Economy & Market

Power cuts have affected industries in AP

Published

3 years ago

October 14, 2021

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K Ravi, Managing Director, NCL IndustriesHaving started as a mini cement plant with a modest capacity of 200 tonne per day (66000 tpd) the NCL Cement Division has gone through several rounds of expansion. K Ravi, Managing Director, NCL Industries, talks to ICR about the USP of the company, steps taken for maintaining quality and how the power holiday is creating a profound impact on the industries in Andhra Pradesh.What are your views on the current scenario of the cement industry? The cement industry in India has grown substantially as cement is one of the major elements in construction work. Though majority of the players in cement industry in India are from private sector, the industry is highly regulated. The consumption of cement has also increased gradually in recent times, by over 8 per cent. Demand for cement from the southern part of the country is high, as there have been more real estate and construction activities in that region. The lack of rain this year has allowed construction companies to continue working as usual and this has pushed up demand for cement by more than 10 per cent all over India in the months of October, November and December 2012. However, in the south, even though there is a potential for growth and some more companies (both existing and new) are planning to set up their new units in the coming years, at present there seems to be a mismatch between demand and supply. Consequently, the present cement prices are not favourable for the industry. We feel that the cement industry will play a crucial role in both infrastructure and housing in the near future.By the end of the year 2012, the price of cements in various states dropped drastically, your forecast on 2013?Yes, the price of cement in various states did drop during the last quarter. However, the latest market reports indicate that there has been a slight improvement in pricing on account of the recent diesel price hike. Since the construction activity will be normally at peak levels from now onwards up to June/July, the cement industry is likely to post better performance in the next two quarters. How do you plan to keep in pace with the latest technologies at your cement plant? NCL Industries are always on the lookout for adopting modern technologies in their processing units. Recent Capacity Expansion was completely done using latest technological improvements like Vertical Roller Mills for raw materials and fuel grinding, online sampling equipment, Stack Monitoring and Gas analysers, RABH for preventing dust emission. Latest pendulum no spillage clinker cooler is installed for better heat recuperation. The company has adopted their standards at higher levels for all the products being manufactured i.e, cement, cement bonded particle boards and ready mix concrete.
What is the USP of the cement produced by your company? Quality’ and wide spread retail dealer network (more than 1500 dealers) are the main strengths for our cement.How important is location while setting up a cement plant?Considering the nature of materials to be handled in manufacturing cement, the location should be a balancing act between market and raw materials. Keeping this in view, most of the cement manufacturing companies are operating from split locations. Clinker, which is a semi finished product stage of cement, will be manufactured at the prime location or main factory which will be closer to major raw material sources. Clinker grinding plants are being set up at various locations which will be closer to the market. With this approach, instead of transporting entire cement to the market, only clinker will be transported which will be normally 60 to 70 per cent of any blended cements (PPC / Slag). Thus, substantial transport cost savings can be achieved. ‘What are the measures taken by the company to maintain the standards of the quality of cement produced?A well equipped laboratory is established with X-ray analyser and Sample Preparation equipment where the product i.e, cement is analysed from the first stage of manufacturing to finishing stage, i.e., at every intermittent level to maintain consistent quality and standards. At present, the cement division of NCL Industries is producing different grades of cement like 43 Grade, 53 Grade, 53 Grade S for railways and PPC.How has the power holiday in Andhra Pradesh affected your business?The prevailing situation in Andhra Pradesh (AP). is different as compared to other southern states and rest of India. Drastic power cuts and lack of sufficient coal supplies have badly affected industries in AP. (except those industries having captive power plants). Keeping this in view, we are proposing to set up a 30 mw captive thermal power plant with a capital outlay of app. Rs 150 crores and the financial closure for the project is under final stages of progress.What are the greatest challenges faced by the cement industry today? Cement industry faced many challenges since its inception. These challenges include pricing, Government policies on taxation, demand and supply mismatch/gap, competition, takeover threats and amalgamations, etc. The growth of the cement industry is directly proportional to the growth of the country’s economy, and the current economic slowdown has negatively affected the cement industry. Bank funding has become costlier, and this has affected expansion plans of many companies. Lack of coal is the one of the major hindrances, how do you combat the same. As observed rightly, currently, one of the main problems is that the cement industry is facing lack of sufficient coal supplies at right point of time at reasonable rates. The industry is now dependant on imported coal procured at high costs. This results in erosion of margins.Does the company have any plans of expanding to other markets and what is the strategy behind operating only in AP?As far as cement business is concerned, we are expanding our dealer network in other states such as Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Orissa and Maharashtra (as of now, we have more than 300 retail dealers in these states). Whereas, our cement boards, with the brand name ‘Bison Panel,’ are marketed throughout India. What is the company doing to envisage its retail visibility?We are keeping the Stock Exchanges informed with the developments taking place in the company. We are doing Analysts meets etc as and when there are some significant happenings and sharing the information with the stock analysts. Alot of cement companies have been blamed for malpractices in the industry, what is your take on it?No comments on this as NCL is no way is connected in this.

