Concrete

We anticipate a shift towards eco-friendly formulations

Published

2 years 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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Shree Digvijay Cement Reports Annual And Quarterly Results

Annual revenue rises as EBITDA expands sequentially

Published

2 days ago

May 5, 2026

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Shree Digvijay Cement Company Limited reported consolidated financial results for the quarter and year ended 31 March 2026, showing higher revenues and improved profitability. Revenue from operations for the quarter was Rs 2,084.7 mn, up from Rs 1,833.4 mn in the prior quarter, while revenue for the year was Rs 7,491.0 mn versus Rs 7,251.5 mn a year earlier. EBITDA for the quarter rose to Rs 251.0 mn from Rs 38.4 mn in the preceding quarter and reached Rs 746.1 mn for the year. Profit after tax for the year was Rs 250.0 mn.

Sales volume for the company s grinding and cement operations was zero point three six four mn t in the quarter and one point four zero three mn t for the year, while traded volumes were zero point zero three mn t in the quarter. EBITDA per tonne improved to Rs637 in the quarter and averaged Rs521 for the year. Under a brand usage, supply and distributorship agreement the company sold 29,928 t of Hi Bond cement, which generated Rs153.6 mn in revenue and Rs20.0 mn in EBITDA during the period.

The company said that it had commenced purchase and distribution of Hi Bond cement effective 19 March 2026 pursuant to the long term distributorship agreement, and that it had paid a refundable security deposit of Rs four bn under the same arrangement. Management indicated that the strategic integration with the Hi Bond network would support future growth and strengthen distribution capabilities. The board cited seasonally higher demand and improved pricing as factors behind the sequential improvement in realisations.

The board recommended a final dividend of Rs one per equity share subject to shareholder approval at the ensuing annual general meeting. The company reiterated focus on sustaining the positive momentum in revenue and margin metrics while integrating the new distributorship, and will continue to monitor market conditions and pricing trends to support further improvement in outcomes.

Concrete

Cement Production Up Eight Point Six Per Cent To 491.4 mn t In FY26

Icra Sees Seven To Eight Per Cent Growth In FY27

Published

3 days ago

May 4, 2026

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Icra reported that cement production volumes rose by eight point six per cent in the financial year 2026 to 491.4 million (mn) metric tonne (t). March output was 48.4 mn t, up four per cent year on year on a high base.

The agency projected that volumes are expected to grow by seven to eight per cent in the current financial year, supported by sustained demand from the housing and infrastructure sectors. Average cement prices were reported to have remained flat in March at Rs 340 per bag on a month on month basis, while prices for FY26 increased by two per cent to Rs 345 per bag year on year.

Among inputs, coal prices declined by 17 per cent year on year to USD 102 per t in April 2026 while petcoke prices rose sharply by 19 per cent month on month and 22 per cent year on year to around Rs 15,800 per t in April. Petcoke was higher by about five per cent year on year in FY26 and diesel prices were reported to have remained steady. Icra noted that coal, petcoke and diesel are expected to trend higher in FY27 and remain exposed to risks from the ongoing West Asia conflict.

The report emphasised that operating margins for Icra’s sample set of companies are estimated to moderate by 200 to 400 basis points (bps) in FY27 on account of a likely increase in input costs, with further downside risks should crude prices rise owing to geopolitical tensions. However, debt protection metrics are projected to remain comfortable and Icra maintained a stable outlook on the Indian cement sector.

Concrete

UltraTech Cement FY26 PAT Crosses Rs 80 bn

Company reports record sales, profit and 200 MTPA capacity milestone

Published

1 week ago

April 29, 2026

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UltraTech Cement reported record financial performance for Q4 and FY26, supported by strong volumes, higher profitability and improved cost efficiency. Consolidated net sales for Q4 FY26 rose 12 per cent year-on-year to Rs 254.67 billion, while PBIDT increased 20 per cent to Rs 56.88 billion. PAT, excluding exceptional items, grew 21 per cent to Rs 30.11 billion.

For FY26, consolidated net sales stood at Rs 873.84 billion, up 17 per cent from Rs 749.36 billion in FY25. PBIDT rose 32 per cent to Rs 175.98 billion, while PAT increased 36 per cent to Rs 83.05 billion, crossing the Rs 80 billion mark for the first time.

India grey cement volumes reached 42.41 million tonnes in Q4 FY26, up 9.3 per cent year-on-year, with capacity utilisation at 89 per cent. Full-year India grey cement volumes stood at 145 million tonnes. Energy costs declined 3 per cent, aided by a higher green power mix of 43 per cent in Q4.

The company’s domestic grey cement capacity has crossed 200 MTPA, reaching 200.1 MTPA, while global capacity stands at 205.5 MTPA. UltraTech also recommended a special dividend of Rs 2.40 billion per share value basis equivalent to Rs 240.