Technology

It is the whole system that performs and not just an individual product

Published

11 years ago

May 31, 2014

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Dr Sanjay Bahadur
Global CEO, Construction Chemicals Division
ICR interacted with Dr Sanjay Bahadur, Global CEO, Construction Chemicals Division of Pidilite Industries, to know about the evolving customer focus of Pidilite.The company seems to be moving from product selling approach to system selling philosophy. Is this a planned shift, and if so, what is prompting the company in this new direction?
Yes, this is planned shift and Pidilite will continue with this approach in its future endeavours. We know that it is the whole system that performs and not just an individual product. A system starts with selection of the right product, preparation of the treatment platform and then applying the solution in the right way, in an established scientific manner. Any deviation from this compromises the waterproofing process. Often those who are untrained in applying such solutions miss out on the crucial steps and end up being unsatisfied with the product. Most often it is the system of application, and not the product itself, which is at fault. We want our consumers to get the best value for their investments and so we are providing the solution in the form of a service, where we do the waterproofing for our clients. We are so confident of our system that it comes with a guarantee card that promises leak free performance for 25 years. We have also set up training centres to train masons, architects, contractors, etc., in waterproofing to ensure that the products are applied properly.

So is your focus now on developing new systems rather than products?
We are looking at development of new systems, which are what we call-?idiot-proof-? For example, LEC Extensa, a product for waterproofing used for rooftops. You just have to spray it properly and you are done. So we are focusing more on innovative applications than on developing a new compound altogether.

Tell us more about the training centre?
We have set up Dr Fixit Knowledge Centre at Kochi where we demonstrate how to carry out waterproofing properly, and where exactly most engineers go wrong with it. It is a place to learn new things for architects and engineers. Here we give them practical training on dealing with real life challenges in construction. The response has been very good and we are planning to open more of such centres in other cities too.

You are also working on a project to build solar powered sustainable homes. Please tell us more about it.
We are working on LEC (Low Energy Consumption) range of products that provide good insulation along with good waterproofing. And using our products we have built a few houses as a part of our R&D process. We have collected a range of data from these structures to validate the theory with the actual performance. The data is very exciting. The cooling attained in these houses is so good that the power consumed by ACs in such houses is reduced by 55 to 60 per cent. This is well-established data, which is thoroughly validated.

Just imagine the implications of these products. We have been talking about solar powered off-grid homes for so long. But to make the home really off-grid we need to install large solar panels. These panels are so expensive, that it offsets the savings made with the capital required in the beginning. Although, the cost of panels has come down, there is still a gap to fill in. I think one way to bridge this gap is to look at other technologies available with us today. With insulation given by our LEC products we can reduce the electricity consumption of ACs by 55-60 per cent. That suddenly makes solar powered homes a possibility, since the size of the solar panel and the capital cost required is reduced. As the energy requirement is low, the house can be taken off-grid.

So who are your target customers for these products?
We are focusing on the villa segment. When people are spending 1 to 2 crore on the villa, they might as well invest few lakh more and get the villa waterproofed and insulated with LEC products. This small investment pays well and villa owners understand and appreciate this. We have recently secured an order for 164 villas in Bangalore.

We understand that the government does not have any compulsion on using construction chemicals in the infrastructure projects. Is the construction chemicals industry losing this market?
There is no compulsion from the government for using construction chemicals, but recently (Feb 2014) CPWD (Central Public Works Department) has introduced a regulation that all buildings must comply with ECBC (Energy Conservation Building Code). That creates a market for construction chemicals like LW+.

What would be the growth drivers for the construction chemicals industry in India?
If you look at the mega-trends in the industry you will notice that the builders and developers sector is getting organised. So we will have consumers that are technologically aware. Space constrains will be pushing us toward high-rises and more and more consumers will be demanding sustainable homes. All this will be creating a strong demand for construction chemicals.

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

3 weeks 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

3 weeks 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

3 weeks 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.