Concrete

Leveraging Technology for Efficiency

Published

3 years ago

April 12, 2023

admin

Nischal Mehrotra, Vice President, Sales & Marketing LiuGong India, discusses the role of advanced engineering technology in developing efficient equipment for the cement industry.

Tell us about the equipment used at limestone quarries and coal mines that majorly supply to cement plants?
The equipment used in limestone quarries and coal mines can vary depending on the type of mining operation and the specific needs of the cement plant. However, some common types of equipment used in these industries include:

Drilling equipment: This includes drill rigs and drilling machines that are used to create holes in the ground to extract the limestone or coal.
Excavators: These are heavy-duty machines used to remove large amounts of soil, rock, and other materials from the ground.
Loaders: These are used to move materials, such as limestone and coal, from the ground to trucks or conveyors for transport to the cement plant.
Crushers: These are machines that break down large rocks into smaller pieces for easier transport and processing.
Conveyors: These are used to transport materials from one location to another, such as from the quarry or mine to the cement plant.
Bulldozers: These are used to level and shape the ground for mining operations and to move large quantities of material.
Blasting equipment: This is used to break up rock formations in the quarry or mine to make it easier to extract the limestone or coal.
Haul trucks: These are used to transport materials from the quarry or mine to the cement plant.

The equipment used in limestone quarries and coal mines that supply to cement plants can be quite diverse, but these are some common types that you might find in these industries.

What is the USP of your equipment that makes them the choice for operation by
any contractor?
The company provides a range of construction equipment and machinery for various applications, such as earthmoving, mining, road construction, and material handling. Here are some USPs of Liugong India machinery that make them a preferred choice for contractors:

Quality and reliability: Liugong India machinery is known for its quality and reliability. The company uses advanced technology and high-quality materials to manufacture its machines, ensuring they are durable and able to withstand tough working conditions.
Fuel efficiency: Liugong India machinery is designed to be fuel-efficient, which helps contractors save money on fuel costs. This is achieved through advanced engine technology and optimised machine design.
Versatility: Liugong India machinery is versatile and can be used for various applications, such as earthmoving, mining, and material handling. This makes it a preferred choice for contractors who need equipment that can perform
multiple tasks.
Low maintenance: Liugong India machinery is designed to require minimal maintenance, which helps reduce downtime and maintenance costs. The company also offers excellent after-sales support to ensure the machines are always in top condition.
Operator comfort and safety: Liugong India machinery is designed with operator comfort and safety in mind. The cabs are spacious and ergonomic, providing a comfortable working environment for the operator. The machines are also equipped with advanced safety features to prevent accidents and ensure operator safety.

Liugong India machinery is a preferred choice for contractors due to its quality, reliability, fuel efficiency, versatility, low maintenance, and operator comfort and safety.

How do you achieve cost efficiency and profitability in your operations?
Liugong India can achieve cost efficiency and profitability in its operations by focusing on the following strategies:

Manufacturing efficiency: Liugong India can focus on optimising its manufacturing processes to reduce costs and improve efficiency. This can be achieved through automation, lean manufacturing principles, and other process improvement strategies.
Supply chain management: Effective supply chain management can help Liugong India reduce costs and improve profitability. This can include optimising logistics, sourcing raw materials at competitive prices, and managing inventory levels.
After-sales support: Providing excellent after-sales support can help Liugong India improve customer satisfaction and retention. This can lead to repeat business and positive word-of-mouth recommendations, which can ultimately help improve profitability.
Product innovation: Liugong India can focus on developing innovative products that meet the changing needs of its customers. This can help the company differentiate itself from competitors and capture market share, leading to improved profitability.
Strategic partnerships: Liugong India can form strategic partnerships with other companies to improve its operations. For example, partnering with a logistics company can help reduce transportation costs, while partnering with a technology company can help improve manufacturing processes.

By focusing on these strategies, Liugong India can achieve cost efficiency and profitability in its operations. This will help the company remain competitive in the market and continue to grow its business.