Concrete

The RAHSTA to Innovation

Published

4 weeks ago

November 23, 2024

Roshna

As part of the 10th India Construction Festival, the RAHSTA Awards recognised outstanding contributions to the road construction industry.

On October 10, 2024, the RAHSTA Awards were held at the Jio Convention Centre in Mumbai, forming a significant part of the 10th India Construction Festival. This esteemed event serves as a pivotal platform for recognising and honouring outstanding contributions in the road construction industry, particularly those that prioritise sustainability, innovation and excellence.
RAHSTA, an acronym for ‘Roads and Highways Sustainable Technologies & Advancement’, has become synonymous with the promotion of advancements in road construction equipment and technologies. Organised by the FIRST Construction Council, the awards seek to highlight the importance of sustainable practices in infrastructure development and celebrate those organisations that lead the way in this critical area.
At the event, Pratap Padode, Founder, FIRST Construction Council, underscored the importance of skilling the workforce in the construction sector. He pointed out that construction is India’s second-largest employer, with the potential to reach 100 million jobs by 2030. However, he emphasised that a significant portion of this workforce remains unskilled, with 80 per cent of the 70 million workers lacking adequate training.
“To bridge this skill gap, we must incorporate practical orientation in engineering and management courses,” Padode urged. He highlighted the Indian Government’s initiative to onboard 1 crore interns through CSR funding over five years, encouraging construction companies to participate actively
in this programme. By doing so, he said, the industry could not only enhance skill development but also position itself for future growth and sustainability.

The RAHSTA Awards recognised seven outstanding contributions to the road construction sector, celebrating innovations that drive sustainability and efficiency:

Award for Highest Standards of Excellence in Road Engineering & Construction: Patel Infrastructure
Award for Excellence in Bridge Engineering: L&T Construction, DIAL Phase 3A Project
Best Road Financier Award: HDFC Bank
Award for Best Use of Waste Material Recycling in Road Construction: Tata Steel
Best Digital Technology Award in Road Building: Cube Highways and Transport Assets Advisors
Award for Excellence in Project Management: Haryana Rural Road Infrastructure Development Agency
Innovation Award in Project Execution:
CC Precast Solutions
Indeed, the RAHSTA Awards 2024 were more than just a ceremony; they represented a vital call to action for the road construction sector in India. By highlighting the importance of sustainability and technological advancement, the awards inspired industry stakeholders to strive for excellence
and innovation.
As the event concluded, it left attendees with a renewed sense of purpose and a collective vision for a more sustainable and efficient future in infrastructure development. The RAHSTA Awards stand as a testament to the possibilities that lie ahead when industry leaders come together to embrace change and foster growth.

Concrete

Equipment India Awards 2024!

Published

4 weeks ago

November 23, 2024

Roshna

The titans of the construction equipment industry were honoured at the 12th BKT Equipment India Awards 2024.

