Concrete

I foresee a good future for the cement market

Published

1 year ago

October 19, 2023

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Rajesh Pathak, Managing Director, Schenck Process Solutions India, talks about how kiln performance can be improved with the use of advanced technology.

Tell us about the MULTICOR® processing system by Schenck Process.
MULTICOR® is a weighing and feeding equipment. The highlight of this system is its high accuracy and consistency. This system helps to improve and better the kiln performance in cement industries. It is a German technology, which is being used for various cement plants, and fits best with the demand of accuracy that is a prerequisite for the cement manufacturers. Our system helps better the
kiln process.

How does MULTICOR® help cement plants to achieve high accuracy in feeding?
In the past, obtaining precise results using mechanical equipment was a challenge. Today MULTICOR® uses a unique measuring system based upon Coriolis Principle, wherein a constant speed motor is used to drive the MULTICOR®. Any variation in feed rate results in change in motor torque, which is measured by loadcell fitted with specially designed mechanism. This input is given to the controller DISOCONT TERSUS, which controls the pre-feeder to nullify the variation in MULTICOR® output thereby resulting in constant feed rate. Whenever it comes to continuous metering, controlling and feeding of significant material amounts, we offer MULTICOR® mass flow meters and feeders to our customers. For example: The heating of the raw meal to make cement clinker takes place in rotary kilns at a temperature of around 1450° C. The raw meal is fed into the kiln by MULTICOR® mass flow feed devices, which exploit the Coriolis effect, works as per the pull principle. Further the MULTICOR® mass flow meters are also used for coal dosing into the kiln and calciners.

Are your systems tailor made to customer requirements?
Since our core value is to meet customer expectations, we meet and understand customer requirements and make alterations in the system for it to fit suitably in their process. There are two different types of MULTICOR® systems for Pyro; (a) For Coal-Schenck offers combination of MULTICELL® (pre-feeder) + MULTICOR® K (Measuring Unit) (b) For Raw Meal- Schenck offers combination of Dosing Valve (pre-feeder) + MULTICOR® S (Measuring Unit).

What impact does your system create on the cost efficiency for cement manufacturers?
• Assists in meeting CO2 reduction targets.
• Better ROI.
• Retrofitting of solutions into existing plants.
• Co-operation with a global solution provider, who understands the market and production
needs.
• Enabling cement producers to reduce their investment levels in capital equipment and operating costs, utilising the MULTICOR® systems.
It is simple to install due to its in-line implementation and compact construction. Maintenance and repair costs are both very low.

How does your equipment incorporate eco-friendly measures?
Our equipment operates in a manner that uses power optimally. Believing in the principle that power saved is power generated, we contribute towards a greener future for cement.

How do you envision your future with the Indian cement industry?
I hope that in the coming years, the market will keep looking for advanced technology roadmap. With improvement in the infrastructure development, our equipment and system/solutions will be an integral part of the growth journey of cement industry. I foresee a good future for the cement market.
Schenck Process has more than 200 installations of MULTICOR® systems in India and the numbers are growing with high degree of customer satisfaction. The repeat orders from the major cement OEMs are a vote of confidence for Schenck Process for high quality, performance and best services.

-Kanika Mathur

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Concrete

Construction Costs Rise 11% in 2024, Driven by Labour Expenses

Cement Prices Decline 15%, But Labour Costs Surge by 25%

Published

2 days ago

November 19, 2024

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The cost of construction in India increased by 11% over the past year, primarily driven by a 25% rise in labour expenses, according to Colliers India. While prices of key materials like cement dropped by 15% and steel saw a marginal 1% decrease, the surge in labour costs stretched construction budgets across sectors.

“Labour, which constitutes over a quarter of construction costs, has seen significant inflation due to the demand for skilled workers and associated training and compliance costs,” said Badal Yagnik, CEO of Colliers India.

The residential segment experienced the sharpest cost escalation due to a growing focus on quality construction and demand for gated communities. Meanwhile, commercial and industrial real estate remained resilient, with 37 million square feet of office space and 22 million square feet of warehousing space completed in the first nine months of 2024.

“Despite rising costs, investments in automation and training are helping developers address manpower challenges and streamline project timelines,” said Vimal Nadar, senior director at Colliers India.

With labour costs continuing to influence overall construction expenses, developers are exploring strategies to optimize operations and mitigate rising costs.

Concrete

Swiss Steel to Cut 800 Jobs

Job cuts due to weak demand

Published

3 days ago

November 18, 2024

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Swiss Steel has announced plans to cut 800 jobs as part of a restructuring effort, triggered by weak demand in the global steel market. The company, a major player in the European steel industry, cited an ongoing slowdown in demand as the primary reason behind the workforce reduction. These job cuts are expected to impact various departments across its operations, including production and administrative functions.

The steel industry has been facing significant challenges due to reduced demand from key sectors such as construction and automotive manufacturing. Additionally, the broader economic slowdown in Europe, coupled with rising energy costs, has further strained the profitability of steel producers like Swiss Steel. In response to these conditions, the company has decided to streamline its operations to ensure long-term sustainability.

Swiss Steel’s decision to cut jobs is part of a broader trend in the steel industry, where companies are adjusting to volatile market conditions. The move is aimed at reducing operational costs and improving efficiency, but it highlights the continuing pressures faced by the manufacturing sector amid uncertain global economic conditions.

The layoffs are expected to occur across Swiss Steel’s production facilities and corporate offices, as the company focuses on consolidating its workforce. Despite these cuts, Swiss Steel plans to continue its efforts to innovate and adapt to market demands, with an emphasis on high-value, specialty steel products.

Concrete

UltraTech Cement to raise Rs 3,000 crore via NCDs to boost financial flexibility

UltraTech reported a 36% year-on-year (YoY) decline in net profit, dropping to Rs 825 crore

Published

3 days ago

November 18, 2024

admin

UltraTech Cement, the Aditya Birla Group’s flagship company, has announced plans to raise up to Rs 3,000 crore through the private placement of non-convertible debentures (NCDs) in one or more tranches. The move aims to strengthen the company’s financial position amid increasing competition in the cement sector.

UltraTech’s finance committee has approved the issuance of rupee-denominated, unsecured, redeemable, and listed NCDs. The company has experienced strong stock performance, with its share price rising 22% over the past year, boosting its market capitalization to approximately Rs 3.1 lakh crore.

For Q2 FY2025, UltraTech reported a 36% year-on-year (YoY) decline in net profit, dropping to Rs 825 crore, below analyst expectations. Revenue for the quarter also fell 2% YoY to Rs 15,635 crore, and EBITDA margins contracted by 300 basis points. Despite this, the company saw a 3% increase in domestic sales volume, supported by lower energy costs.

In a strategic move, UltraTech invested Rs 3,954 crore for a 32.7% equity stake in India Cements, further solidifying its position in South India. UltraTech holds an 11% market share in the region, while competitor Adani holds 6%. UltraTech also secured $500 million through a sustainability-linked loan, underscoring its focus on sustainable growth driven by infrastructure and housing demand.