Concrete

We anticipate a shift towards eco-friendly formulations

Published

9 months ago

June 14, 2024

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Amit Mehta, Vice President – Operations, Wonder Cement, talks about leveraging advanced lubrication solutions to optimise machinery performance and reduce environmental impact.

What kind of lubricants are used in your cement plants? What are their applications?
At Wonder Cement, we use specialised lubricants tailored to the demands of cement manufacturing. These include high-performance greases and oils designed to reduce friction in heavy machinery, prevent wear and tear on critical components, and ensure smooth operations throughout our cement plants. Each lubricant is carefully selected based on its application, whether it’s for bearings, gears, hydraulics or other essential machinery components. Our goal is to maximise efficiency, prolong equipment lifespan and maintain the highest standards of operational excellence.

Tell us about lubricant storage and quality maintenance in cement plants?
Lubricant storage and quality maintenance are paramount in our cement plants. We have dedicated storage facilities equipped with proper ventilation and temperature control to prevent contamination and degradation. Regular inspections and stringent quality control measures are implemented to maintain the integrity of our lubricants and ensure their efficacy in plant operations.

In terms of sustainability, what measures do you take to reduce the environmental impact of lubricant use in your facility?
At Wonder Cement, we prioritise sustainability in every aspect of our operations, including lubricant use. To reduce the environmental impact, we implement measures such as:

Adoption of eco-friendly lubricants formulated to minimise pollution and waste.
Implementation of efficient application techniques to reduce overuse and minimise leakage.
Regular monitoring and maintenance of equipment to ensure optimal lubricant performance and prevent environmental contamination.
Collaboration with suppliers to source lubricants with lower environmental footprints and higher biodegradability.
Continuous research and development to explore innovative solutions for further reducing
the environmental impact of lubricant use in our facility.

Can external factors like heat, humidity,dust etc. have an impact on the functionality of lubricants?
Yes, external factors such as heat, humidity and dust can indeed impact the functionality of lubricants. These conditions can lead to accelerated degradation of lubricants, reduced viscosity, and increased susceptibility to contamination, ultimately affecting the performance and lifespan of machinery.
At Wonder Cement, we address these challenges through robust lubrication strategies designed
to withstand adverse environmental conditions, ensuring uninterrupted operation and optimal equipment performance.

How do you evaluate the cost-effectiveness of different lubricants, and what factors do you consider when making purchasing decisions?
We evaluate the cost-effectiveness of different lubricants through a comprehensive analysis. Factors considered include performance metrics, longevity, environmental impact, and overall operational efficiency. Our purchasing decisions prioritise value without compromising on quality or sustainability. Our goal is to strike a balance between cost-effectiveness and performance excellence.

Tell us about the changes and improvements that have been made in the lubrication technology.
We have proactively embraced advancements in lubrication technology to enhance operational efficiency and sustainability. Our dedication to research and development has enabled us to implement advanced formulations and innovative application methods, aimed at maximising equipment performance while minimising waste generation. Through the adoption of automated lubrication systems for critical applications, we prioritise efficiency optimisation and resource consumption reduction. Our ongoing commitment to integrating cutting-edge solutions underscores our dedication to maintaining industry-leading standards and minimising environmental impact.

How often are audits and reviews conducted for lubricant health at cement plants?
We conduct thorough and routine audits and reviews to assess the health of our lubricants with meticulous attention to detail. Adhering to a stringent schedule, audits are carried out at minimum quarterly intervals to guarantee the optimal performance and integrity of our lubricants. These regular assessments enable us to proactively detect and address any potential issues, thereby upholding the highest standards of operational efficiency and equipment reliability. Our steadfast commitment to regular audits underscores our unwavering dedication to excellence and sustainability in the field of cement manufacturing. Additionally, we have dedicated in-house laboratory facilities for testing of physical properties and monitoring of lubricant health.

– Kanika Mathur

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Concrete

UltraTech Cement Ventures into Wires and Cables with Rs 18 Bn Plan

The New Gujarat Plant Marks Expansion in Construction Value Chain.

Published

1 week ago

February 28, 2025

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UltraTech Cement has announced its foray into the wires and cables segment, further expanding its footprint in the construction value chain. The Aditya Birla Group company will invest Rs 18 billion in setting up a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility near Bharuch, Gujarat, which is expected to commence operations by December 2026. An initial investment of Rs 1 billion has already been made towards the project.

The UltraTech board of directors approved the strategic expansion, reaffirming the company’s commitment to strengthening its position as a comprehensive building solutions provider. This move follows last year’s entry into the decorative paints sector with the launch of Birla Opus, signalling the company’s diversification beyond its core cement business.

Strategic Market Entry and Growth Potential
UltraTech Cement aims to tap into the growing demand for wires and cables across residential, commercial, infrastructure, and industrial sectors. The wires and cables industry in India has witnessed a robust revenue growth of approximately 13% between FY2019 and FY2024, driven by rising urbanisation, infrastructure development, and increasing adoption of branded products over unorganised players.

