Economy & Market

Optimising Pyroprocessing with Refractories

Published

2 years ago

December 24, 2024

Roshna

Refractories are vital to cement manufacturing, ensuring efficiency, durability, and sustainability in pyroprocessing. Innovations in materials, technology and recycling are transforming the industry while advancing its environmental goals.

The cement industry operates in a challenging environment of extreme temperatures, chemical reactions, and mechanical stresses, particularly during pyroprocessing. As the backbone of cement manufacturing, pyroprocessing transforms raw materials into clinker by subjecting them to temperatures of up to 1450°C. Refractories play a vital role in ensuring the efficiency, durability, and sustainability of this process by protecting equipment and enabling the process to endure hostile conditions.
This article explores the critical role of refractories in pyroprocessing, the advancements in technology improving efficiency, and the integration of sustainability in cement manufacturing through innovative refractory solutions.

Fundamentals of pyroprocessing and refractories
Pyroprocessing is a key stage in cement manufacturing, encompassing calcination, sintering, and fusion processes in high-temperature environments. The rotary kiln, the centrepiece of this stage, requires robust refractory linings to withstand extreme conditions, including high heat, abrasion, and chemical corrosion.
Refractories, crafted from materials like fireclay, high alumina, magnesia, and dolomite, form the protective shield of kilns, preheaters, and coolers. These materials are tailored to specific zones within the kiln, such as the:

Burning zone: Magnesia-spinel and high alumina bricks are commonly used for their ability to resist extreme heat and mechanical stress.
Preheater zone: Alumina-silicate refractories are selected for their thermal shock resistance and insulating properties.
Cooling zone: Abrasion-resistant castables provide durability under high mechanical wear.

Mayank Gugalia, Director, Mahakoshal Refractories, says, “Our company focuses exclusively on alumina refractories, setting us apart from competitors. While others may diversify into basic refractories or flow controls, we prioritise becoming the best in the alumina segment. In terms of volume, we are among India’s largest manufacturers, and our quality standards have earned us a leading position domestically and in export markets, including the Middle East and Europe. Our commitment to sustainability further strengthens our reputation as a trusted and environmentally responsible manufacturer.”
For example, an Indian cement plant reported a 10 per cent reduction in fuel consumption after upgrading to magnesia-spinel bricks in the burning zone, demonstrating how material choices directly impact operational efficiency.

Challenges and advances in refractory performance
Refractories face multiple stressors, including:

Chemical corrosion: Aggressive reactions from alternative fuels and raw materials can degrade linings.
Thermal shock: Rapid temperature fluctuations can cause cracking and spalling.
Mechanical wear: Continuous abrasion from clinker and raw materials erodes refractory surfaces.

Increased use of alternative fuels such as industrial waste adds another layer of complexity. These fuels can introduce unburned residues and chemical byproducts, accelerating refractory degradation.
Mayank Kamdar, Marketing Director, Lilanand Magnesite, says, “One of the biggest challenges in the refractory industry is the reliance on natural mineral resources. As these resources are finite, their quality can vary, which poses a challenge in ensuring consistent product quality. To address this, we explore new sources for raw materials and also develop synthetic products that offer consistent quality. By doing so, we ensure that our products meet the high standards required by our customers, even as natural resources become scarcer.”
“We are always striving to improve our products through continuous research and development. Currently, one of the key areas of focus is adapting our products to the increasing use of alternative fuels and municipal waste in cement kilns. Over the years, we have developed specialised products designed to withstand the challenging environments created by the burning of alternative fuels. For example, we offer anti-coating castables that are highly durable and suited for use in areas such as the kiln inlet, where AFR and municipal waste are burned,”
he adds.

To counter these challenges, the industry has developed advanced solutions:

Active spinel technology: Improves resistance to slag attack and enhances thermal stability, especially in burning zones.
Nanotechnology in refractories: Nano-bonded castables demonstrate up to 30 per cent higher strength, better insulation and resistance to thermal shocks.
IS impregnation: This innovative method enhances density and corrosion resistance in alumina-based refractories, prolonging their lifespan.

