-term support capabilities for customers across southern and eastern regions of the country.

Built across 12.27 acres, the facility includes a 21,350-square-metre assembly and service setup designed to support future industrial growth, evolving application requirements and capacity expansion. The centre reflects the company’s long-term strategy in India, combining global engineering practices with local manufacturing and service capabilities.

The new facility has been developed in line with green building standards and incorporates sustainable features such as natural daylight utilisation, solar power generation and rainwater harvesting systems. The company has also implemented energy-efficient construction and advanced climate control systems that help reduce shopfloor temperatures by up to 3°C, improving production stability, product quality and working conditions.

A key highlight of the centre is the 15,000-square-metre assembly shop, which features digitisation-ready assembly cells based on a single-piece flow manufacturing concept. The facility also houses SEW-EURODRIVE India’s first semi-automated painting booth, aimed at ensuring uniform surface finish and improving production throughput.

With the commissioning of the Chennai Drive Technology Centre, SEW-EURODRIVE India continues to strengthen its manufacturing footprint and reinforces its long-term commitment to supporting industrial growth and automation development in India.

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