Concrete

Cement demand to outpace supply growth

Published

3 years ago

August 10, 2023

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Industry experts scheduled to converge for 14th Cement EXPO, India’s biggest cement event on Dec 14-15 in Delhi

The ongoing consolidation within the cement sector is poised to yield positive outcomes for the industry. The Ambuja-Sanghi deal itself was concluded at an adjusted enterprise value to tonne (EV/T) ratio of $70/tonne.

Projections suggest that the cement industry’s capacity will experience an incremental increase at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.2 percent. In contrast, the demand for cement is expected to outpace this supply growth, with a projected CAGR of 8.2 percent. “Given the firmness in real estate trends coupled with the infrastructure outlay and execution speed, demand for cement will outpace the supply growth,” says Pratap Padode, Founder & President, FIRST Construction Council. FIRST Construction Council, in partnership with the 37-year-old Indian Cement Review, India’s only cement magazine, is set to orchestrate the highly anticipated 14th Cement EXPO. This landmark event is slated to transpire on December 14-15, 2023, at the prestigious Manekshaw Centre in Delhi. A convergence of industry pioneers, experts, and innovators, the 14th CEMENT EXPO aims to shape the future of the cement sector through collaboration, exchange of ideas, and visionary insights. A dedicated division of the Foundation of Infrastructure Research Studies Training (FIRST), a registered not-for-profit Trust under the Bombay Public Trust Act 1950, FIRST Construction Council has joined forces with India Cement Review to curate an event that stands as a beacon of progress within the industry. The 14th CEMENT EXPO enjoys the support and endorsement of esteemed bodies including the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Govt of India, National Highway Builder Federation, Federation of Industries, Ready Mixed Concrete Manufacturer’s Association, ISSE, and several others.

Guided by a Board of Governors consisting of luminaries and thought leaders, FIRST Construction Council brings together exceptional minds including:Architect Hafeez ContractorDK Sen, Director at L&TPradeep Singh, Former Vice Chairman & MD of IDFC ProjectsSumit Banerjee, Former Vice Chairman of Reliance InfrastructureSandeep Singh, Managing Director of Tata HitachiSanjay Seth, CEO of GRIHA Council & Executive Director of TERI

The 14th Cement EXPO is poised to be a monumental gathering, attracting over 1000 delegates from the cement industry across India and abroad. This event provides an inclusive platform for stakeholders to converge, fostering global connections with representatives from Nepal, Sri Lanka, GCC, Maldives, Singapore, and other international locales. A highlight of the event, the Indian Cement Review Awards, will pay tribute to individuals who have spearheaded transformative strides within the cement industry.

With a robust agenda featuring 8 illuminating Panel Discussions, featuring a distinguished lineup of more than 60 Speakers, and hosting over 100 Exhibitors, the 14th Cement EXPO promises to be an engaging, enlightening, and interactive forum. With an array of more than 12 Industry Awards and an anticipated audience of over 1500 participants, the event aspires to unite all stakeholders under one roof to deliberate on the industry’s trajectory. Recognized as a pivotal industry platform, the 14th Cement EXPO provides an opportunity for cement and concrete manufacturers, allied industries, equipment players, logistics experts, and cement consumers to collaboratively engage in solution-oriented discussions and collectively support the growth of both quality and quantity of cement in India.

For exhibition space booking call Sujoy: 86577 95881 or email at Sujoy.G@ASAPPinfoGlobal.com

For more information and to register for the event, please visit www.cementexpo.in.

About FIRST Construction Council: FIRST Construction Council, a transformative division of the Foundation of Infrastructure Research Studies Training (FIRST), operates as a dedicated catalyst for advancing innovation, growth, and sustainable development within the construction and infrastructure sector.

About India Cement Review: For over three decades, India Cement Review, a revered monthly magazine, has consistently provided valuable insights, analysis, and updates to industry professionals, establishing itself as a trusted source of knowledge within the cement sector.

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Concrete

JK Lakshmi Cement Begins Rs 110 Billion Assam Plant Project

The 2.5 MTPA integrated cement plant is expected to be completed by FY2029.

Published

5 hours ago

October 31, 2026

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JK Lakshmi Cement has recently laid the foundation stone for Project Kamakshi, its first integrated cement manufacturing facility in Assam, marking its entry into Northeast India. The groundbreaking ceremony was held at Umrangso village in Dima Hasao district in the presence of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

The project involves an investment of Rs 110 billion, including the mining lease, and will have an annual cement production capacity of 2.5 million tonnes, supported by a 1 million tonne clinkerisation unit. Scheduled for completion by FY2029, the facility is expected to generate employment for over 2,000 people while catering primarily to the growing Northeast market.

The integrated plant will feature dedicated railway sidings to facilitate efficient transportation of raw materials and finished cement, strengthening supply chain reliability and regional distribution.