Shreesh A Khadilkar, Consultant and Advisor, and Former Director Quality and Product Development, ACC, explains, “Reducing conditions can have substantial effects on clinker quality like problems with sulphur integration, Alite decomposition (strength reduction), conversion from C4AF to C3A (acceleration of setting), change in color of cement (from greenish grey to brownish), the detection of reducing conditions could be done using ‘Magotteaux Test’, it is important to assess the reducing conditions whether internal or peripheral, would indicate possible reasons.”
“Internal reducing conditions indicate that due to changes in liquid viscosity the larger clinker nodules are black from outside but yellow to brownish in the internal core. Such clinker nodules roll down from the transition zone with an unburnt core which disintegrates on cooling due to gamma C2S. Such nodules have high free lime, delocalised or peripheral reducing conditions due to larger size of solid AFR component (shredded size) showing CO peaks,”he adds.
For example, a cement plant using high-chrome refractories successfully transitioned to using 70 per cent alternative fuels, withstanding the increased chemical stress and maintaining operational reliability.

Role of technology in pyroprocessing
Modern technologies are revolutionising pyroprocessing by making it more efficient and precise. Key advancements include:

Digital monitoring and IoT integration: Smart refractories embedded with sensors provide real-time data on temperature, stress and wear patterns. This enables predictive maintenance, reducing unplanned downtimes and extending the life of kiln linings.
Simulation and modelling tools: Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and thermodynamic modelling help optimise kiln design and refractory placement. These tools predict thermal loads and chemical reactions, ensuring that refractory materials are matched precisely to process requirements.
Robotic installation: Automated systems for lining kilns ensure uniform installation, reducing human error and improving refractory performance.
Artificial intelligence (AI): AI-driven systems analyse process data to optimise fuel usage, kiln rotation speeds, and temperature profiles, enhancing both energy efficiency and refractory durability.

“Technology plays a critical role in achieving our goals and supporting the cement industry. As I mentioned earlier, the reduction in specific refractory consumption is driven by two key factors: refining customer processes and enhancing refractory quality. By working closely as partners with our customers, we gain a deeper understanding of their evolving needs, enabling us to continuously innovate. For example, in November 2022, we established a state-of-the-art research centre in India for IFGL, something we didn’t have before,” says Arasu Shanmugam, Director and CEO India, IFGL.
“The primary objective of this centre is to leverage in-house technology to enhance the utilisation of recycled materials in manufacturing our products. By increasing the proportion of recycled materials, we reduce the depletion of natural resources and greenhouse gas emissions. In essence, our focus is on developing sustainable, green refractories while promoting circularity in our business processes. This multi-faceted approach ensures we contribute to environmental sustainability while meeting the industry’s demands,” he elaborates.
Such innovations help cement plants operate at peak efficiency, improving both productivity and sustainability.

Sustainability in cement manufacturing
The cement industry is under growing pressure to reduce its carbon footprint, and pyroprocessing plays a crucial role in achieving sustainability goals. Refractories, often overlooked in this context, are key enablers of sustainable practices.
“IKN plays a pivotal role in enhancing the operational efficiency of cement plants while aligning with global sustainability objectives. Historically, clinker coolers required frequent maintenance, with intervals as short as five to six months. This led to regular shutdowns, which disrupted operations and increased costs. With IKN’s advanced cooling solutions, cement plants can now operate their coolers for extended periods without significant maintenance. Our coolers are not only more reliable but also consume less power, which directly reduces energy costs. Additionally, the high heat recuperation efficiency of our systems ensures that less fuel is required for the cement-making process, contributing to a lower carbon footprint. Sustainability is embedded in our solutions. By reducing energy consumption, optimising processes, and minimising maintenance, we help our customers achieve their operational goals while supporting their commitment to environmental stewardship,” says Madhusudan Rasiraju, Country Head, IKN India.
Refractory recycling and circular economy: Used refractory linings are now being recycled to recover valuable raw materials like alumina and magnesia. This reduces waste and conserves natural resources. For instance, a medium-sized cement plant can recycle up to 30 per cent of its refractory waste annually, cutting down disposal costs and environmental impact.
Energy efficiency through advanced materials: High-performance refractories with low thermal conductivity reduce heat loss from kilns, improving energy efficiency. Magnesia bricks, for example, retain heat better, lowering fuel consumption by as much as 15 per cent.
Compatibility with alternative fuels: Sustainability efforts often involve transitioning to alternative fuels such as biomass and waste-derived fuels. Advanced refractory technologies are designed to withstand the chemical and thermal stresses associated with these fuels, enabling their wider adoption.
Low-carbon manufacturing of refractories: Manufacturers are now adopting eco-friendly processes to produce refractories. Innovations like solar calcination for raw materials and carbon-neutral binders are setting new benchmarks for sustainability.
“Sustainability is a key priority for us, and we have been actively engaged in decarbonisation efforts for many years. We launched our sustainability program five years ago, with a clear focus on reducing the environmental impact of our operations. Over time, we have become leaders in this space, particularly with the advent of hydrogen technology. We were one of the pioneers in the hydrogen sector, not only in developing hydrogen combustion solutions but also in the liquefaction of hydrogen for use in various industrial applications. In fact, we were the first company in India to sell a hydrogen burner, which was used for a 52-megawatt boiler application. Beyond hydrogen, we are also focused on finding alternative solid fuels for cement manufacturing. We are currently working on developing hybrid technologies that combine hydrogen, alternative solid fuels, and fossil fuels. This combination is crucial for reducing the carbon footprint in the cement industry. We are continuously investing in research and development to create innovative solutions that can accelerate the global shift toward decarbonisation,” says Rahul Rajgor, Managing Director, Fives Combustion.
By integrating these practices, the cement industry is making strides toward achieving net-zero emissions while maintaining operational efficiency.

