Economy & Market

Expanding its footprints

Published

11 years ago

March 31, 2015

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Malabar Cements has set ambitious plans to drive expansion of the company?s operations and enhance the footprint of its products.
Malabar Cements has firmed up its expansion plans. In its tireless efforts to cement its dominance the company has streamlined its expansion plans. Addressing one of the major challenges of logistics, the company has earmarked a CAPEX of Rs 160 crore for cement and allied materials logistics hub at Cochin Port Trust, to cash in on the sea frontage that Kerala has. Speaking about the expansion plans for the company, PH Kurien, Principal Secretary, Industries and Chairman, Malabar Cements, says, ?Ambitious plans are set to drive the expansion of the company?s operations and enhance the footprint of its products. Logistics forms the biggest challenge for a company like ours. So we have proposed to implement Rs 160-crore cement and allied materials logistics hub at Cochin Port Trust. A seven acre property is planned to be taken on lease to set it up.? He adds, ?The state government has given a KVAT loan with a four-year holiday to implement the project.? The new expansion project is expected to bolster the company?s presence in the market and give its products a 25 per cent market share in the state as against the current 10 per cent. This hub is expected to provide addition of cement grinding capacities in both public and private sectors in Kerala.?

Malabar Cements, the first and only portland cement manufacturer in Kerala, set up in1978 with a capital outlay of Rs 680 million and paid up equity capital of Rs 260 million has come a long way. Today, Malabar Cements plays a pivotal role in the developmental process in northern districts of the state by ensuring adequate supply of raw material for construction that forms the backbone of the state?s development itinerary. On an average, the company makes a net profit of around Rs 36 crore annually, before honouring Income tax related commitments by achieving an annual sale of 500,000 MT and a turnover of around Rs 290 crore.

With a production capacity of 4.2 lakh tonne of clinker per annum, Malabar Cements is the largest portland cement manufacturing unit in Kerala. As part of an expansion programme, a 2.50 lakh-tonne clinker-grinding unit was commissioned at Cherthala in Alappuzha district in August 2003, taking the total installed capacity of MCL to 8.1 lakh tonne of cement. However, due to shortage of clinker, the plant was shut down in 2008. Recently, the company was successful in importing clinker through global tendering and trial production has already commenced.

According to K Padmakumar, Managing Director, Malabar Cements, the company has plans to install a facility for pre-calcination to increase clinker production capacity, and also plans to install one more 100 TPH cement mill in Walayar to increase the cement and slag girding capacity. The company has upgraded its plant with state-of-the-art technology over the years. As only 10 per cent of the cement consumption in Kerala is tapped by Malabar Cements, the expansion projects will allow the company to harness the markets beyond the northern districts in Kerala which is its core market segment.

Since its inception, the company has striven to align its operations with the global technological developments which have happened in this sector. The company has, therefore, carried out significant modifications in the system for minimizing energy consumption, and has undertaken pollution control measures, process modifications, etc. MCL is the first public sector company in the state to win both ISO certification and awards for energy conservation.

At Malabar Cements, product improvement is not just a strategy for boosting sales, but marks an unrelenting quest for excellence. Through continuous upgradation of methodologies and fine-tuning of processes the company has constantly striven to improve transparency in procurement, product quality and ensure customer satisfaction. Quality consciousness has been ingrained into the system, into the psyche of every individual who works in the organization. Says Padmakumar, ?Right from pre-blending raw materials, through every process of manufacturing to cement packing, we give attention to the smallest detail, to ensure that quality parameters are strictly followed every step of the way.? Optimization of processes, productivity and quality is achieved through an efficient system of supply chain management established by the company. A wide network of dealers handles distribution of the products to the end users. This will help in import and distribution of construction sand also.

MCL manufactures cement through the dry process method based on world-renowned German technology. The entire manufacturing process is computer-controlled, ensuring quality and standardization of products. The company has X-ray analysers for better quality control. State-of-the-art pollution control measures like bag filters are installed to prevent adverse impact on environment. Today, the company has three brands, Malabar Super, Malabar Aiswarya and Malabar Classic which cater to different applications and segments.