Vinita Singhania, Chairperson and Managing Director, JK Lakshmi Cement, said, “”Project Kamakshi is the start of a long-term relationship with Assam and the wider North East. This is a region that is building fast, and it deserves quality cement made close to home. With this plant, we want to bring scale, jobs, and dependable supply to the region. At JK Lakshmi Cement, we believe that building a stronger India goes beyond infrastructure. It is also about growing together with the communities we serve.””

The investment aligns with the company’s strategy to expand into high-growth markets beyond its established presence in Northern, Western and Eastern India. The project is also expected to support regional economic development and infrastructure growth.

JK Lakshmi Cement aims to pursue its expansion plans while working towards its long-term target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2047.

Concrete

JK Lakshmi Cement to Expand EV Fleet to 120 Vehicles by March 2027

JK Lakshmi Cement has deployed more than 70 EVs across its logistics network.

Published

1 day ago

October 30, 2026

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JK Lakshmi Cement has deployed more than 70 electric vehicles (EVs) across its logistics network and plans to increase the fleet to 120 vehicles by March 2027. The expansion is part of its decarbonisation strategy, which aims to reduce transport-related emissions and improve operational efficiency.

The company has achieved nearly 100 per cent EV-based clinker dispatches from its Sirohi plant in Rajasthan to the Kalol Grinding Unit in Gujarat. The transition marks an increased use of electric mobility for long-haul cement transportation and is intended to lower the environmental impact of logistics operations.

The existing fleet operates on routes connecting the Sirohi plant with the Kalol Grinding Unit, Palanpur Unit and Surat Grinding Unit. JK Lakshmi Cement is working with electric vehicle logistics providers SwitchLabs and Billion E to support fleet deployment and manage transportation requirements across these routes.

The company expects the planned expansion to increase the use of electric mobility throughout its logistics network for moving cement and clinker. Chairperson and Managing Director Vinita Singhania said the programme reflected the integration of sustainable practices with the company’s focus on long-term business efficiency, while describing the Sirohi–Kalol transition as an important step in its wider decarbonisation strategy.

The EV programme forms part of JK Lakshmi Cement’s green logistics and sustainability roadmap, alongside initiatives to improve efficiency and reduce emissions across its value chain. The company has set a long-term target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2047. It is part of the JK Organisation and operates integrated cement plants in Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, along with grinding units in Gujarat, Haryana and Odisha. The company has an annual turnover of more than Rs. 60 bn, combined cement capacity of approximately 18 mn t per annum and a target to raise capacity to 30 mn t by 2030. Its portfolio includes ready-mix concrete, gypsum plaster, wall putty, primer, adhesives and fly ash blocks.

Concrete

Martin Engineering Appoints Ashwini Khunte as India General Manager

Published

1 day ago

October 30, 2026

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Martin Engineering names Ashwini Khunte India General Manager to strengthen operations and drive growth across key bulk material handling sectors.

Pune

Martin Engineering, a global provider of bulk material handling solutions, has appointed Ashwini Khunte as General Manager of its India business, strengthening its leadership as the company expands its presence across the country’s cement, mining, steel, power and infrastructure sectors.

Khunte brings more than a decade of experience with Martin Engineering, having joined its Indian operations in 2013 as a Design Engineer, shortly after the company established its presence in the country in 2012.

A mechanical engineer by qualification, she spent her initial five years developing bulk material handling solutions in collaboration with the company’s operations team. During this period, she gained extensive experience addressing operational challenges in the steel, cement and coal industries. She subsequently moved into project engineering, managing major engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) projects from initial enquiry to commissioning. Her responsibilities later expanded to overseeing Martin Engineering’s conveyor product portfolio in India, involving customer engagement, technical presentations and site visits across heavy industries.

In 2024, Khunte was promoted to Head of Sales & Marketing for the company’s Europe, Middle East, Africa and India (EMEAI) region. The position broadened her international market exposure and strengthened her strategic and commercial leadership capabilities.

Commenting on her appointment, Ashwini Khunte, General Manager, Martin Engineering India, said: “India represents a tremendous opportunity for Martin Engineering. The country’s continued investment in cement, mining, steel, power and infrastructure is creating increasing demand for safer, cleaner and more productive bulk material handling, and that’s exactly what we do. My priority will be to build on the strong foundations already established in India, while continuing to develop our people, strengthen customer relationships and bring practical solutions to the challenges faced by our industry.”

Robert Whetstone, Area Vice President – EMEAI, Martin Engineering, highlighted Khunte’s technical expertise, market understanding and leadership experience.

“Ashwini brings an exceptional combination of technical understanding, customer knowledge and commercial leadership. She has grown as Martin Engineering has grown, and has consistently demonstrated outstanding capability to transform her expertise into practical solutions. Her knowledge of the Indian market, together with her international experience, makes her ideally suited to lead our India business through its next stage of growth for years to come.”

Since establishing its Indian business in 2012, Martin Engineering has expanded its local workforce, manufacturing capabilities and dealership network. The company supplies conveyor products, transfer point solutions, material flow aids, training and technical support to bulk material handling industries. Khunte’s appointment positions the company to further strengthen customer relationships and expand its solutions portfolio in India’s growing industrial and infrastructure markets.