Economic and operational impact
While refractory materials constitute only 2-3 per cent of total cement plant costs, their impact on efficiency and profitability is immense. Proper refractory selection, combined with advanced installation and maintenance techniques, can save plants hundreds of thousands of dollars annually. For example, extending the lifespan of linings in the preheater zone by six months can reduce maintenance costs by $200,000. Similarly, using high-quality castables in cooling zones has been shown to decrease clinker cooling times, boosting production output.

Conclusion
Refractories are the unsung heroes of cement manufacturing, ensuring the efficiency and resilience of pyroprocessing operations. Advances in technology and material science continue to push the boundaries of refractory performance, while sustainability initiatives are transforming how refractories are produced, used, and recycled.
As the cement industry evolves to meet global demands for efficiency and sustainability, refractories will remain at the forefront, enabling the industry to tackle its most critical challenges with innovation and precision. By prioritising high-quality materials, embracing technology and adopting sustainable practices, the cement industry can secure a future that balances profitability with environmental responsibility.

– Kanika Mathur

Up Next

Achieving Net Zero is an inspiring challenge

Don't Miss

Technology is the cornerstone of clinker cooling

Economy & Market

The Road Ahead Begins Here

Published

10 hours ago

August 11, 2026

admin

The future of India’s roads took centrestage at RAHSTA Expo 2026, where policymakers, contractors and industry leaders came together under one roof. The event blended thought leadership, technology showcase and industry recognition into a single powerful platform.

India’s roads and highways community gathered in full strength at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai, for the 16th edition of the RAHSTA Expo (Roads and Highways Sustainable Technologies & Advancement). Over two action-packed days, the event brought together policymakers, contractors, consultants, developers, equipment manufacturers, material suppliers, technology providers and investors to deliberate on the future of India’s ,infrastructure while showcasing the latest innovations driving the sector.

The event culminated in the prestigious RAHSTA Awards, where Shri. Ajay Tamta, Union Minister of State for Road Transport & Highways, felicitated organisations and professionals for their outstanding contributions to road construction, engineering, safety, sustainability and technology. With leading contractors, senior government officials, industry veterans and technology providers under one roof, the event reaffirmed RAHSTA’s position as one of India’s most influential platforms for the roads, highways, bridges and tunnels ecosystem.

Organised by FIRST Construction Council in association with ASAPP Info Global Group, RAHSTA has steadily evolved beyond an exhibition into a platform where policy, technology, engineering and business converge to address the opportunities and challenges shaping India’s next generation of transport infrastructure.

Beyond expansion, towards value

The conference opened with a thought-provoking address by Pratap Padode, Founder and Editor-in-Chief, Construction World, who observed that India’s highways sector has reached an important inflection point. Introducing this year’s theme – ‘From Expansion to Value: The Next Phase of India’s Highways’ – he noted that while the country has successfully expanded its road network over the past two decades, the industry’s priorities are now shifting towards building infrastructure that delivers greater lifecycle value, durability, safety and operational efficiency. With funding pressures, asset monetisation and evolving project models changing the sector’s dynamics, he said the focus must now move beyond kilometres constructed to the quality and long-term performance of every asset.