What is the role of technology in achieving efficiency in your operations?

Technology plays a critical role in helping Liugong India achieve efficiency in its operations. Here are some examples of how technology is used by Liugong India to achieve efficiency:

Advanced engineering: Liugong India uses advanced engineering technology to design and manufacture its machines. This includes computer-aided design (CAD) software and simulations that allow engineers to optimise machine performance and reduce the need for physical prototyping.
Telematics: Liugong India machines are equipped with telematics systems that allow for remote monitoring and diagnostics. This helps to identify and address issues quickly, reducing downtime and improving machine performance.
Automation: Liugong India uses automation technology to improve manufacturing efficiency and reduce costs. For example, robots can be used for welding, painting, and other repetitive tasks, reducing the need for manual labor.
Fuel efficiency: Liugong India machines are designed with fuel-efficient engines and other features that help reduce fuel consumption. This not only saves money on fuel costs but also reduces the environmental impact of the machines.
Connectivity: Liugong India machines can be connected to the internet, allowing for real-time data sharing and analysis. This can help optimise machine performance, reduce downtime, and improve overall efficiency.

Technology plays a crucial role in helping Liugong India achieve efficiency in its operations. By leveraging advanced engineering, telematics, automation, fuel efficiency, and connectivity.

How do you ensure the delivery of quality product post mining or quarrying?
Liugong India ensures the delivery of quality products post-mining or quarrying by implementing the following measures:

Quality control: Liugong India implements rigorous quality control measures at every stage of the manufacturing process. This includes using high-quality materials, testing components before assembly, and conducting final inspections before the machines are shipped.
After-sales support: Liugong India provides excellent after-sales support to ensure its machines are always in top condition. This includes regular maintenance, repairs, and replacements of parts as needed.
Training and education: Liugong India provides training and education to its customers to
ensure they are able to operate the machines safely and effectively. This includes operator training, maintenance training, and troubleshooting support.
Customer feedback: Liugong India actively seeks feedback from its customers to identify areas for improvement and ensure that its machines meet their needs. This feedback is used to improve the design and functionality of the machines.
Warranty: Liugong India provides a warranty on its machines to ensure customers have peace of mind and are protected against manufacturing defects.

By implementing these measures, Liugong India ensures the delivery of quality products post-mining or quarrying. This helps to build trust with its customers and improve its reputation in the market.

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Cement Makers’ Margins To Fall Rs 50-75 Per Tonne Amid West Asia Conflict

Crisil Sees Margins Easing Despite Steady Demand

Published

1 week ago

July 29, 2026

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Crisil said operating margins of Indian cement manufacturers are expected to decline by Rs 50-75 per tonne (t) this fiscal to Rs 925-950 per t due to higher input costs triggered by the West Asia conflict. The analysis covered 18 cement companies accounting for nearly 90 per cent of India’s domestic cement capacity and noted margins had improved sharply to around Rs 1,000 per t in fiscal 2026.

Crisil noted that the reduction would be driven mainly by higher power and fuel costs, which account for about 30 per cent of total costs, as petcoke and imported coal prices have surged amid geopolitical uncertainties. Freight costs, which account for about a quarter of total costs, are also expected to remain elevated because of higher diesel prices. The impact on profitability is likely to be more pronounced in the first half of the fiscal year before easing commodity prices moderate cost pressures later.

The rating agency said steady domestic demand and strong balance sheets should keep credit profiles stable despite the moderation in margins. Green energy currently accounts for 35-40 per cent of the sector’s total electricity consumption and is expected to partly cushion higher energy costs. Operating cash flows are likely to remain resilient, supported by projected 6-7 per cent growth in cement demand this fiscal.

Crisil highlighted that demand growth will be driven primarily by infrastructure spending, which meets about one-third of sector consumption, and by a nearly 18 per cent higher budgetary allocation for core ministries that should support project execution. Weaker rural housing demand amid pressure on agricultural incomes from a possible below-average monsoon may be offset by improved urban housing demand supported by favourable home-loan rates and a strong pipeline of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban projects. Ongoing capacity additions will keep capital expenditure elevated and may lift net debt to EBITDA to between 1.2 and 1.4 times from around 1.0 time last fiscal, though ratios are expected to remain healthy.

