Concrete

Our backward integration strategy is a key differentiator

Published

2 years ago

December 24, 2024

Roshna

Mayank Gugalia, Director, Mahakoshal Refractories, talks about their specialisation in alumina refractories with a strong focus on sustainability with their commitment to quality, innovation in AFR solutions, and backward integration set them apart in the industry.

Could you share the sustainability initiatives undertaken by your company and how they contribute to environmental preservation?
Our company specialises in manufacturing alumina refractories and has grown to become one of the largest producers in India. Our product range includes alumina bricks, castables, high alumina cements, and synthetic aggregates.
Regarding sustainability, we recently installed a 1.5-megawatt solar power plant, which meets a significant portion of our energy requirements. Over the past three years, we have planted approximately 1,500 trees, reflecting our commitment to afforestation. Additionally, we have obtained the EcoWater certification, a notable recognition in sustainability and ESG. These efforts align with the government’s emphasis on green initiatives and underscore our dedication to environmental stewardship.

How does your brand distinguish itself from competitors, and what key attributes of your company would you like to highlight?
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.

Cement is a significant consumer of refractories. Could you explain your association with the cement industry and provide an overview of the products you supply?
Our marketing portfolio is highly diversified, serving industries such as steel, aluminum, cement, and exports. For cement plants, we supply alumina bricks for rotary kilns, preheaters, and coolers, as well as a variety of castables. Our range includes gunning castables, tip casting products, and specialised solutions for critical applications like burner pipes. This extensive product portfolio positions us as a reliable partner for the cement industry.

How does your product portfolio align with the evolving needs of the cement industry, especially in terms of alternative fuels and raw materials (AFR)?
The specifications of AFR vary between cement companies due to its nature as a waste product. To meet these diverse needs, we conduct thorough R&D. We collect AFR samples, analyse their chemical properties in our laboratory, and design castables tailored to specific applications. Recently, we developed and implemented products in cement plants that have shown excellent performance and durability. By focusing on factors such as alkali content and chemical reactions, we ensure our products are optimised for AFR use.

Could you elaborate on the backward integration practices you’ve adopted and how they benefit cement plants?
Our backward integration strategy is a key differentiator. We own bauxite mines, ensuring a consistent supply of high-quality raw materials. We also process raw materials in-house using rotary kilns to produce high alumina cements and synthetic aggregates. These intermediate products are used in our refractory castables and are also sold to other refractory companies in India. This approach allows us to maintain strict quality control, improve product consistency, and enhance self-sustainability.

What is your perspective on the net-zero emissions mission and decarbonisation? How does your company align with these goals?
The net-zero mission is crucial for all industries, including medium-scale enterprises. While some perceive decarbonisation as costly, advancements such as affordable solar power installation have made renewable energy more accessible. Small and medium enterprises can also contribute by adopting eco-friendly fuels, planting trees, and implementing robust pollution control measures to manage dust and emissions. By reducing carbon footprints through these practices, industries can collectively move closer to achieving net-zero goals.

– Kanika Mathur

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Concrete

Dhanekula Institute Signs MoU with Adani Cement

Agreement to expand internships, industrial visits and practical learning

Published

2 days ago

November 5, 2026

admin

The Department of Civil Engineering at Dhanekula Institute of Engineering & Technology, Ganguru, organised an industrial interaction programme under the Adani FutureX Programme on Thursday. The programme focused on strengthening engagement between the institute and the cement industry while giving students greater exposure to professional practices.

Yedukondalu, technical head for Andhra Pradesh and Telangana at Adani Cement, delivered a technical lecture on concrete as a man-made material. The session covered the importance of concrete in construction, its properties and applications, and its significance in modern infrastructure development.

The lecture also addressed the role of quality cement and suitable concrete technology in supporting durable and sustainable construction. The discussion connected classroom learning with the technical considerations involved in infrastructure projects and construction practices.

A key part of the programme was the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Department of Civil Engineering and Adani Cement under the Adani FutureX Partnership Agreement. The agreement is intended to strengthen industry-academia collaboration through opportunities for student internships and industrial visits.

The initiative is expected to provide students with practical exposure, improve their understanding of industrial practices and help bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world applications. Dhanekula Institute Chairman Dhanekula Ravindranath Tagore, Secretary Dhanekula Venkata Bhavani Prasad and Director DKRK Ravi Prasad supported the initiative, with the institute leadership highlighting the importance of industry-institution interaction in enhancing students’ technical employability.

Concrete

JK Lakshmi Cement Begins Rs. 110 bn Assam Plant Project

Project Kamakshi will produce 2.5 mn t of cement annually by FY2029.

Published

2 days ago

November 5, 2026

admin

JK Lakshmi Cement has laid the foundation stone for Project Kamakshi, its first integrated cement manufacturing facility in Assam, marking the company’s entry into Northeast India. The groundbreaking ceremony took place at Umrangso village in Dima Hasao district in the presence of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

The project involves an investment of Rs. 110 bn, including the mining lease. It will have annual cement production capacity of 2.5 mn t and a 1 mn t clinkerisation unit, with completion scheduled for FY2029.

The facility is expected to create more than 2,000 jobs and will primarily serve the growing Northeast market. It will also include dedicated railway sidings for transporting raw materials and finished cement, supporting supply chain reliability and regional distribution.

Chairperson and Managing Director Vinita Singhania said the project represented the beginning of a long-term relationship with Assam and the wider Northeast. She said the plant would help provide locally produced cement, employment and dependable supplies as the region’s infrastructure development accelerated, while enabling the company to grow alongside the communities it serves.

The investment supports JK Lakshmi Cement’s strategy of expanding into high-growth markets beyond its established presence in Northern, Western and Eastern India. The company expects the project to contribute to regional economic development and infrastructure growth while pursuing its long-term objective of achieving net-zero emissions by 2047.

Concrete

Kshatriya Engineering College Signs MoU with Adani Cement

Agreement to provide students with industrial exposure and training

Published

2 days ago

November 5, 2026

admin

The civil engineering department of Kshatriya Engineering College in Nizamabad has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Adani Cement to provide students with industry-oriented training and practical exposure. The agreement is intended to connect classroom learning with workplace requirements in the construction sector.

Under the partnership, students will receive opportunities to take part in industrial visits and internships. The arrangement will also include guest lectures by industry experts and guidance on live projects, allowing students to gain first-hand understanding of industry practices and emerging construction technologies.

College secretary and correspondent Aljapur Devender said the initiative was designed to bridge the gap between academic instruction and industry expectations. He said the collaboration would help students develop practical skills and improve their employment prospects after completing their studies.

Principal Dr Katakam Srinivas said exposure to industrial practices was important for civil engineering students and would complement their academic learning. He said the MoU would support the development of their technical knowledge and confidence through greater familiarity with professional work environments.

Administrative officer B. Narender said the collaboration would familiarise students with modern construction technologies, quality standards and project management practices. Civil engineering department head N. Deepika said the agreement would help students understand recent developments in the construction sector and prepare for professional careers. The college said the partnership would give learners a broader view of the processes and standards followed in the industry, while helping them relate their academic studies to practical project requirements.