Dr Brijesh Dixit, Managing Director, Maharashtra State Infrastructure Development Corporation (MSIDC), reminded delegates that successful infrastructure delivery is ultimately a collective effort. Emphasising on collaboration between government, industry and engineering professionals, he remarked, “There is no loser in a winning team, and there is no winner in a losing team,” urging stakeholders to work together to deliver projects with quality, financial sustainability and technological excellence.

Delivering the keynote address, Bidur Kant Jha, Director, New Technologies for Highway Development, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH), outlined the Government’s long-term vision for India’s highway network. Highlighting the country’s 6.26 million km roads network, he spoke about the growing adoption of digital planning tools such as BIM and GIS, bridge health monitoring systems and Integrated Smart Transport Corridors under the Vision 2047 roadmap. He emphasised that while India remains open to global innovations, every new technology must be adapted to Indian conditions before large-scale deployment.

Addressing the gathering during the awards ceremony, Tamta underlined the increasing role of specialised equipment and modern construction technologies in executing complex infrastructure projects across diverse terrains. Referring to challenging tunnel projects in Uttarakhand, he noted how advanced machinery has transformed execution capabilities, while also acknowledging the rapid evolution of Indian contractors into globally competitive infrastructure companies. Recognising excellence through industry awards, he said, motivates organisations to continually raise performance standards and embrace innovation.

Meanwhile, Dr Sanjay Mukherjee, IAS, Metropolitan Commissioner, MMRDA, highlighted that infrastructure development must increasingly focus on integrated urban mobility. Reflecting on Mumbai’s engineering journey – from its historic underground utility network to the Coastal Road and other transformative projects – he underlined that future infrastructure planning must seamlessly integrate roads, metro systems and public transport to create efficient, multimodal cities.

Uttar Pradesh takes centrestage

One of the highlights of the second day was Uttar Pradesh’s comprehensive presentation on its infrastructure-led industrial transformation.

Srihari Pratap Shahi, IAS, Additional CEO, Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA), demonstrated how the state’s expanding expressway network is evolving into a catalyst for industrial development through integrated manufacturing and logistics clusters. Expressways, he noted, are no longer merely transport corridors but engines of economic competitiveness.

Building on this narrative, Deeksha Jain, IAS, Additional Chief Executive Officer, Uttar Pradesh State Industrial Development Authority (UPSIDA), showcased the state’s rapidly expanding industrial ecosystem supported by extensive expressway connectivity, dedicated freight corridors, airports, industrial townships and investor-friendly policies. She highlighted Uttar Pradesh’s strong manufacturing growth, expanding industrial land bank, plug-and-play infrastructure and increasing use of digital governance to facilitate investments.

Further underlining the significance of the platform, Deepak Kumar, IAS, Infrastructure & Industrial Development Commissioner, Government of Uttar Pradesh, remarked, “RAHSTA provides an excellent platform for states to showcase our infrastructure progress and investment ecosystem. Uttar Pradesh has transformed significantly over the past decade, backed by more than 34 investor-friendly industrial policies, and platforms like RAHSTA help communicate these developments to industry stakeholders from across the country.”

Ideas that shaped the industry conversation

The two-day conference featured seven panel discussions, each examining a critical dimension of India’s evolving roads and highways sector.

The opening discussion on ‘Financing Roads & Highways in a Capital-Constrained Era’ brought together experts from Cube Highways, NIIF, SBI Capital Markets, Centrum Capital and Bandhan Infra Fund, who examined how the financing landscape is changing. Discussions revolved around asset monetisation, InvITs, institutional investments and new funding structures, with panellists agreeing that better project preparation, transparent governance and predictable returns will be crucial for attracting long-term capital into infrastructure.

Attention then shifted to execution realities during the panel on ‘Contractors’ Perspective: Execution Realities, Risks & the Quality Imperative.’ Representatives from GHV Infra Projects, PNC Infratech, NCC and Maccaferri candidly discussed the challenges of delivering projects amid contractual complexities, land acquisition delays, rising costs and tight timelines. While execution pressures remain significant, the discussion reinforced that better collaboration across the project value chain is essential for achieving both speed and quality.

