Product Development

Make in Steel Forum 2021 online concludes in grand success

Published

5 years ago

March 5, 2021

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With domestic availability of iron ore and cost-effective labour, India has been a major player in global steel manufacturing. The country has overtaken to become the world?? second largest steel producer. The Prime Minister has announced an investment of Rs 100 trillion into infrastructure over the next five years. This plan dovetails well with the National Steel Policy, 2017, which envisages 300 MTPA of production capacity by 2030-31. The current manufacturing capacity is around 112 million tonne.

Given the high degree of investments being made to improve the country?? infrastructure, it is vital that the raw materials used in these projects, the manufacturing and construction processes deployed, do not compromise on standard quality protocols.

With this background, FIRST Construction Council, in all success, virtually organised the ??ake in Steel Forum 2021??on February 24, 2021.

The conference was virtually structured along the theme ??teel Sustainability and Resilience for a post-COVID society?? and it included four sessions focusing on the government?? vision, innovation in steel, growth in stainless steel, and re-engineering. The panel discussions were further followed by the Make in Steel Awards 2021 that recognised and rewarded India?? Fastest Growing Steel Companies. The winning companies were selected on the basis of their six year annual performance of growth in sales and PAT with higher weightage given to the most recent years.

Setting the perfect tone for the forum, Pratap Padode, Founder & President, FIRST Construction Council, highlighted the opportunities in his welcome address, ??rojects worth Rs 44 trillion are under execution but the opportunity mainly lies in the forthcoming Rs 66 trillion projects, which are at various stages of conceptualisation. Of these Rs 111 trillion ??47 per cent will use steel directly ??24 per cent of projects are in energy, 18 per cent in roads, 12 per cent in railways, and 17 per cent in urban infra.??He further added that the sector needs to be mindful about keeping quality standards intact. ??he recent statement by Minister of Roads Transport & Highways, Nitin Gadkari has raised concerns among steel stakeholders. The minister has given a guideline that to enhance supplies and contain the price rise, TMT bars could be sourced from secondary producers too for National Highway projects. MoRTH said that all steel ??whether produced from ore, billets, pellets or melting of scrap ??would be allowed to be used for national highway construction, as long as it meets the standards required for specific grades of steel.??/p>

Following the encouraging welcome address was the launch of the TMT Report 2021 ??a guide for the buyers to navigate among those who stand for ??uality??and ??rust?? Buyers of TMT should use this report as a guide for how to evaluate TMT rebars and make informed business decisions through the knowledge shared within this report. The report will be available for free download on the www.FIRSTConstructionCouncil.com website.

Here are the key takeaways from the much-engaging and informative sessions:

Vision

The first session focussed on the government?? vision: ??he government of India has laid out its vision: ??o meet the anticipated demand of 160 million tonnes of steel for becoming a $5 trillion economy, through a competitive, efficient, environment-friendly steel industry, adhering to global safety and quality standards.??Moderated by Dr Susmita Dasgupta, Former Joint Chief Economist, Joint Plant Committee, Ministry of Steel: the esteemed panellists included VR Sharma, Managing Director, Jindal Steel and Power; Alakesh Roy, Managing Director, Zamil Steel Buildings India; Alain Legrix De La Salle, Director and Vice President, Sales and Marketing, AMNS India and Vice President at ArcelorMittal; and Satyajit Maity, Chief of Marketing-B2C business, Tata Steel. Excerpts from the discussion:

More than 60 per cent of the steel consumption comes through government funded infrastructure projects.

The sector has an ambitious plan to reach 300 million tonne in the next nine years. To achieve this, there is a need to grow in a professional manner, and the growth should be more than 10 per cent YoY on the production as well as the consumption front.

The government can bring in an Infrastructure Financial Development Corporation of India, or an infrastructure financial bank should be in place. The greenfield and brownfield projects need to be supported in different ways.