Concrete

UltraTech Board Approves Rs 50 bn Fundraise Via NCDs

Company to issue half a million debentures for expansion plan

Published

1 week ago

July 28, 2026

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UltraTech Cement’s board of directors has approved raising Rs 5,000 crore (Rs 50 bn) through non?convertible debentures issued in rupees.

The finance committee cleared a proposal to issue up to 500,000 fully paid, unsecured, listed, rated, redeemable, rupee?denominated, non?convertible, non?cumulative debentures of Rs 1 lakh each (Rs 0.1 mn each), aggregating to the Rs 5,000 crore programme.

As of June 2026 the firm reported net debt of Rs 15,875 crore (Rs 158.75 bn) and said its capacity expansion projects under execution are backed by capital expenditure of about Rs 17,000 crore (Rs 170 bn) over the next two to two?and?a?half years.

UltraTech spent Rs 9,500 crore (Rs 95 bn) on capital expenditure in financial year 2026 and in April the group crossed 200.1 mn tonnes per annum of domestic grey cement capacity and 205.5 mn tonnes per annum of global capacity.

The chief financial officer indicated the company would take consolidated capacity beyond 242 mn tonnes per annum, with grey cement capacity reaching 212.7 mn tonnes per annum by the end of financial year 2027. He noted the net debt?to?earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation ratio stood at 0.87 times as of June 2026 and the company was confident of ending financial year 2027 with the ratio below one time.

In the first quarter of financial year 2026?27 UltraTech’s net profit attributable to owners rose 16.8 per cent year?on?year to Rs 2,599.3 crore (Rs 25.993 bn) and revenue from operations increased 15.9 per cent to Rs 24,648.20 crore (Rs 246.482 bn). The board approval is expected to complement internal cash flows as the company advances its expansion programme.

Concrete

Lokesh Lays Stone For Rs 31 Billion Cement Unit In Kadapa

Line-2 expansion to make Kadapa a major cement hub

Published

2 weeks ago

July 20, 2026

admin

Andhra Pradesh Education and IT Minister Nara Lokesh on Wednesday laid the foundation stone for the Line-2 expansion of Dalmia Bharat Cement at Chinnakomerla village in Mylavaram Mandal in Kadapa district. The project carries an investment of Rs 31 billion (bn) and is slated for completion by the third quarter of the financial year 2028. The expansion is intended to boost industrial growth and employment generation across the Rayalaseema region.

Once commissioned, the Kadapa facility will become Dalmia Bharat’s largest integrated cement manufacturing ecosystem in southern India, creating over 1,000 direct and indirect jobs and opening new business avenues for regional micro, small and medium enterprises and transport operators. Lokesh said the expansion signalled growing corporate confidence in the state and reflected the practical ease of doing business that secured repeat investment.

He placed the project within the government’s wider economic targets and recalled the Yuvagalam padayatra commitment to generate two million (mn) jobs within five years, noting that the state would cultivate talent while industry created opportunities. Lokesh highlighted Andhra Pradesh’s competitive pursuit of major manufacturing accounts, mentioning past successes and a personal initiative to engage global investors when persuading them to anchor expansion in the state.

The plant will leverage Kadapa’s abundant limestone reserves to scale production and sustainability. Clinker capacity is planned to rise from two point five million tonnes per annum (mn tpa) to six point one mn tpa, while overall cement output will increase from three point six mn tpa to nine point six mn tpa. The unit is designed to operate on over eighty per cent renewable energy and deploy waste heat recovery, zero liquid discharge, water recycling and advanced AI systems to optimise efficiency. Industries Minister TG Bharat, BC Welfare Minister S. Savitha and Jammalamadugu MLA C. Adinarayana Reddy attended the ceremony.