On October 10, 2024, Mumbai played host to the much-anticipated 12th BKT Equipment India Awards 2024, an event that recognised and celebrated the outstanding achievements within the construction equipment sector. The grand ceremony took place at Jio Convention Centre and was among the highlights of the India Construction Festival, which gathered industry leaders, manufacturers and financiers from across the nation to honour innovation and excellence in this vital sector.
The inaugural addresses set a reflective tone for the evening, emphasising the importance of collaboration and information sharing within the industry. In his opening speech, Pratap Padode, Founder, First Construction Council, remarked, “At Equipment India, we have always tried to enhance the standard of the industry. During this 17th year of our existence, we still find that companies are trying to hide behind a veil as far as the disclosure of factual data is concerned.” His emphasis on transparency resonated with the audience, highlighting the critical need for the construction equipment sector to adopt best practices for data sharing, akin to those seen in the automobile industry.
For his part, Vipin Sondhi, Chairman, RAHSTA Committee, and former MD and CEO, JCB India and Ashok Leyland, also shared optimistic insights, stating, “Today, we celebrate not just the figures but the remarkable individuals behind them – the innovators, manufacturers and teams that push the boundaries of what’s possible.” He highlighted the impressive growth of equipment sales, which saw a 26 per cent increase during FY2023-24, reflecting strong market recovery and renewed confidence.
The 12th BKT Equipment India Awards not only celebrated the achievements of key players in the construction equipment sector but also served as a reminder of the collective effort required to drive the industry forward. The event reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the industry’s ongoing evolution, ensuring that India remains a significant player in the global construction equipment market. With the industry poised to grow at a CAGR of 12 per cent, reaching $25 billion by the end of the decade, the evening left attendees inspired and motivated to continue pushing boundaries in their respective fields.
A significant highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Equipment India Person of the Year 2024 award to Jaideep Shekhar, Managing Director, Terex India. Under his astute leadership, the company has achieved remarkable growth, marked by innovation and a commitment to excellence. The jury praised his strategic vision, which has not only propelled the company’s success but also contributed positively to the broader industry landscape.
Receiving the award, Shekhar expressed heartfelt gratitude, stating, “I’m deeply grateful to the jury and Equipment India for this remarkable honour. This award reflects not only my contributions but also the dedication and hard work of my team. I have been associated with the industry for more than 25 years and this award motivates me to keep pushing boundaries and to lead the growth
with integrity.”
The award presentation was made all the more special by the presence of previous winners of the Equipment India Persons of the Year, including Vipin Sondhi, former MD and CEO, JCB India (Equipment India Person of the Year 2013); Sandeep Singh, Managing Director, Tata Hitachi Construction Machinery (Equipment India Person of the Year 2015); and Dimitrov Krishnan, Managing Director, Volvo Construction Equipment India (Equipment India Person of the Year 2013).
The event also witnessed the recognition of numerous companies across various categories, showcasing the best of the best in the construction equipment sector. Indeed, as the industry gears up for future challenges, the awards stood as a testament to resilience, creativity and the unwavering spirit of collaboration. Together, the participants are set to build a brighter tomorrow for the construction equipment industry in India, fostering innovation and sustainable practices that will serve the nation for years to come.

Winners of the 12th BKT Equipment India Awards

Equipment India Person of the Year 2024:Jaideep Shekhar, Managing Director, Terex IndiaGreen Factory of the Year: Tata Hitachi Construction Machinery
Best After-Sales Service Provider: Tata Hitachi Construction Machinery
Concrete Pumps: Schwing Stetter India
Truck Cranes: Sany Heavy Industry India
Asphalt Plants: Ammann India
Asphalt Finishers: Ammann India
Batching Plants: Schwing Stetter India
Crawler Cranes: Sany Heavy Industry India
Piling Rigs: Sany Heavy Industry India
Rigid Dump Trucks: Caterpillar India
Motor Graders: Caterpillar India
Mini Excavators: Tata Hitachi Construction Machinery
Crawler Excavators: Tata Hitachi Construction Machinery
Mobile Cranes: Action Construction Equipment
Crawler Dozers: BEML
Skid-Steer Loaders: Doosan Bobcat India
Wheel Loaders: LiuGong India
Self-Loading Concrete Mixers: AJAX Engineering
Tower Cranes: Action Construction Equipment
Compaction Equipment: Case Construction
Mobile Cranes: Action Construction Equipment

“I congratulate ASAPP Info Global on the outstanding success of the conference and award shows! It was a privilege to be part of such an insightful session with industry leaders.”
– Sanjay Koul, President- India and South East Asia and Managing Director, Timken India

Concrete

22nd CONSTRUCTION WORLD Global Awards Excellence Revisited!

Published

4 weeks ago

November 23, 2024

Roshna

At the 22nd CONSTRUCTION WORLD Global Awards, over 50 awards in 21categories were presented to industry stalwarts.

The 22nd CONSTRUCTION WORLD Global Awards, was held on October 9 and 10, 2024, at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai, and hosted by infrastructure think-tank FIRST Construction Council in partnership with CONSTRUCTION WORLD (CW) and Equipment India (EI) magazines. Incidentally, the spectacular RAHSTA Expo was India’s first indoor trade fair for construction equipment technology.

