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Concrete

Festive optimism

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As we transition into the festive season, it is crucial to take stock of the current state of India’s key infrastructure sector. August saw a 1.8 per cent contraction, largely attributed to excessive rainfall in many parts of the country, impacting several industries, including cement. The cement sector registered a 3 per cent decline in August 2024, compared to the same period last year, which had seen robust growth of 19.7 per cent, leading to what analysts call a high base effect, as per news reports. Despite this, there remains optimism as we approach the latter part of the year, with industry players anticipating demand revival by the end of Q3.
The evolving dynamics of the cement industry paint an interesting picture. Once dominated by regional and local players, the market has seen significant consolidation, with large companies taking the lead. These larger corporations, with their extensive reach and deep pockets, are strategically shifting focus toward non-trade segments, specifically targeting bulk buyers such as large contractors and infrastructure projects. This shift underscores the importance of India’s infrastructure-led growth focus, further solidified by government-backed projects.
However, the road ahead isn’t without challenges. While non-trade demand is expected to rise after the monsoon, it brings the dilemma of lower margins, potentially putting pressure on cement prices. We witnessed a price hike of Rs.10-20 per bag across regions in August, with more hikes expected in October, ranging from `5-15. Yet, there is uncertainty about whether these increases will hold, especially as market dynamics continue to evolve.
As we celebrate Diwali, I wish all our readers prosperity and success in navigating these changing tides. The coming months will be pivotal, and we look forward to a promising revival across the sector.

Concrete

Star Cement launches ‘Star Smart Building Solutions’

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Star Cement has launched ‘Star Smart Building Solutions,’ a new initiative aimed at promoting sustainable construction practices, as per a recent news report. This venture introduces a range of eco-friendly products, including tile adhesives, tile cleaners and grouts, designed to enhance durability and reduce environmental impact. The company plans to expand this portfolio with additional value-added products in the near future. By focusing on sustainable materials and innovative building solutions, Star Cement aims to contribute to environmentally responsible construction and meet the evolving needs of modern infrastructure development.

Image source:https://www.starcement.co.in/

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Concrete

Nuvoco Vistas reports record quarterly EBITDA

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Nuvoco Vistas reported its highest-ever quarterly consolidated EBITDA of Rs.556 crore in Q4 FY25, with annual EBITDA at Rs.1,391 crore. Cement sales reached 19.4 MMT in FY25, with Q4 contributing 5.7 MMT. Revenue rose 4 per cent YoY to Rs.3,042 crore in Q4. Net debt reduced by Rs.390 crore to Rs.3,640 crore. The company received NCLT approval for acquiring Vadraj Cement, targeting 31 MMTPA capacity by FY27. Key marketing initiatives, expanding RMX and MBM businesses, and a focus on sustainability (457 kg CO2/tonne) drove performance. Nuvoco remains focused on premiumisation, operational efficiency, and market expansion.

Image source:nuvoco.com

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Concrete

UltraTech Cement increases capacity by 1.4Mt/yr

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UltraTech Cement has expanded its production capacity by 1.4 million tonnes per annum (Mt/yr) through a combination of debottlenecking efforts and operational efficiency upgrades across several of its plants. The enhancements include an addition of 0.6Mt/yr in grinding capacity at the Nagpur facility in Maharashtra and a combined 0.8Mt/yr at the Panipat and Jhajjar units in Haryana. With these upgrades, the company’s total domestic grey cement capacity has risen to 184.8Mt/yr, while its global capacity now stands at 190.2Mt/yr.

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