The tax benefits for brownfield expansion plans should be equal to the greenfield projects. The expansion on brownfield projects should be preferred because the overall burden on the eco-system would be less.
There is a need for continuous upgradation of technology as the world is heading towards hydrogen-based technology and the focus should be on how the sector can bring hydrogen as the main media to produce steel.
One nation, one grid, one electricity tariff ??can augment steel production across India.
On the demand side, a long term policy has to be developed, and the consumption theory needs to be taken up with the government; it is the consumption that will drive the demand.
The contribution of manufacturing to the GDP needs to go up from the current 16 per cent to 25 per cent. This cannot be achieved through just consumption in the domestic sector. The focus should be on exports. If the economy needs to grow to 5 trillion, the focus has to be on exports.
There is a need to make a calculation of cost of exports. The transaction cost of exports is high. It is not the item-wise cost but the overall cost that is making Indian steel uncompetitive.
The industry needs to support the customer by bringing in all steel solutions. The industry should accelerate and boost the promotion of steel into the construction segment by some common as well as individual initiatives from the sector.
Steel is completely underutilised in the construction sector, and in India, construction primarily means concrete. Institutional mechanisms should be put in place to increase consumption in construction.

Innovation

Steel is innovating, and in this session Dr Sachin Kumar, Senior Fellow, Industrial Energy Efficiency Division, TERI, focused on the transition towards low carbon steel manufacturing. As Dr Kumar elaborated on the India scenario and emphasised on new technologies that would suit the Indian context and can help in decarbonising the manufacturing process. He put forth key recommendations that could help the Indian steel sector move towards decarbonisation.

Make maximum use of domestic scrap.
Maximise energy-efficiency.
Facilitate greater resource efficiency throughout the economy.
Establish pilot and demonstration plants to test low carbon technologies.
Stimulate demand for low carbon steel.
From 2030, introduce policy measures to constraint emissions.

Growth

Automotive, railway and transport are emerging as the sectors with the fastest growing consumption of stainless steel and alloy steel in the country. Real estate, commercial real estate, retail space, entertainment space, hospitality projects and Special Economic Zones are all using stainless steel much more too. How is stainless steel finding its space along with conventional materials such as steel, glass, plastics, and aluminum composites?

Offering interesting insights to this was the fireside chat ??a candid discussion between Dr Dasgupta and KK Pahuja, President, Indian Stainless Steel Development Association. Dr Dasgupta did put forth some edifying questions, and Pahuja elaborated on the association?? vision as well as delved deeper into the potential of stainless steel in India and the factors driving growth.

Excerpts:

??tainless steel consumption growth is normally higher than carbon steel for the reason that we consider the normal economic cycle of growth and also go by substitution. So we substitute carbon steel, plastics, aluminium as well, and also consider the normal economic growth cycle. Hence, if steel is growing at 5 to 6 per cent, the growth of stainless steel would be 7 to 8 per cent.
At present, there is a lot of idle capacity in the industry. The flat and long products in carbon steel is 50:50, but in stainless steel, it is almost 80:20 (flat being 80). Long product consumption in India is still not at its high.
The market is catching up, particularly the TMT bars are the way to go forward in terms of long products.
The preferred raw material is stainless steel scrap. However, stainless steel scrap comes into the market after a longer cycle.
We are also looking at structural applications in stainless steel now; Railways have taken upon themselves to build foot-over-bridges.
The time has come for stainless steel rebar. We have a long coastline and coastline structures are prone to corrosion ??be it RCC or otherwise. Positively, now we see that the railways and NHAI are considering stainless steel rebars.??/p>

Re-engineering

Light Gauge Steel Frame (LGSF) is an innovative form of construction gaining ground. And, the last session focused on re-engineering. The expert panel was once again moderated by Dr Dasgupta and the panellists included Ashok Bharadwaj, Director & CEO, Stallion LGSF Machines; Prof M Madhavan, Associate Professor-Department of Civil Engineering, IIT-Hyderabad; Anish Chopra, Managing Director & CEO, Greenify Eco Technologies; and Architect Anita Dake, Founder, Vector Designs. Here are some key takeaways from the discussion:

