Ador Welding Limited, India’s leading manufacturer of welding products announced the merger completion of Ador Fontech Limited with Ador Welding Limited. The merger will facilitate the creation of a more efficient and integrated business structure with an aim to consolidate the company’s market position, expand its domestic and international reach, and foster stronger research and development capabilities. The operating management teams of both companies will remain the same.

Aditya Malkani, Managing Director of Ador Welding Limited shares “We are excited about the potential opportunities that this merger presents. It will enable us to leverage the benefits of scale, revenue and cost synergies, cross sell combining the customer base, and tap into best practices from both organisations. With this, we are poised to expand our product and service offerings to our customers and accelerate our growth in both domestic and international markets. Most importantly, with our combined strengths, including a stronger manufacturing presence and a more resilient workforce, we are better equipped to Make, Research & Create in India.”

Following the merger, J B Advani and Co Pvt Ltd (JBA) will hold 44.83% of the shares, other promoters will hold 8.24%, and the public will hold 46.93%. Ador also plans to restructure its divisions to focus on two distinct verticals – Products and Services. This will enable the company to optimise its operations and better serve the diverse needs of its customers.

With its origin and base in India as the quintessential ‘Make in India’ brand, Ador has created an indelible global footprint by providing exceptional, cutting-edge welding solutions. With a rich experience of over seven decades, the company has been dedicated to creating the best welding experience for its customers, investing in people, technology, research and development.

Having made great strides in R&D and innovation, Ador’s Research and Development Center is recognised by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research and has developed groundbreaking solutions such as the Rhino E, India’s first battery-powered electric welder. Ador’s dedication to excellence is reflected in its numerous international awards and research papers which have been presented at many international forums.

As we transition into the festive season, it is crucial to take stock of the current state of India’s key infrastructure sector. August saw a 1.8 per cent contraction, largely attributed to excessive rainfall in many parts of the country, impacting several industries, including cement. The cement sector registered a 3 per cent decline in August 2024, compared to the same period last year, which had seen robust growth of 19.7 per cent, leading to what analysts call a high base effect, as per news reports. Despite this, there remains optimism as we approach the latter part of the year, with industry players anticipating demand revival by the end of Q3.
The evolving dynamics of the cement industry paint an interesting picture. Once dominated by regional and local players, the market has seen significant consolidation, with large companies taking the lead. These larger corporations, with their extensive reach and deep pockets, are strategically shifting focus toward non-trade segments, specifically targeting bulk buyers such as large contractors and infrastructure projects. This shift underscores the importance of India’s infrastructure-led growth focus, further solidified by government-backed projects.
However, the road ahead isn’t without challenges. While non-trade demand is expected to rise after the monsoon, it brings the dilemma of lower margins, potentially putting pressure on cement prices. We witnessed a price hike of Rs.10-20 per bag across regions in August, with more hikes expected in October, ranging from `5-15. Yet, there is uncertainty about whether these increases will hold, especially as market dynamics continue to evolve.
As we celebrate Diwali, I wish all our readers prosperity and success in navigating these changing tides. The coming months will be pivotal, and we look forward to a promising revival across the sector.

Holcim has invested in Sublime Systems to expand its range of solutions to decarbonise the construction industry. The partnership will advance Sublime’s first commercial manufacturing facility in Massachusetts, US, giving Holcim a large share of Sublime Cement produced there through a binding offtake reservation. Sublime’s first commercial-scale plant is set to start production in 2026 with a capacity of 30,000t/yr.