Day 2 opened with a technically rich discussion on ‘Designing Roads for Sustainability, Durability & Climate Resilience’. Experts from CSIR-CRRI, IIT Bombay, IIT Madras, Zydex Group and SRMB Steel explored advanced pavement technologies, recycled materials, climate-resilient designs and scientific construction practices that can significantly improve durability while lowering lifecycle costs. Sustainability, they agreed, must become an integral part of road design rather than an afterthought.

The subsequent session on ‘Bridges & Tunnels: Complex Engineering, Safety & Future Readiness’ highlighted the growing complexity of India’s infrastructure projects. Panellists discussed advances in structural engineering, digital monitoring, risk management and safety practices that are enabling the successful delivery of increasingly ambitious bridge and tunnel projects across the country.

Technology remained a recurring theme during the discussion on ‘Technology as a Risk-Mitigation Tool for Developers & Investors’. Experts explained how AI, BIM, drones, predictive analytics, digital twins and intelligent monitoring systems are helping improve project planning, minimise execution risks, strengthen quality assurance and enhance asset management throughout the infrastructure lifecycle.

The construction equipment panel brought together leading industry experts to examine how technology, sustainability and digitalisation are redefining construction equipment in an era of rising cost pressures. Discussions centred on enhancing productivity, reducing lifecycle costs and preparing the industry for India’s infrastructure ambitions leading up to 2047.

The conference concluded with an engaging CXO Forum on ‘Rebuilding Confidence in India’s Roads & Highways Sector’, where senior industry leaders emphasised that stronger governance, better project preparation, digitalisation, transparent contracting and closer public-private collaboration will be essential to sustain India’s infrastructure growth over the coming decades.

Technology and recognition under one roof

Beyond the conference halls, RAHSTA Expo reflected the technological transformation underway across India’s road infrastructure ecosystem. Leading equipment manufacturers, technology companies and material suppliers showcased advanced construction equipment, intelligent digital platforms, pavement technologies, structural materials and productivity-enhancing solutions designed to improve project efficiency and asset performance. The exhibition created valuable opportunities for contractors, consultants, government agencies and project developers to evaluate new technologies while interacting directly with solution providers.

The event also served as a celebration of excellence through the RAHSTA Awards 2026, which recognised outstanding achievements across road construction, contracting, materials, equipment, technology, safety, sustainability and infrastructure development. Presented by Minister Tamta, the awards honoured organisations that are setting new benchmarks for quality, innovation and execution across India’s roads sector.

RAHSTA Expo 2026 also received extensive support from across the infrastructure ecosystem. Alongside leading corporate sponsors, the event was backed by industry bodies including the Builders Association of India (BAI), Construction Equipment Rental Association (CERA), Consulting Engineers Association of India (CEAI), International Road Federation (IRF), CSIR-CRRI, CILT India, All India Transporters Welfare Association, Hydraulic Trailer Owners Association (HTOA), Gujarat Contractors Association, Bitumen Forum, Fluid Power Society of India, Indian Institute of Material Management, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya and Mumbai First, reflecting the industry’s collective commitment to advancing India’s road infrastructure.

As the curtains came down on the two-day event, one message resonated throughout the conference: India’s highways story is entering a new chapter. While expansion will continue, the future will increasingly be defined by smarter planning, stronger partnerships, digital transformation, sustainable engineering and long-term value creation. By bringing together the entire infrastructure value chain on a single platform, RAHSTA Expo 2026 once again demonstrated why it has become one of the country’s most influential forums for shaping the future of roads, highways, bridges and tunnels.

Economy & Market

Fornnax Names Lukas Baur as Authorised Service Partner to Bolster EU Operations

Published

3 weeks ago

July 23, 2026

admin

Strapline: Fornnax Technology has appointed NOBA Maschinenservice’s Lukas Baur as its authorised service partner for the European Union, strengthening its commitment to delivering fast, reliable, and localised after-sales support across the region.

Fornnax Technology, a leading manufacturer of industrial shredding solutions, has announced the appointment of Mr. Lukas Baur of NOBA Maschinenservice as its authorised service partner for the European Union. The partnership, formalised under the authorisation of Fornnax CEO Mr. Jignesh Kundaria, reinforces the company’s commitment to providing dependable, localised service support to its expanding customer base across Europe.