The per capital steel consumption and demand for steel buildings can be increased by making this technology widely available and accessible in India.
Training programmes should be organised for architects and designers to ensure increased understanding and usage of the technology.
We are trying to build more houses without having a fundamental understanding. The need of the hour is for the government agencies or the private players who are in this industry to come forward and have a pooled resource so that we can generate a large amount of data that is necessary for the formulation of design guidelines.
We should not restrict the cold form steel usage or LGSF to G+2 or G+3.
The country is becoming more and more seismic. We also have a unique landscape where with 66 wind-prone districts in the entire peninsular India and the three most important real estate pieces ??Kolkata, Chennai and Mumbai ??are all in the coastal zone. No amount of effort has been taken to study the wind effect seriously. Research should also be devoted for conditions such as wind and earthquake to have an understanding and determine the role this technology can play.
With LGSF, we will also be able to address issues with getting into the new normal, which is post-pandemic. LGSF can provide very new employment opportunities ??training and skill development is required ??such as structural engineers, detailers, machine operators, site erectors, quality inspectors, technology trainers.
One critical thing that engineers in India do not do on construction sites is measure or record the number of accidents that happen due to construction. One of the prime causes of accidents is the movement of construction vehicles in concrete construction. So far, in India, no honest attempt has been made to record the accidents. Movement of vehicle ??which is the main cause of these accidents ??is because you have to transport cement, sand, coarse aggregate, which only creates chaos at the construction site. It is time that we move from a site-based construction to a dry-based construction.

Recognition and rewards

The Make in Steel 2021 awards recognised and rewarded India?? Fastest Growing Steel Companies. The companies that emerged winners:

India?? Fastest Growing Steel Company ??Large Category: Tata Steel
Second Fastest Growing Steel Company ??Large Category: Jindal Steel and Power (JSPL)
India?? Fastest Growing Steel Company ??Small Category: Kirloskar Ferrous Industries

Partners in success

The Make in Steel Forum 2021 was Powered by TATA Tiscon; Platinum Partner: JSPL; Gold Partner: Shyam Steel; Supporting Partners: Indian Steel Association, National Highways Builders Federation, Indian Stainless Steel Development Association, and Ready Mixed Concrete Manufacturers’ Association (RMCMA); and Media Partners: Construction World, Infrastructure Today, and Equipment India.

– SHRIYAL SETHUMADHAVAN

Economy & Market

Power Build’s Core Gear Series

Published

3 weeks ago

February 19, 2026

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A deep dive into Core Gear Series of products M, C, F and K, by Power Build, and how they represent precision in motion.

At the heart of every high-performance industrial system lies the need for robust, reliable, and efficient power transmission. Power Build answers this need with its flagship geared motor series: M, C, F and K. Each series is meticulously engineered to serve specific operational demands while maintaining the universal promise of durability, efficiency, and performance.

Series M – Helical Inline Geared Motors
Compact and powerful, the Series M delivers exceptional drive solutions for a broad range of applications. With power handling up to 160kW and torque capacity reaching 20,000 Nm, it is the trusted solution for industries requiring quiet operation, high efficiency, and space-saving design. Series M is available with multiple mounting and motor options, making it a versatile choice for manufacturers and OEMs globally.

Series C – Right Angled Heli-Worm Geared Motors
Combining the benefits of helical and worm gearing, the Series C is designed for right-angled power transmission. With gear ratios of up to 16,000:1 and torque capacities of up to 10,000 Nm, this series is optimal for applications demanding precision in compact spaces. Industries looking for a smooth, low-noise operation with maximum torque efficiency rely on Series C for dependable performance.

Series F – Parallel Shaft Mounted Geared Motors
Built for endurance in the most demanding environments, Series F is widely adopted in steel plants, hoists, cranes and heavy-duty conveyors. Offering torque up to 10,000 Nm and high gear ratios up to 20,000:1, this product features an integral torque arm and diverse output configurations to meet industry-specific challenges head-on.

