Concrete

Nuvoco Vistas Corp Wins Bid for Vadraj Cement

The estimated target date for the commencement of production is around Q3 FY27.

Published

1 year ago

January 7, 2025

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Cement maker Nuvoco Vistas announced that it has emerged as the successful applicant for Vadraj Cement, which is currently undergoing a corporate insolvency resolution process. The resolution plan submitted by Nuvoco has been approved by the Committee of Creditors (CoC), and a Letter of Intent (LOI) has been issued, according to a statement by Nuvoco Vistas Corp.

Although the financial details were not disclosed, the company mentioned that the transaction would be implemented by Vanya Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary, and the company plans to fund the transaction without significantly increasing its consolidated debt levels.

Nuvoco further stated that a phased investment would be spread over 15 months for the refurbishment of assets and to drive operational improvements across Vadraj Cement (VCL) plants. The estimated target date for the commencement of production is around Q3 FY27, subject to approvals from the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) for the resolution plan. VCL’s existing facilities include a 3.5 MMTPA clinker unit in Kutch, Gujarat, and a 6 MMTPA grinding unit in Surat, Gujarat.

In addition, VCL owns high-quality limestone reserves, ensuring a sustainable supply of raw materials for future production. The captive jetty in Kutch also enhances logistical efficiency.

With this transaction, Nuvoco’s total cement production capacity is set to increase to approximately 31 MMTPA—19 MMTPA in the east, 6 MMTPA in the north, and 6 MMTPA in the west—strengthening its position as the fifth-largest cement group in India for the long term.

Nuvoco Vistas Corp’s Managing Director, Jayakumar Krishnaswamy, commented that the deal consolidates their position as the fifth-largest player in the Indian cement industry and further strengthens their market dominance. He also added that the deal complements their existing operations by expanding their geographic reach and operational capabilities, which will enhance their portfolio, diversify their offerings, and enable them to provide greater value and superior service to their customers in a competitive business landscape.

Nuvoco stated that once the transaction is completed, it is expected to create substantial synergies with its existing manufacturing facilities in Nimbol and Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, leading to enhanced operational efficiency. This will help optimise logistics, streamline operations, improve competitiveness, and provide better market access and a strengthened supply chain across key regions.

In February of the previous year, the NCLT admitted the insolvency process of Vadraj Cement after Punjab National Bank (PNB) filed a plea over a default of over Rs 870.45 million. Media reports indicated that Adani Group, JSW Cement, and ArcelorMittal were competing to acquire VCL, which had a total debt of Rs 70 billion owed to several lenders, including Union Bank of India, Central Bank of India, Indian Overseas Bank, Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, and PNB.

Earlier in August 2018, the Bombay High Court had ordered the winding-up of Vadraj Cement following a case filed by trade creditor Beumer Technologies India. However, the court later recalled the order and transferred the matter to the NCLT bench.

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Concrete

Steel: Shielded or Strengthened?

CW explores the impact of pro-steel policies on construction and infrastructure and identifies gaps that need to be addressed.

Published

9 hours ago

January 31, 2026

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Going forward, domestic steel mills are targeting capacity expansion
of nearly 40 per cent through till FY31, adding 80-85 mt, translating
into an investment pipeline of $ 45-50 billion. So, Jhunjhunwala points
out that continuing the safeguard duty will be vital to prevent a surge
in imports and protect domestic prices from external shocks. While in
FY26, the industry operating profit per tonne is expected to hold at
around $ 108, similar to last year, the industry’s earnings must
meaningfully improve from hereon to sustain large-scale investments.
Else, domestic mills could experience a significant spike in industry
leverage levels over the medium term, increasing their vulnerability to
external macroeconomic shocks.(~$ 60/tonne) over the past one month,
compressing the import parity discount to ~$ 23-25/tonne from previous
highs of ~$ 70-90/tonne, adds Jhunjhunwala. With this, he says, “the
industry can expect high resistance to further steel price increases.”

Domestic HRC prices have increased by ~Rs 5,000/tonne
“Aggressive
capacity additions (~15 mt commissioned in FY25, with 5 mt more by
FY26) have created a supply overhang, temporarily outpacing demand
growth of ~11-12 mt,” he says…

To read the full article Click Here

Concrete

JK Cement Commissions 3 MTPA Buxar Plant, Crosses 31 MTPA

Company becomes India’s fifth-largest grey cement producer

Published

1 day ago

January 30, 2026

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JK Cement has commissioned its new 3 MTPA grey cement plant in Buxar, Bihar, taking the company’s total installed capacity to 31.26 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) and moving it past the 30 MTPA milestone. With this addition, JK Cement now ranks among the top five grey cement manufacturers in India, strengthening its national presence.

