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

Cement Prices Likely to Rise Rs. 10-15 per Bag from Mid-October

Input costs and steady demand may drive cement price increases

Published

1 day ago

October 14, 2026

admin

Cement manufacturers in India are likely to raise prices by Rs. 10-15 per bag from mid-October, as they seek to offset persistent increases in power and fuel costs. Emkay Research said its channel checks indicated a high probability of an increase from October 12, supported by the start of the busy construction season and favourable demand-supply conditions.

The sector had implemented similar rate adjustments of Rs. 10-15 per bag during the first quarter, but the increases were insufficient to cover higher operating costs. Prices also softened during July and August because of the monsoon, widening the gap between realisations and input expenses. Delayed plant expansion programmes have pushed clinker utilisation rates towards 79 per cent by FY28, helping to balance market fundamentals.

Emkay Research said steady volume offtake was supporting cement consumption, with non-trade demand driving activity across regional markets. Industry volumes are expected to grow by 7-8 per cent year on year during the first half of FY27, while demand momentum is projected to remain firm over the following 18 months. The outlook includes the busy construction season in the second half of FY27 and infrastructure activity linked to general elections in the first half of calendar year 2029.

The brokerage expects overall cement demand to record a compound annual growth rate of about 7 per cent between FY26 and FY28. However, elevated operating expenses are likely to continue weighing on profitability. Input costs have risen by Rs. 300-400 per t over the past six to seven months, with the full impact expected to become visible in second-quarter earnings and remain persistent through the second half of FY27.

Spot prices for petcoke and imported coal are approximately 20 per cent and 16 per cent above their second-quarter averages, at USD 175 per t and USD 150 per t, respectively. Packing costs have also increased, with polypropylene granule prices rising above Rs. 135 per kg. Emkay Research estimated that second-quarter earnings could decline by Rs. 200-250 per t sequentially because of higher fuel bills and negative operating leverage, and said the sector requires sustained price increases of about Rs. 10 per bag to offset cost inflation.

Concrete

Nuvoco Marks 10 Years, Targets 35 MMTPA Capacity by FY28

Nuvoco celebrates a decade of growth, targeting 35 MMTPA cement capacity by FY28.

Published

2 days ago

October 13, 2026

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Nuvoco Vistas Corporation Limited is celebrating a decade of operations under the theme ‘Dus Saal Bemisaal’, highlighting its expansion in India’s building materials sector. The company has grown from a single cement manufacturing facility into a diversified organisation operating across cement, ready-mix concrete (RMC) and modern building materials.

The company’s journey began in 2014 when its parent, Nirma Group, commissioned a 2 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA) greenfield cement plant at Nimbol, Rajasthan. A major milestone followed in October 2016 with the acquisition of Lafarge India, significantly expanding its manufacturing footprint.

Nuvoco strengthened its market presence through the acquisition of Emami Cement, now NU Vista Limited, in 2020, followed by its public listing in 2021. In April 2025, the company added Vadraj Cement to its portfolio, strengthening its presence in western India.

Nuvoco has an operating cement capacity of 27 MMTPA and 14 manufacturing units, including the Kutch and Sachana facilities in Gujarat, which are in advanced stages of completion. It also operates 58 ready-mix concrete plants across India and offers a range of modern building materials.

The company aims to increase its cement capacity to 35 MMTPA by FY2027-28, representing approximately 15-fold growth over the decade.

Reflecting on the milestone, Hiren Patel, Chairman, Nuvoco Vistas Corporation Limited, said, “From our beginnings at Nimbol to the organisation we are today, every milestone has added a new chapter to Nuvoco’s journey and strengthened our belief in building for the long term.”

The company continues to focus on capacity expansion, operational efficiency, innovation and sustainability while strengthening its position in India’s construction materials market.

Concrete

J&K Government Notifies City Gas Distribution Policy

Policy targets PNG and CNG expansion across all 20 districts

Published

2 days ago

October 13, 2026

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Jammu and Kashmir government has notified the City Gas Distribution (CGD) Policy, 2026, following its approval by the Council of Ministers headed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. The policy sets out a phased framework for expanding Piped Natural Gas (PNG) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) access for households, businesses, industries and the transport sector across the Union Territory.

CGD networks will be expanded in phases across all 20 districts, with the aim of bringing reliable natural gas closer to consumers and supporting a gradual shift from conventional fuels. The government said the policy is designed to improve energy access while creating an investor-friendly and time-bound environment for gas distribution projects.

The policy provides for single-window and time-bound clearances, streamlined procedures for setting up CNG stations and standardised norms for the Right of Way. These measures are intended to reduce procedural delays, simplify project implementation and facilitate investment in natural gas infrastructure.

It also prioritises gas connectivity for major industrial estates, including those in Kathua, Samba and Pulwama. Improved access to natural gas is expected to support industrial activity, enhance energy efficiency and help businesses manage fuel costs, while strengthening their competitiveness and encouraging investment in the clean-energy sector.

The policy is also expected to create opportunities for local employment, apprenticeships and skill development in the construction, operation and maintenance of gas distribution networks and related services. Abdullah described the measure as an important step towards cleaner growth, sustainable development and a modern energy ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir, saying it would expand reliable energy access and support industry and investment.