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We anticipate a shift towards eco-friendly formulations

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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

Concrete

Cement Prices To Hold Steady Amid Monsoon Slump

Centrum report says demand weakness will limit hikes

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Centrum, a financial services firm, has reported that cement prices are likely to remain largely unchanged in July as weak demand during the monsoon season constrains pricing power. The report noted that construction activity remained subdued in the first quarter of fiscal year 2027 owing to labour shortages and slower execution of government projects. While June showed some volume recovery driven by delayed monsoons and quarter end sales, dealers are cautious about sustaining any price increases.

The analysis suggested that seasonal slowdown related to monsoon will prolong demand and pricing challenges through the second quarter. Dealers saw most recent attempts at price hikes as protective measures rather than genuine shifts in market fundamentals. They signalled that pockets of demand in select regions could prompt isolated adjustments but that broad based increases were unlikely while construction activity remained weak. Market participants therefore expected a cautious stance on pricing.

The report highlighted that despite intermittent recovery in shipments during June, the underlying demand trajectory remained muted as monsoon hampered site level activity and logistics. Commercial builders and retail dealers both reported constrained order books and slower payment cycles, which in turn reduced room for margin expansion among manufacturers. Analysts noted that unless government project execution accelerates markedly, demand improvement would be gradual. Price setters were thus likely to focus on protecting market shares rather than pursuing aggressive increases.

Market watchers said the near term outlook would be shaped by monsoon progress and fiscal spending patterns, with any acceleration in public works offering the most tangible support. Traders expected that regional variations would persist and that trade flows between surplus and deficit centres would determine local price movements. The report concluded that stakeholders should prepare for a period of subdued pricing until demand signals strengthen.

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Concrete

Cement Prices Set To Stay Under Pressure In July

Monsoon and weak demand keep prices under strain

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A report by Centrum said cement prices are expected to remain largely flat in July as the monsoon and weak demand weigh on the sector. The report said demand during the first quarter of FY27 remained range-bound and below expectations, with dealers across markets pointing to subdued construction activity, labour shortages, elections, heatwaves and slower execution of government projects as key reasons. It noted that some recovery was witnessed in June due to delayed onset of the monsoon and quarter-end volume push.\n\nDealers across most markets do not expect any meaningful price increases in July, the report said, adding that attempts to raise prices in some markets are aimed at defending existing levels rather than achieving significant gains. The sharp correction following the rollback of April hikes has largely played out across most regions, limiting scope for further immediate increases. Seasonal slowdown in construction activity during the monsoon is expected to continue affecting demand and pricing in the coming months.\n\nCentrum indicated that pricing pressure is likely to persist through the second quarter of FY27 as monsoon-related softness continues. Dealers remain cautious about sustainability of any price rise attempts and do not rule out further weakness during the peak monsoon period. The combination of subdued demand and seasonal factors is likely to constrain the industry’s ability to raise prices in the near term. While June saw some improvement in volumes because of delayed rains and quarter-end sales efforts, the broader demand environment remains challenging.\n\nCement companies are therefore expected to focus on maintaining current price levels rather than pursuing aggressive increases as the sector navigates weak demand and seasonal headwinds. The report suggested that unless demand conditions improve significantly, limited scope will exist for meaningful price recovery. Market participants remain watchful for any shifts in execution of infrastructure projects or construction activity that could alter the outlook.

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Concrete

TARIL Secures Ultra Mega Transformer Order From PGCIL

Order for manufacturing transformers to be delivered in 30 months

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Transformers and Rectifiers (India) Limited has received Notifications of Awards from Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL) for multiple contracts to manufacture transformers and undertake associated works. The company submitted the disclosure to BSE and the National Stock Exchange under Regulation 30 of the SEBI Listing Regulations. The submission cited security code 532928 and trading symbol TARIL, and the filings cite the award reference and confirm execution in accordance with the terms and conditions stipulated in the notifications.

The contracts are described as an Ultra Mega Order under the company classification, indicating a value at or above Rs 10 billion (bn) on conversion. The filing identifies the contracts as domestic orders and specifies a scheduled delivery period of 30 months. The scope covers manufacturing of transformers of various ratings together with all associated work. The order size places it in the highest project classification defined in the company’s disclosure.

The disclosure states that the promoter group and group companies have no interest in the awarding entity and that the contracts do not constitute related party transactions. The company noted that the awards will be executed in the normal course of business and not fall within related party transactions. The document reiterates that the company is committed to delivering high quality products and services and has established itself as a leading manufacturer of transformers in the country over time.

Chief Financial Officer Mehul Shah authorised the filing and requested the exchanges to take the information on record, with the company providing the requisite filing reference in its submission. The company indicated that the orders will be executed as per the notifications of awards and the applicable regulatory framework. The original filing is available on the stock exchange portal at the provided link.

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