CSR initiatives
Making the world a better place, corporate social responsibility is not just philanthropy but is viewed in today?s business scenario as a professional management process with a long-term strategy which aims at inclusive growth of the society. MCL constantly strives to make a difference to the material and social environment around it. Padmakumar says, ?The company has always had a CSR outlook. As part of its social welfare programmes, MCL, even before the new Companies Act came into existence, has devoted to the social upliftment of the surrounding population.? Five per cent of the company?s bottom line revenues have been earmarked for initiatives that iterate the company?s commitment to society.

Shradha
The project pivots around the concept of early cancer detection among the marginalised and the poor to improve chances of survival. It targets youth in the age group of 18-20 years in the identified districts of Palakkad, Kozhikode and Malappuram.

The implementation involves organizing mobile detection units through Malabar Cancer Society, cancer detection camps and awareness programmes in rural areas, establishment of pain and palliative care units, etc. Those detected with the disease are referred to Regional Cancer Centre (RCC) and other government medical colleges for free treatment under Cancer Suraksha scheme of KSSM.

Snehapoorvam
This is an initiative in the educational sector. The scheme aims at providing educational and lifestyle support to children in the below poverty line (BPL) segment, who are estranged from their parents. In the first phase, it will target 300 children at the secondary and higher secondary levels.

Aasrayam
The scheme focuses on creating a benevolent fund to provide financial assistance to those in the economically backward bracket who have no access to funds to meet their emergency medical needs, in critical and life threatening situations. The taluk and district hospitals in Palakkad, Malappuram and Kozhikode districts and the Medical College Hospital in Kozhikode will be covered under this scheme.

Golden a Crescent project
This programme envisages upgradation of infrastructure and health care and support systems in NGOs in around seven local panchayaths and muncipalities around Malabar Cements. The project also envisages capacity building in geriatric care and also vocational training in organisations registered under the Orphanage Control Board. The outlay in the company budget is Rs 45 lakh. This initiative is based on a research study done in the vicinity of MCL, the findings of which were presented as a paper jointly authored by Padmakumar and Sr. Tessin Munatty, SABS, in the International Conference on Elderly Care held at Thiruvananthapuram in April 2014.

Emergency Care Unit in Walayar
There are no emergency medicine-cum-trauma care centres in the 50 km stretch in NH-47 between Palakkad and Coimbatore. This gap will be addressed by yet another CSR initiative of Malabar Cements under a collaborative scheme. Apart from its social commitments, environment figures high on MCL?s CSR plan. In its efforts towards greening the environment, the company has planned various types of afforestation, horticulture and tree planting programmes.

Periodic modernization programmes of its plants are also conducted to minimize impact on environment during production. All these go a long way in establishing Malabar Cements Ltd not only as one of the most successful enterprises in the state, but also as a professional enterprise that has cemented a union of success and social responsibility in equal measure in its corporate culture.

CSR INITIATIVES

Overall development of the Nadupathy village and tribal colony in Walayar.
Development of basic amenities at orphanages like Marian Village, Snehajwala, Shantiniketan and Daivadan at Vadakkancherry
Aid to the pain and palliative care units run by NGOs and local civic bodies at Akathethara and Kunnumpuram at Malappuram
Aid to Nazareth Care and Support Centre at Muthukad which provides shelter and solace to those who have been rejected from the mainstream due to grave illnesses like HIV.
Initiatives for empowerment of children at Thrithala and Palakkad
Transport facilities for students of Vengara Government UP School, afflicted by autism
Support to institutions that rehabilitate physically and psychologically challenged
Support to institutions that address learning disabilities
Provision of reading materials for 40 schools
Support for holistic development of villages
Structuring of elder friendly panchayaths
Support to Devashrayam, a charitable institution working for care and development of differentially abled.

