Economy & Market

We can expect a lot of foreign real estate companies to enter the market

Published

4 years ago

October 14, 2021

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Harsh Bhutani, Executive Director, Hydrobaths Ramco Marketing Fraught with challenges, the industry had nothing to celebrate in 2013. The year 2014 too, may pose the same challenges, unless right steps are taken at the right time. The coming months will certainly call for innovative solutions in building materials and methods. Also, the market is ripe for foreign investors and we shall see some big players entering the market this year, says Harsh Bhutani, Executive Director, Hydrobaths Ramco Marketing. Excerpts from the interview.

To what extent have cement prices impacted the housing sector?
Real estate is the second-largest employment generating sector in India after agriculture, contributing about 5-6 per cent to its GDP. Cement is the key material in any form of construction and thus, a hike in its price will impact the housing sector. Cement prices went up by approximately Rs 7 per kg in the last few months and it hit the real estate market badly. If this situation continues, it will impact the overall real estate market and will lead to a delay in the delivery of projects as well as an increase in real estate prices; this will have an adverse effect on the economy on the whole.

What are your expectations about cement prices in 2014?
The cement industry may continue to face some challenges in 2014. Certain factors like rising labour costs and Indian Railways Busy Season Surcharge (BSS), which saw a hike from 12 per cent to 15 per cent in 2013, may continue to affect the industry. However, the government can help by initiating policies to help the sector. If these issues are not solved, cement prices will remain unstable, affecting the economy as a whole. With an estimated 15 per cent hike in the overall construction cost due to cement price hikes, the common man who will have to shell out more for basic commodities. Housing is one of the most basic needs for a family and with the rise in prices, citizens will be highly pressurised.

Do you foresee of increasing use of RMC for the realty projects in India?
Innovation is the key to progress in all forms of industry. In India, an estimated 480,000 residential units across affordable, mid- level and luxury housing segments will be delayed and there is the urgent need for faster methods of construction to meet this crisis. Other issues include rapid urbanisation, tremendous shortage of skilled labour and the need for hassle-free construction methods. Thus, I believe that conventional methods of construction involving RMC will see an increase but on a parallel track, pre-fabricated material and brick- less technology will gain prominence to meet the demands of this huge sector.

What are the major bottlenecks in the industry and what needs to be done to address them?
For any sector to progress, there needs to be a stable economy. 2013 was very unstable with the falling value of the Indian rupee, rising rates of inflation, tight liquidity, all of which led to the price hike of ancillary industries and eventually, a rise in the price of the projects.

Rising labour cost is a big challenge. Migrant labour from Bihar constitutes around 50 per cent of the unskilled workers employed in these sectors nationally, and labour shortages from states like Bihar result in 35-50 per cent higher wage bills for real estate firms. The government needs to address all these issues.

What new markets trends are we likely to see in 2014?
India has huge potential as a booming economy, and infrastructure and real estate are important determinants of that growth. Looking at the real estate sector, the government has already introduced several regulations like the Real Estate Regulation Bill and Real Estate Investment Trusts, which will provide a boost to the sector. With the huge need for housing in India, new methods of construction to speed up the construction process will be used by the developers. India is gaining prominence on the global map as a place for investment and we can expect a lot of foreign real estate companies to be entering the market. These companies will introduce pre-fabricated products and New Age technologies which will not be as labour- intensive and will make construction a lot faster. Looking at various pressure faced by the builder community, we expect them to look at innovative materials and methods for construction. Among the few alternatives, the most promising are products which can be used in place of brick and cement which are pre- fabricated products. The cost of construction using conventional options (such as brick, cement) is registering an increase, to the tune of 15 to 18 per cent. Products that assists in reducing construction costs and increasing construction speed by three times will be most relevant. This brick-less technology wall system is 1/6 the weight of conventional 4.5Ã¶ brick walls. Pre-fabricated products have thinner walls, thus providing more carpet/ saleable area for the project.Growing environmental concerns and awareness about green buildings will also be reflected in the construction methodologies in the coming years. The relevance of energy-efficient buildings has assumed greater significance in the light of fast depleting energy resources, energy scarcity and environmental pollution.

What are your expectations postelections?
We expect boost the infrastructure industry and refined policies to tackle the issues of inflation, cash flow, transparency in the approvals and acquisition processes of land. Thats should help to uplift the sector.

With an estimated 15 per cent hike in the overall construction cost due to cement price hikes, the common man who will have to shell out more for basic commodities.

Cement prices went up by approximately Rs 7 per kg in the last few months and it hit the real estate market badly.

The cost of construction using conventional options (such as brick, cement) is registering an increase, to the tune of 15 to 18 per cent.

Economy & Market

Fornnax launches world’s biggest secondary/fine shredder for AFR pre-processing

Published

1 week ago

November 7, 2025

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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

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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

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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.