Economy & Market

RMC is certainly an important distribution element

Published

7 years ago

January 3, 2019

admin

Rajnish Kapur, Business Head-Grey Cement, JK Cement, is of the opinion that unless there is an economy of scale, RMC- as a channel of distribution-will not be successful in India.

Tell us about the various experiments and innovations being tried out by cement players to make the entire distribution channel an exciting proposition?
At present, we are in the digital age and there is a lot of technology intervention happening in various aspects of our life. On the supply chain management front, we have witnessed how companies like Amazon have changed the supply management scenario completely.

In commodities business like cement there is an increasing need to find the right carrier need to the right location. So basically the whole thing is revolving around asset utilisation and technology. Cement companies, to utilise their assets efficiently have now installed GPS systems. The GPS system not only gives a carrier direction but anticipate the exact time of delivery. Since cement is a vital commodity, it also helps the companies to keep a track on the fleet on a real-time basis. So innovations currently in the logistics sector or commodities business are revolving around integrating technology and integrating data knowledge that is coming in terms of freight availability, in terms of finding out integration possibilities and to say in short to be able to improve the total truck turnaround time or the asset utilisation time of the vehicle.

How the company is developing and implementing the right supply chain management strategies which will lead to an increase in productivity?
The logistics cost in any industry, specifically in the cement industry is a matter of concern. Logistic cost forms almost one-fourth of the total cost. And, if a cement company engaged in export, it (cost) is even more. So it is extremely important to implement our strategies to curb the cost in a most efficient manner. Logistics does not only remains to be mere delivering your cement products at the right place, but it also means ensuring the customer a timely delivery.

If a cement manufacturer able to supply its cement product at the right place at the right time and in the right cost to the customer then you have an edge over your competitor. Increasingly all cement companies are seriously thinking about innovation. So productivity should not have situations where you are not able to deliver your product because you do not have pay loaders getting ready to carry your stuff and waiting time for loading and unloading is high. So any cement bag does not reach its destination is a sale lost. It is efficiency as well as productivity.

Considering the road and rail transportation is on a higher side, then why industry is not exploring waterways as a cost-effective mode of transportation?
I completely agree with your observation. If the cement players transport through waterways that would be most economical and most environmental friendly way of transporting, not only cement but also getting your inbound material like coal, fly ash, gypsum etc.

Why I favouring water transportation is mainly because, in my previous stint as a Managing Director of Holcim (Bangladesh), our entire logistic operation was based on waterways.

We were importing clinkers, fly ash, gypsum, slag, etc. via waterways. In fact, every cement plant in Bangladesh is located on the river-side, and equipped with jetty for unloading materials.

In India, with a vast waterways network and government’s emphasis on Sagarmala projects, which is a port-led programme, in coming days, waterways will be a major mode of transport.

In India, success will depend on having complete integration of road, rail and waterways. In fact, in India, some of the companies have already started utilising waterways. But this is at a very initial stage.

Can you tell us about various distribution channels of cement industry? And as a company how do you incentivise these channels?
The best supply distribution channel would be connecting directly with the non-trade consumers. That of course is happening in India. This part of the business contributes a significant amount to the company’s coffer. In addition, there is a need to have depots, which can be used as bulk breaking depots, which you carry to a long distance in bigger pay loaders which have higher capacity. This will bring down per tonne/kilometre cost. So these are some of the things which come to my mind. Digitisation is also going to come and play an important role. So companies are now trying to have a digital distribution channel where customer can book order and knows where your network is and stuff. But still these are early days of cement industry at this point of time.

RMC, as a medium of the distribution channel, is a successful example in western and European countries. Do you think the same can be replicated in India? What are the steps that need to be addressed to make it more successful?
As the density of construction starts increasing and as we start moving from bag to bulk, RMC will be a big success in India. As economy of scale increases, we shift from bag-based cement to bulk-based cement utilisation. However, this shift is possible only in the bigger cities where large number of infrastructure projects. To my surprise, while visiting Ahmedabad, it was brought to my notice the usage of bulk cement by contractors in individual house construction than bag-based consumption. But even today, India is mostly a bag-based cement economy. RMC is certainly an important distribution element.

– RAHUL KAMAT

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.