Concrete

Cement Makers Reaffirm Commitment to Sustainable Growth

Published

1 week ago

June 5, 2026

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World Environment Day spotlight on innovation and circularity

On World Environment Day, the Indian cement industry reiterated its commitment to supporting India’s climate ambitions through sustainable manufacturing, resource efficiency and the adoption of cleaner technologies.

The Cement Manufacturers’ Association (CMA) said the sector remains aligned with the Government of India’s Net Zero commitments and is accelerating efforts to reduce its environmental footprint while supporting the country’s infrastructure and development agenda.

Parth Jindal, President, CMA and Managing Director, JSW Cement, said the industry is increasingly adopting cleaner technologies, improving energy efficiency and expanding the use of alternative fuels and raw materials. He also highlighted the growing importance of circular economy practices, where industrial by-products and waste streams from one sector are utilised as resources in another.

“The Indian Cement Industry is aligned to the Government’s commitments on carbon mitigation and is accelerating the adoption of cleaner technologies, resource efficiency and circular economy practices while actively exploring the potential of Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) as a critical pathway for deep decarbonisation,” said Jindal.

He added that coprocessing industrial waste and by-products helps conserve natural resources, reduce disposal requirements and lower the environmental footprint across multiple sectors.

According to Jindal, sustainability is no longer limited to manufacturing processes but is increasingly influencing investment decisions, innovation strategies and long-term growth plans within the industry.

Echoing similar views, Dr Raghavpat Singhania, Vice President, CMA and Managing Director, JK Cement, said sustainable development extends beyond emissions reduction and must also focus on responsible resource utilisation and waste minimisation.

“Sustainability in the built environment cannot be measured by emissions alone. It is equally about how efficiently we use resources, how effectively we minimise waste and how responsibly we create the infrastructure that will serve future generations,” said Singhania.

He noted that the cement industry is advancing its sustainability agenda through greater resource efficiency, increased circularity, technological innovation and continuous improvements in manufacturing practices. As a key contributor to India’s infrastructure development, the sector has a critical role to play in balancing economic growth with environmental responsibility.

On the occasion of World Environment Day, industry leaders reaffirmed their commitment to supporting India’s climate goals while delivering the materials required for resilient, durable and sustainable infrastructure.

Concrete

Building a Greener Future Together

Published

2 weeks ago

June 4, 2026

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Environmental sustainability requires immediate action, not just long-term commitments and discussions. Recycling, circular economy practices, and technology-driven waste management can help industries reduce environmental impact while supporting sustainable growth.

Author: Jignesh Kundaria, Director and CEO, Fornnax Technology

World Environment Day serves as an important reminder that environmental sustainability can no longer remain confined to discussions, reports, or long-term commitments. The environmental challenges facing the world today demand immediate, measurable, and collective action. Across industries and communities, waste generation continues to outpace our ability to process it responsibly, placing increasing pressure on ecosystems, natural resources, public health, and the well-being of future generations.

One of the most significant shifts required today is a change in how society perceives waste. Rather than being viewed as a material to be discarded, waste must be recognised as a valuable resource that can contribute to both economic growth and environmental protection when managed through the right technologies and systems. This mindset forms the foundation of the circular economy model that countries across the world are increasingly adopting to reduce landfill dependence, recover valuable materials, and create more sustainable industrial ecosystems.

India has made meaningful progress in strengthening awareness around sustainability, recycling, and environmental responsibility over the past decade. Significant efforts are being made to formalise the recycling sector through improved infrastructure, technology adoption, policy implementation, and broader stakeholder participation. These developments are creating a stronger foundation for responsible waste management and resource recovery across the country.

However, achieving long-term environmental impact requires collaboration from all stakeholders. Industries, policymakers, technology providers, and communities must work together with greater accountability to strengthen recycling ecosystems, encourage responsible waste management practices, and create sustainable outcomes through consistent execution rather than temporary interventions.