Series K – Right Angle Helical Bevel Geared Motors
For industries seeking high efficiency and torque-heavy performance, Series K is the answer. This right-angled geared motor series delivers torque up to 50,000 Nm, making it a preferred choice in core infrastructure sectors such as cement, power, mining and material handling. Its flexibility in mounting and broad motor options offer engineers the freedom in design and reliability in execution.
Together, these four series reflect Power Build’s commitment to excellence in mechanical power transmission. From compact inline designs to robust right-angle drives, each geared motor is a result of decades of engineering innovation, customer-focused design and field-tested reliability. Whether the requirement is speed control, torque multiplication or space efficiency, Radicon’s Series M, C, F and K stand as trusted powerhouses for global industries.

http://www.powerbuild.in
Call: +919727719344

Economy & Market

Conveyor belts are a vital link in the supply chain

Published

9 months ago

June 16, 2025

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Kamlesh Jain, Managing Director, Elastocon, discusses how the brand delivers high-performance, customised conveyor belt solutions for demanding industries like cement, mining, and logistics, while embracing innovation, automation, and sustainability.

In today’s rapidly evolving industrial landscape, efficient material handling isn’t just a necessity—it’s a competitive advantage. As industries such as mining, cement, steel and logistics push for higher productivity, automation, and sustainability, the humble conveyor belt has taken on a mission-critical role. In this exclusive interview, Kamlesh Jain, Managing Director, Elastocon, discusses how the company is innovating for tougher terrains, smarter systems and a greener tomorrow.

Brief us about your company – in terms of its offerings, manufacturing facilities, and the key end-user industries it serves.
Elastocon, a flagship brand of the Royal Group, is a trusted name in the conveyor belt manufacturing industry. Under the brand name ELASTOCON, the company produces both open-end and endless belts, offering tailor-made solutions to some of the most demanding sectors such as cement, steel, power, mining, fertiliser, and logistics. Every belt is meticulously engineered—from fabric selection to material composition—to ensure optimal performance in tough working conditions. With advanced manufacturing facilities and strict quality protocols, Elastocon continues to deliver high-performance conveyor solutions designed for durability, safety, and efficiency.

How is the group addressing the needs for efficient material handling?
Efficient material handling is the backbone of any industrial operation. At Elastocon, our engineering philosophy revolves around creating belts that deliver consistent performance, long operational life, and minimal maintenance. We focus on key performance parameters such as tensile strength, abrasion resistance, tear strength, and low elongation at working tension. Our belts are designed to offer superior bonding between plies and covers, which directly impacts their life and reliability. We also support clients
with maintenance manuals and technical advice, helping them improve their system’s productivity and reduce downtime.

How critical are conveyor belts in ensuring seamless material handling?
Conveyor belts are a vital link in the supply chain across industries. In sectors like mining, cement, steel, and logistics, they facilitate the efficient movement of materials and help maintain uninterrupted production flows. At Elastocon, we recognise the crucial role of belts in minimising breakdowns and increasing plant uptime. Our belts are built to endure abrasive, high-temperature, or high-load environments. We also advocate proper system maintenance, including correct belt storage, jointing, roller alignment, and idler checks, to ensure smooth and centered belt movement, reducing operational interruptions.

What are the key market and demand drivers for the conveyor belt industry?
The growth of the conveyor belt industry is closely tied to infrastructure development, increased automation, and the push for higher operational efficiency. As industries strive to reduce labor dependency and improve productivity, there is a growing demand for advanced material handling systems. Customers today seek not just reliability, but also cost-effectiveness and technical superiority in the belts they choose. Enhanced product aesthetics and innovation in design are also becoming significant differentiators. These trends are pushing manufacturers to evolve continuously, and Elastocon is leading the way with customer-centric product development.