Benchmarked to global standards
At the inaugural session, Sanjay Bhatia, Upa-Lokayukta, Government of Maharashtra, along with Vipin Sondhi, Chairman, RAHSTA Expo Committee, and Pratap Padode, Founder, FIRST Construction Council, inaugurated the RAHSTA Expo. Expressing delight at the huge display of construction technology, Bhatia said, “The expo has put the construction industry on an international standard. India is experiencing nation-building at a robust pace and I am truly impressed with the work now being done by our youth with their startups, many of whom are showcasing their innovation here.”

Special bytes
At the 22nd CONSTRUCTION WORLD Global Awards, over 50 awards in 21 categories were presented to over 50 companies.
“I am thrilled to accept this award on behalf of Century Ply,” said Anup Mangaserri, Chief Executive Officer – Laminates, Century Plyboards India.
“It’s an honour to be recognised and I extend my heartfelt thanks.”
“Tata Consulting Engineers has made significant strides in nation-building projects in India and
high-impact engineering efforts abroad,” said BR Parthasarathy, Senior Vice President and Head – Infrastructure Cluster, Tata Consulting Engineers (TCE), sharing his pride in receiving the ENR Award. “This recognition underscores our global capabilities and we are honoured to be part of this journey.”
For his part, Sarat Chandak, CEO, H&R Johnson, said, “We are truly delighted to receive this award as the most admired brand in the construction world. This recognition reflects the dedication and hard work of the brand over its six-year journey in India. Thank you for acknowledging our efforts.”
And Sandeep Desai, Executive Director, and Ananta Rayaprolu, Director, Afcons Infrastructure, noted, “This is a proud moment for the entire Afcons team to have this particular trophy and prestigious award. Afcons has always been at the forefront of extreme engineering, and we are really happy for this acknowledgment, which motivates us to continue pushing the boundaries of innovation.”
Joining the chorus of gratitude, Manish Kumar, Executive Vice President, ITD Cementation, stated, “It is an incredible honour to receive this award and to be here for this event, which is very well organised. Being recognised among the best of our peers in the industry is truly a privilege. I accept this on behalf of my team and company and we are deeply grateful for this recognition.”
Many winners addressed the efforts that led to their recognition. “We are extremely proud and thankful that our founder has received the CW Person of the Year (Private Sector) award,” said Hardik Agrawal, Director, Dineshchandra Agrawal (DRAIPL). “This recognition reflects the relentless efforts of the entire Dinesh Chandra Group. We are deeply motivated by this honour and we thank the CONSTRUCTION WORLD Global Awards for this acknowledgment.” And Lalit Chhabra, Managing Director, PINI India, added, “It is a tremendous honour to receive this award. We are delighted that our global efforts have been recognised. This is a testament to what we have done in the past and our hard work. We look forward to improving our ranking in the years to come.”
Sharing his excitement, Ryoya Watanabe,
Senior Manager – BD & Marketing Division, Nippon Koei India, said, “We are headquartered in Tokyo and I am excited and honoured to accept this prestigious award. Thank you very much for this recognition.”
Meanwhile, Saji Samuel, Executive Vice President (Long Products), JSW Steel, brought the conversation around to India’s bright future. “I feel elated with this award because this is going to propel India into a five trillion-dollar economy as quickly as possible,” he remarked. “I wish CONSTRUCTION WORLD all the very best and hope many new companies will participate in this event going forward. I feel very proud to hold this trophy in my hand on behalf of my company.”
This collection of leaders from different sectors was a showcase of the diversity and excellence celebrated by these prestigious awards, marking significant milestones in their respective industries.
As Rajiv Poddar, Managing Director, BKT, observed, “India Construction Festival 2024 has once again proven to be an invaluable platform for the construction equipment industry. The convergence of innovative ideas and collaborative efforts showcased here reflects our collective commitment to growth and excellence. Congratulations to ASAPP Info Global for orchestrating such a successful event and to all the award winners – your achievements are a testament to the bright future of our industry.”

An event to remember Another highlight of the event was the launch of Pratap Padode’s book, Tarmac to Towers – India’s Infrastructure Story.
Indeed, in keeping with tradition, the annual CWGA Awards ceremony was a memorable celebration of architectural achievements and a platform for dialogue on critical issues affecting the construction industry.