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Development of Tier II and Tier III cities in India could boost demand for cement

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Government initiatives for development of Tier II and Tier III cities may create more demand for cement and the availability of consumers is shifting the focus of cement industries towards these cities, says Suman Mukherjee, Managing Director & CEO, Shree Digvijay Cement Company, a CIMPOR Group company, in an exclusive interview with Indian Cement Review.Could you provide highlights on the performance of the company?Shree Digvijay Cement Co. Ltd. (SDCCL) belongs to CIMPOR group with headquarter at Lisbon, Portugal. Presently it is going through a change of management control globally. During these days SDCCL has maintained a steady and consistent growth rate in terms of turnover, EBITDA, sales and productivity. If we compare performance YoY basis, our turnover has increased 27 per cent. Market share has also seen a steady growth to 6 per cent. We have also improved our productivity as compared to previous year. Our clinker and cement production increased by around 13-14 per cent.What factors are important for driving positive growth?
Success and growth of any organisation depends primarily on the motivation level of its employees. India is the second largest cement producer after China. The cement market is expected to grow at a steady rate of 8-9 per cent on an average, approximately at a ratio 1.1 times of GDP. To keep pace with this growing market we have set our long term vision and roadmap towards that vision. We have prioritised few things like safety/productivity/cost/ sales etc, safety being our topmost priority. Brand image also plays a major role for positive growth and motivation. We keep continuous focus on each of these priorities. As a group we always believe in sustainable growth. To achieve our vision we have a highly motivated team of people who are working relentlessly to fulfill our growth strategy. We maintain around 5-6 per cent share in the market we operate.Could you comment on the government’s contribution to the development of the cement industry?
Government initiatives towards infrastructural development can be a contributing factor towards development of cement industry. The quantum of project to be executed is good enough to propel the economy for the next few years or so even if no new project is announced. However, operational cost of cement industries are going high due to increasing cost of raw materials, fuels, power. To combat with the increasing cost few things can be considered like, duty free import of raw materials/consideration of wharf age charges and handling losses on exports of clinker/soft loan for port development/VAT or CENVAT credit on limestone royalty and duty/cess on indigenous coal/ rationalization of excise duty rate on cement from 12 per cent and bring it at par with other core and infrastructure industries/treatment of waste heat recovery as renewable energy source/generation based incentive on wind energy/open access power etc.Can you elaborate on innovation and product development in your company?I believe SDCCL is the only company in India capable of producing six types of cements, namely OPC GR 43, OPC GR 53, PPC, SRPC, OWC, OPC 53 S.What are the issues faced by cement industry? What measures are required to tackle these issues?Presently one of the key issues many cement industries are facing is limestone reserves. After the new regulation of eco-sensitive zone, the fate of many existing limestone reserves are under a big question mark. Land acquisition and getting environment clearance are very much lengthy and time-consuming for new mining lease. Apart from this, increasing cost of raw materials/fuel/power are points of concern.Where do you see your company in the next five years?We always believe in sustainable growth. Globally, as a part of CIMPOR Group, we are very much ambitious about the future of our company in India. As a group strategy we want to increase our market share in the existing market.What is your opinion about markets for the cement industry in Tier II and Tier III cities?
Infrastructural development in Tier II and Tier III cities are very much encouraging for cement industries in the upcoming days. Government initiatives towards development of Tier II and Tier III cities may create more demand for cement in these cities. Various industrial hubs are growing up in these cities. Availability of good number of consumers is shifting the focus of cement industries towards Tier II and Tier III cities.What ‘green’ initiatives has the company taken for more sustainable sources of energy?Globally and as well as in India we are a member of CSI. We have installed WHRPP for captive power generation. It is under commissioning stage. This is a CDM initiative to reduce emission and clean environment. Once it is fully operational we can reduce equivalent amount of CO2 emission. Our continuous effort to maximise fly ash addition to cement within permissible limit is ongoing.

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Economy & Market

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

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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.

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Concrete

Fornnax wins Top Domestic Sales Award 2024-25 by AIRIA

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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.

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Concrete

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

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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.

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