As someone closely associated with the recycling industry, I firmly believe that technology will play a decisive role in addressing future environmental challenges. Advanced recycling systems have the potential to recover valuable resources, reduce pollution, minimise landfill burdens, and conserve energy, creating a more sustainable future for generations to come. This belief is deeply reflected in Fornnax’s motto, “Committed to Create a Green Future,” which embodies our commitment to building long-term environmental value through innovation and responsible action.

At the same time, technology alone cannot deliver meaningful change. Real progress requires intent, awareness, participation, and a shared sense of responsibility. Sustainable development can only be achieved when innovation is supported by collective action and a genuine commitment to environmental stewardship.

On this World Environment Day, let us move beyond conversations and take meaningful steps towards creating a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable planet. By embracing innovation, strengthening recycling ecosystems, and acting responsibly today, we can create lasting environmental impact and secure a better future for generations to come.

Concrete

Dalmia Bharat Acquires Jaiprakash Associates Cement Assets for ₹2,850 Crore

Published

3 weeks ago

May 25, 2026

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Dalmia Cement executed a Business Transfer Agreement with Jaiprakash Associates and Adani Infra, to acquire 5.2 MnTPA of cement capacity across Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.

Dalmia Cement (Bharat) announced on May 22, 2026 that it had signed a Business Transfer Agreement with Jaiprakash Associates Limited and Adani Infra (India) Limited for the acquisition of cement plants located at Rewa in Madhya Pradesh and Churk, Chunar and Sadwa in Uttar Pradesh. The deal was struck at an enterprise value of ₹2,850 crore and is expected to close within two weeks of execution.

The acquired assets from Jaiprakash Associates include 5.2 MnTPA of cement capacity and 3.3 MnTPA of clinker capacity. The package also covers 99 MW of thermal power capacity and railway sidings at Rewa, Chunar, and a common siding at Churk. This infrastructure gives the acquisition immediate operational utility beyond just production tonnage.

The transaction has a long backstory. Dalmia Cement had originally entered into a framework agreement with Jaiprakash Associates in December 2022, covering the sale of these business assets along with a long-term clinker supply arrangement. However, before the deal could be completed, Jaiprakash Associates was admitted to insolvency proceedings under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code. The earlier agreements could not be consummated as a result.

In an official statement, Puneet Dalmia, Managing Director & CEO, Dalmia Bharat, said, “I am very excited about addition of these assets in our portfolio. This serves as a great strategic fit for Dalmia. It helps us move forward in our journey to be a pan India player and provide a strong head start to serve the high potential markets in Central region. I am optimistic that the expansion potential of these assets along with close proximity with Dalmia’s captive mines will help us create a capacity hub for the future”.

Following the approval of Adani Group’s resolution plan for Jaiprakash Associates under the IBC framework, Dalmia approached the new management to revive discussions. The fresh Business Transfer Agreement was executed to settle all pending disputes, legal proceedings, and arbitration matters arising from the original framework agreement with Jaiprakash Associates.

Expanding market reach

Dalmia added, “Our familiarity with these assets under the earlier tolling arrangement gives us a deep understanding of the facilities and helps us establish strong connect with channel partners and vendors. We believe that this will help us in faster ramp up of capacities and quicker inroads into the market. As we look forward, I am very confident that we will be able to leverage the strengths of Dalmia to operate these assets in a manner where we can maximise value creation for all our stakeholders.”

With the addition of these plants, Dalmia Bharat’s total installed cement capacity will rise to 54.7 MnTPA upon consummation. The company has further expansion projects underway at Belgaum, Pune, and Kadapa, which are expected to take overall capacity to 66.7 MnTPA by Q2 to Q3 FY28.

The Central India location of the Jaiprakash Associates plants gives Dalmia Bharat faster access to markets in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh than a greenfield build would have allowed. The company also cited debottlenecking and brownfield expansion as near-term opportunities at the acquired sites. Dalmia Bharat said the assets were expected to contribute positively to EBITDA and overall returns, given the pricing environment in the region and the company’s cost structure.