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Our backward integration strategy is a key differentiator

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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

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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