UltraTech believes its entry into this high-growth sector will be value accretive for its shareholders, presenting a compelling opportunity to establish a credible, large-scale presence in the organised market.

Core Cement Business Remains a Priority
Despite this diversification, UltraTech Cement remains firmly committed to its core cement business. The company recently achieved a milestone cement production capacity of over 175 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) in India. It continues to strengthen its leadership position through strategic acquisitions and capacity expansions, especially amid intense competition from Ambuja Cements, owned by the Adani Group.

Industry Outlook: A Diversified Future for Construction Materials
The construction materials industry in India is witnessing rapid evolution, with companies increasingly diversifying their portfolios to cater to a growing and dynamic market. With infrastructure development and urbanisation on the rise, demand for complementary building materials such as wires, cables, and paints is expected to surge. UltraTech’s strategic expansion aligns with this trend, positioning it to capitalise on emerging opportunities while reinforcing its leadership in cement manufacturing.

Concrete

Star Cement to Invest Rs 32 Bn in Assam for New Clinker Plant

The MoU was signed at Advantage Assam 2.0 to boost state’s industrial growth.

Published

1 week ago

February 28, 2025

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In a significant boost to Assam’s industrial expansion, Star Cement Ltd has announced a Rs 32 billoninvestment to establish a state-of-the-art cement clinker and grinding plant in the region. The commitment was formalised with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Assam government and the company on the concluding day of the Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment and Infrastructure Summit 2025.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, addressing the gathering, lauded the commitment of leading investors towards the state’s economic progress. He underscored that such projects reinforce Assam’s position as an emerging industrial hub. “The investment commitments we have received reflect Assam’s potential as a centre for industries and innovation. These projects will significantly contribute to our vision of a developed and self-reliant Assam,” he stated.

This ambitious proposal by Star Cement aligns with Assam’s broader vision of fostering large-scale industrialisation, particularly in key sectors such as manufacturing, infrastructure, and green energy. The project is expected to create significant employment opportunities and contribute to the state’s economic landscape.

Surge in Investments Across Sectors
Beyond Star Cement’s investment, the Assam government secured several other strategic MoUs during the summit. Among them was an agreement with Matheson Hydrogen Lvt Ltd, which will set up a Rs 15 billion hydrogen and steam generation facility, marking a crucial step in Assam’s transition towards clean energy.

Additionally, the state signed a Rs 5 billion MoU with Global Health Ltd to bolster healthcare infrastructure, while ITE Education Services partnered with the government to enhance educational facilities through two non-financial agreements.

Over the two-day event, Assam witnessed the signing of a record-breaking 164 MoUs spanning 15 sectors, reinforcing its status as a promising investment destination. The chief minister hinted at further agreements being finalised, underscoring the growing confidence of investors in Assam’s potential.

Market Outlook: Assam’s Industrial and Economic Trajectory
The surge in investments at the Advantage Assam 2.0 summit highlights the state’s evolving business landscape. With an emphasis on industrial diversification, infrastructure development, and sustainable energy solutions, Assam is poised to emerge as a key player in India’s economic growth story. The increasing participation of major companies across various sectors signals a robust economic trajectory, further solidifying Assam’s reputation as a preferred destination for investors seeking growth and innovation.

Concrete

Kaushalya Logistics Expands with New Varanasi Depot for Adani Cement

Kaushalya Logistics has been actively expanding its depot network to support cement manufacturers with faster turnaround times.

Published

2 weeks ago

February 27, 2025

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Kaushalya Logistics, a diversified conglomerate specializing in logistics for the cement industry, has expanded its operations with the commencement of services at the Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh) depot of ACC, a part of the Adani Cement Group. This development aligns with the company’s strategic growth objectives, aimed at enhancing supply chain efficiencies and streamlining cement distribution across key regions in India.

The Varanasi depot, established under the CCFA model, marks the company’s sixth location and eighth depot under this framework. Designed to manage over 20,000 metric tons of cement per month, the facility will contribute to improved inventory management and timely deliveries. As the cement industry experiences strong demand growth, efficient distribution networks play a critical role in ensuring seamless supply chain operations.

Kaushalya Logistics has been actively expanding its depot network to support cement manufacturers with faster turnaround times, optimized inventory management, and cost-effective logistics solutions. Through automation, digital tracking systems, and operational excellence, the company continues to enhance its service offerings, aligning with the evolving needs of the industry.

The launch of the Varanasi depot is part of Kaushalya Logistics’ aggressive expansion strategy, which has seen the establishment of 19 new depots in FY 2024-25. With this addition, the company’s total network has grown to 93 depots, significantly strengthening its market presence. This expansion further reinforces Kaushalya Logistics’ role as a key logistics partner for leading cement manufacturers, ensuring efficient and uninterrupted cement distribution across diverse regions in India.

News source: ANI