Strengthening Service Through Proven Expertise

With over two decades of experience in servicing, maintaining, and overhauling industrial shredders, Mr. Baur brings extensive technical expertise to the partnership. His capabilities span welding, hardfacing, shaft and knife rebuilding, complex assembly, hydraulics, and complete electrical engineering services, delivered in collaboration with a trusted partner company based in Halle/Saale.

Operating from Worbis, Germany, Mr. Baur is strategically positioned to provide emergency support across the European Union within 24 hours, covering an operational radius of approximately 1,000 kilometres.

Supporting this capability is a well-equipped service infrastructure comprising 12 Mercedes Sprinter service vans, a team of 24 skilled technicians, specialised bearing-change tools, a fully equipped hydraulic workshop, and a 1,000-square-metre facility with a five-ton crane track. Together, these resources position his team to manage the complete spectrum of Fornnax’s European service requirements efficiently and reliably.

Partnership Driven by Industry Insight

Having spent years servicing Eldan, Lindner, and Vecoplan shredders across the European recycling industry, Mr. Baur’s decision to collaborate with Fornnax is rooted in his understanding of market needs and customer expectations. His experience has provided valuable insight into what recycling plant operators require—not only from their machinery but also from the service teams supporting them.

According to Mr. Baur, Fornnax’s reputation for robust machine construction, superior wear protection, and maintenance-friendly design made the partnership a natural fit.

The collaboration comes at a time when Europe’s tyre recycling industry is facing mounting challenges, including rising cost pressures, shrinking margins, delayed investments, and a shortage of skilled labour. Mr. Baur believes these conditions reinforce the need for technically strong service partners capable of delivering rapid, dependable support.

Commenting on the partnership, he said, “Fornnax, with its exceptional price-performance ratio and superior quality, has the potential to become a market leader in Europe. We would like to be their service partner in this journey.”

Comprehensive Support Across the Equipment Lifecycle

As Fornnax’s authorised service partner, Mr. Baur will oversee the complete lifecycle support of the company’s equipment throughout the European Union. His responsibilities will include installation, commissioning, preventive maintenance, emergency repairs, and spare parts support across mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical systems.

Looking ahead, he also plans to develop a centralised spare parts distribution hub for European customers, particularly if Fornnax establishes a warehouse facility in Worbis to facilitate faster deliveries. To further strengthen service coverage, Mr. Baur intends to expand operations by adding two to three additional service teams and vehicles each year, progressively increasing capacity across the continent.

A Shared Commitment to Customer Excellence

Highlighting the strategic importance of the partnership, Mr. Jignesh Kundaria, Director and CEO of Fornnax, said:

“We strongly believe that by continuously improving our service quality and customer satisfaction index, we can build long-term relationships with our customers. Higher customer satisfaction leads to greater trust, which significantly increases repeat orders and ultimately drives sustained growth in our sales revenue.”

This customer-first philosophy underpins Fornnax’s strategy of building a dedicated European service partner network instead of relying solely on remote support. With Mr. Baur joining this network, customers across the European Union will benefit from faster response times, expert technical assistance, and dedicated on-ground support from a partner with extensive experience in high-throughput shredding operations.

Mr. Baur’s appointment also reflects Fornnax’s broader ambition to establish itself as the preferred shredding solutions provider for the European recycling industry, marking another important milestone in the company’s international growth strategy.

Concrete

Nuvoco Vistas launches Limla cement plant, expands Gujarat footprint

Published

4 weeks ago

July 13, 2026

admin

Nuvoco Vistas opens a 2 MMTPA grinding unit at Limla, entering Gujarat and advancing its target of 35 MMTPA capacity by FY 2028.

Surat (Gujarat)

Nuvoco Vistas Corporation Ltd, a part of Nirma Group and one of India’s leading building materials company, has inaugurated the Limla Cement Plant in Surat (Gujarat), one of Vadraj Cement Limited’s (VCL) principal manufacturing facilities. The commissioning represents a key milestone in Nuvoco’s acquisition and restoration of VCL, while supporting the company’s expansion across the Western Indian cement market.

Vadraj Cement Limited is a subsidiary of Nuvoco Vistas Corporation Limited and has installed cement capacity of 6 MMTPA across its assets. The Limla inauguration therefore represents the first operational step in the acquired platform’s wider revival, while the Kutch facilities provide clinker supply, mineral security and coastal logistics support for the western business.