How does Elastocon address the diverse and evolving requirements of these sectors?
Our strength lies in offering a broad and technically advanced product portfolio that serves various industries. For general-purpose applications, our M24 and DINX/W grade belts offer excellent abrasion resistance, especially for RMHS and cement plants. For high-temperature operations, we provide HR and SHR T2 grade belts, as well as our flagship PYROCON and PYROKING belts, which can withstand extreme heat—up to 250°C continuous and even 400°C peak—thanks to advanced EPM polymers.
We also cater to sectors with specialised needs. For fire-prone environments like underground mining, we offer fire-resistant belts certified to IS 1891 Part V, ISO 340, and MSHA standards. Our OR-grade belts are designed for oil and chemical resistance, making them ideal for fertiliser and chemical industries. In high-moisture applications like food and agriculture, our MR-grade belts ensure optimal performance. This diverse range enables us to meet customer-specific challenges with precision and efficiency.

What core advantages does Elastocon offer that differentiate it from competitors?
Elastocon stands out due to its deep commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. Every belt is customised to the client’s requirements, supported by a strong R&D foundation that keeps us aligned with global standards and trends. Our customer support doesn’t end at product delivery—we provide ongoing technical assistance and after-sales service that help clients maximise the value of their investments. Moreover, our focus on compliance and certifications ensures our belts meet stringent national and international safety and performance standards, giving customers added confidence.

How is Elastocon gearing up to meet its customers’ evolving needs?
We are conscious of the shift towards greener and smarter manufacturing practices. Elastocon is embracing sustainability by incorporating eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient manufacturing techniques. In parallel, we are developing belts that seamlessly integrate with automated systems and smart industrial platforms. Our vision is to make our products not just high-performing but also future-ready—aligned with global sustainability goals and compatible with emerging technologies in industrial automation and predictive maintenance.

What trends do you foresee shaping the future of the conveyor belt industry?
The conveyor belt industry is undergoing a significant transformation. As Industry 4.0 principles gain traction, we expect to see widespread adoption of smart belts equipped with sensors for real-time monitoring, diagnostics, and predictive maintenance. The demand for recyclable materials and sustainable designs will continue to grow. Furthermore, industry-specific customisation will increasingly replace standardisation, and belts will be expected to do more than just transport material—they will be integrated into intelligent production systems. Elastocon is already investing in these future-focused areas to stay ahead of the curve.

Economy & Market

Impactful Branding

Published

3 years ago

July 17, 2023

admin

Advertising or branding is never about driving sales. It’s about creating brand awareness and recall. It’s about conveying the core values of your brand to your consumers. In this context, why is branding important for cement companies? As far as the customers are concerned cement is simply cement. It is precisely for this reason that branding, marketing and advertising of cement becomes crucial. Since the customer is unable to differentiate between the shades of grey, the onus of creating this awareness is carried by the brands. That explains the heavy marketing budgets, celebrity-centric commercials, emotion-invoking taglines and campaigns enunciating the many benefits of their offerings.
Marketing strategies of cement companies have undergone gradual transformation owing to the change in consumer behaviour. While TV commercials are high on humour and emotions to establish a fast connect with the customer, social media campaigns are focussed more on capturing the consumer’s attention in an over-crowded virtual world. Branding for cement companies has become a holistic growth strategy with quantifiable results. This has made brands opt for a mix package of traditional and new-age tools, such as social media. However, the hero of every marketing communication is the message, which encapsulates the unique selling points of the product. That after all is crux of the matter here.
While cement companies are effectively using marketing tools to reach out to the consumers, they need to strengthen the four Cs of the branding process – Consumer, Cost, Communication and Convenience. Putting up the right message, at the right time and at the right place for the right kind of customer demographic is of utmost importance in the long run. It is precisely for this reason that regional players are likely to have an upper hand as they rely on local language and cultural references to drive home the point. But modern marketing and branding domain is exponentially growing and it would be an interesting exercise to tabulate and analyse its impact on branding for cement.