Commenting on the development, Dr Raghavpat Singhania, Managing Director, JK Cement, said, “Crossing 31 MTPA is a significant turning point in JK Cement’s expansion and demonstrates the scale, resilience, and aspirations of our company. In addition to making a significant contribution to Bihar’s development vision, the commissioning of our Buxar plant represents a strategic step towards expanding our national footprint. We are committed to developing top-notch manufacturing capabilities that boost India’s infrastructure development and generate long-term benefits for local communities.”

Spread across 100 acres, the Buxar plant is located on the Patna–Buxar highway, enabling efficient distribution across Bihar and neighbouring regions. While JK Cement entered the Bihar market last year through supplies from its Prayagraj plant, the new facility will allow local manufacturing and deliveries within 24 hours across the state.

Mr Madhavkrishna Singhania, Joint Managing Director & CEO, JK Cement, said, “JK Cement is now among India’s top five producers of grey cement after the Buxar plant commissioning. Our capacity to serve Bihar locally, more effectively, and on a larger scale is strengthened by this facility. Although we had already entered the Bihar market last year using Prayagraj supplies, local manufacturing now enables us to be nearer to our clients and significantly raise service standards throughout the state. Buxar places us at the center of this chance to promote sustainable growth for both the company and the region in Bihar, a high-growth market with strong infrastructure momentum.”

The project has involved an investment of Rs 5 billion. Commercial production began on 29 January 2026, following construction commencement in March 2025. The company said the plant is expected to generate significant direct and indirect employment and support ancillary industrial development in the region.

Concrete

JK Cement Crosses 31 MTPA Capacity with Commissioning of Buxar Plant in Bihar

Published

1 day ago

January 30, 2026

admin

JK Cement has commissioned a 3 MTPA Grey Cement plant in Buxar, Bihar, taking its total capacity to 31.26 MTPA and placing it among India’s top five grey cement producers. The ₹500 crore investment strengthens the company’s national footprint while supporting Bihar’s infrastructure growth and local economic development.

JK Cement Ltd., one of India’s leading cement manufacturers, has announced the commissioning of its new state-of-the-art Grey Cement plant in Buxar, Bihar, marking a significant milestone in the company’s growth trajectory. With the commissioning of this facility, JK Cement’s total production capacity has increased to 31.26 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), enabling the company to cross the 30 MTPA threshold.

This expansion positions JK Cement among the top five Grey Cement manufacturers in India, strengthening its national footprint and reinforcing its long-term growth strategy.

Commenting on the strategic achievement, Dr Raghavpat Singhania, Managing Director, JK Cement, said, “Crossing 31 MTPA is a significant turning point in JK Cement’s expansion and demonstrates the scale, resilience, and aspirations of our company. In addition to making a significant contribution to Bihar’s development vision, the commissioning of our Buxar plant represents a strategic step towards expanding our national footprint. We are committed to developing top-notch manufacturing capabilities that boost India’s infrastructure development and generate long-term benefits for local communities.”

The Buxar plant has a capacity of 3 MTPA and is spread across 100 acres. Strategically located on the Patna–Buxar highway, the facility enables faster and more efficient distribution across Bihar and adjoining regions. While JK Cement entered the Bihar market last year through supplies from its Prayagraj plant, the Buxar facility will now allow the company to serve the state locally, with deliveries possible within 24 hours across Bihar.

Sharing his views on the expansion, Madhavkrishna Singhania, Joint Managing Director & CEO, JK Cement, said, “JK Cement is now among India’s top five producers of grey cement after the Buxar plant commissioning. Our capacity to serve Bihar locally, more effectively, and on a larger scale is strengthened by this facility. Although we had already entered the Bihar market last year using Prayagraj supplies, local manufacturing now enables us to be nearer to our clients and significantly raise service standards throughout the state. Buxar places us at the center of this chance to promote sustainable growth for both the company and the region in Bihar, a high-growth market with strong infrastructure momentum.”

The new facility represents a strategic step in supporting Bihar’s development vision by ensuring faster access to superior quality cement for infrastructure, housing, and commercial projects. JK Cement has invested approximately ₹500 crore in the project. Construction began in March 2025, and commercial production commenced on January 29, 2026.

In addition to strengthening JK Cement’s regional presence, the Buxar plant is expected to generate significant direct and indirect employment opportunities and attract ancillary industries, thereby contributing to the local economy and the broader industrial ecosystem.