Nuvoco completed its acquisition of Vadraj Cement Limited, then under the Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process, after paying a consideration of Rs 1,800 crore in June 2025. VCL’s asset portfolio comprises a clinker unit at Kutch and a grinding unit at Limla in Surat. It also includes high-quality captive limestone reserves and a captive jetty at Kutch, supporting more efficient logistics. Following the takeover, Nuvoco began an extensive programme of restoration, refurbishment and expansion at both locations, leading to the commissioning of the Limla plant.

The Limla Cement Plant is expected to support a phased increase in sales volumes across Gujarat. It will also help Nuvoco supply neighbouring markets in Western Maharashtra and release cement capacity from its northern plants, which can consequently be redirected towards markets in North India. The plant will manufacture a full portfolio comprising Ordinary Portland Cement, Portland Slag Cement, Portland Pozzolana Cement and Portland Composite Cement. It will additionally produce the complete Nuvoco Duraguard range, including the premium Nuvoco Duraguard Microfibre product. The acquisition is also expected to generate operational synergies with Nuvoco’s existing plants at Nimbol and Chittorgarh in Rajasthan, improving logistics optimisation and market reach across important regional markets.

The grinding unit at the Limla Cement Plant was completed ahead of schedule, with 2 MMTPA of capacity now inaugurated to expand Nuvoco’s operating scale and customer reach. After Vadraj Cement’s assets become fully operational, plants in North and West India are expected to account for nearly 40 per cent of Nuvoco’s total cement capacity. This will broaden the company’s manufacturing network, strengthen access to high-growth markets and support its plan to increase consolidated cement capacity to 35 MMTPA by FY 2028, reinforcing its longer-term growth strategy.

Commenting on the development, Jayakumar Krishnaswamy, Managing Director, Nuvoco Vistas Corp Ltd, said: “The inauguration of the Limla Grinding Unit in Surat is an important milestone in Nuvoco’s growth journey and demonstrates our commitment to disciplined, value-accretive expansion. Gujarat is strategically significant for Nuvoco, with substantial opportunities arising from infrastructure investment, industrial growth, rapid urbanisation and continuing demand from the housing and construction sectors. The facility strengthens our regional footprint, improves operational flexibility and increases our ability to serve customers across northern and western markets with greater reliability and efficiency.”

He added: “Through the Vadraj acquisition, we have refurbished and restarted a strategically important asset, returning it to operations in record time through strong execution and collaboration between teams. The achievement demonstrates our ability to create value from acquired assets, fulfil our commitments and retain the confidence of stakeholders. It also highlights the strength of our project delivery capabilities and our continued focus on building sustainable, profitable growth over the long term.”

Nuvoco Vistas Corporation Limited is a building materials company whose vision is to build a safer, smarter and more sustainable world. It is among the leading players in East India and has a significant presence across North and West India. Nuvoco began operations in 2014 with a greenfield cement plant at Nimbol, Rajasthan. It later acquired Lafarge India Limited, which had entered India in 1999, followed by Emami Cement Limited in 2020 and Vadraj Cement Limited in April 2025. The company has also announced an expansion in eastern India through a new grinding mill at the Arasmeta Cement Plant, supported by several debottlenecking programmes involving equipment upgrades, process improvements and internal capacity initiatives. These developments place Nuvoco on track to achieve total cement capacity of approximately 35 MMTPA. The company reported total income of Rs 11,362 crore in FY 2025-26, reflecting its continuing growth trajectory.

Nuvoco operates a diversified portfolio across three segments: Cement, Ready-Mix Concrete and Modern Building Materials. Its cement portfolio includes Concreto, Duraguard, Double Bull, PSC, Nirmax and Infracem, covering Ordinary Portland Cement, Portland Slag Cement, Portland Pozzolana Cement and Portland Composite Cement. Its pan-India RMX business provides value-added products under Concreto for performance concrete, Artiste for decorative concrete, InstaMix for ready-to-use bagged concrete, X-Con covering M20 to M60 grades, and Ecodure for specialised green concrete. Nuvoco has supplied materials to projects including the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train, Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela, Aquatic Gallery at Science City in Ahmedabad, and metro railway projects in Delhi, Jaipur, Noida and Mumbai.