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Published

1 year ago

August 5, 2025

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Uma Suryam, SVP & Head Manufacturing – Northern Region, Nuvoco Vistas, shares details about how automation is helping the company make a shift towards an efficient and sustainable ecosystem.

As India’s cement sector embraces digital transformation, automation is emerging as the cornerstone of future-ready manufacturing. Uma Suryam, SVP & Head – Manufacturing, Northern Region, Nuvoco Vistas, sheds light on how the company is driving intelligent operations, improving energy efficiency and preparing for a data-led future.

What are the key drivers behind the adoption of automation in cement manufacturing today?
Automation in cement manufacturing is being increasingly adopted to meet rising demand due to rapid urbanisation, which drives large scale infrastructure development. To keep pace, manufacturers are embracing automation and digital technologies to streamline operations, reduce manual intervention and ensure consistent product quality.
At Nuvoco, we are strengthening our automation capabilities by adopting advanced technologies and digital solutions that optimise processes, boost operational efficiency and elevate customer experience. Our approach integrates structured innovation, robust quality management, and a comprehensive digital transformation framework—enabling us to stay agile, competitive, and sustainable in a dynamic marketplace

How is automation improving process efficiency and reducing operational costs?
We are continuously investing in automation and process excellence to enhance efficiency and reduce costs across our operations. The roll-out of plant automation at select sites is setting the stage for an Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled smart factory environment, where real-time data and connected systems help optimise production and decision-making.
We have also introduced Robotic Process Automation (RPA) in our Shared Services Centre to fast-track routine processes such as freight bill settlements, significantly reducing manual effort and processing time. To further strengthen supply chain efficiency, the Master Data Repository Management (MDRM) tool ensures improved inventory accuracy, eliminates duplicate stock, and provides better visibility to reallocate excess materials across locations.
Complementing these initiatives, our Integrated Business Planning (IBP) solution by SAP has transformed demand and supply forecasting, enabling inventory planning aligned with demand cycles and ensuring adherence to our Goto market strategies (GTM).
Together, these digital interventions are streamlining end to end operations—optimising resources, minimising wastage, improving cost competitiveness and ultimately creating greater value for customers.

How does automation support energy optimisation and emissions control?
Automation is a key enabler of building safer, smarter and sustainable energy management systems at Nuvoco. A major milestone in this journey was the commissioning of our Grid Integration Project, which connected three of our geographically isolated cement plants through a common transmission line, creating a unified power network and setting a new benchmark for energy optimisation in the industry.
The project, anchored by a Line-In Line-Out (LILO) substation at our cement plant and supported by an optical fibre network, enables real-time communication and automated energy distribution across the cluster. This has significantly reduced contract demand, eliminated power disruptions, enhanced operational flexibility and delivered substantial savings on fixed energy charges.
By minimising energy wastage and optimising power usage, automation directly contributes to lower greenhouse gas emissions, making our operations more environmentally responsible while ensuring safer and more reliable plant performance.

What kind of data infrastructure is needed to enable effective automation?
Effective automation in relies on a strong and secure data infrastructure that enables seamless, real-time connectivity across the plant. Smart sensors and PLCs integrated into key machinery—such as kilns, crushers, and packing units—collect live performance and process data, which is then analysed through a centralised control room or cloud-based platform to enable timely, data-driven decision-making. Equally important are strong cybersecurity protocols that safeguard operational systems and sensitive production data from disruptions or breaches, ensuring plant safety and uninterrupted performance.
We are advancing towards a more data-intelligent manufacturing ecosystem with initiatives such as an AI-enabled dashboard to optimise waste heat recovery systems and kiln operations, enhancing energy efficiency. Additionally, we are developing advanced AI models that identify the most cost-effective fuel combinations by factoring in variables like moisture content, pricing and other operational parameters. These initiatives are laying the foundation for next-generation, data-driven decision-making, driving operational excellence and sustainable performance at scale.
In parallel, recognising the growing cyber threat landscape, we have strengthened our digital security framework by deploying next-generation firewalls, endpoint protection, enhanced network segmentation and implementing multi-factor authentication across all applications—ensuring that our digital infrastructure remains as resilient as our physical operations.

What is your roadmap for scaling automation across the organisation in the next five years?
Over the next five years, the company will focus on automating critical processes especially in production and quality control to drive operational excellence. AI will be integrated to support real-time, data-driven decision-making across functions. Additionally, the organisation is evaluating next-generation digital platforms to simplify and integrate its IT landscape.
As part of this evolving roadmap, there is also a continued emphasis on building a digitally capable workforce to stay aligned with emerging technologies.
These efforts reflect a broader shift towards a connected, future-ready manufacturing ecosystem where people, processes and systems are increasingly integrated to respond with agility to changing business dynamics.

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JK Lakshmi Cement Begins Rs 110 Billion Assam Plant Project

The 2.5 MTPA integrated cement plant is expected to be completed by FY2029.

Published

1 hour ago

October 31, 2026

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JK Lakshmi Cement has recently laid the foundation stone for Project Kamakshi, its first integrated cement manufacturing facility in Assam, marking its entry into Northeast India. The groundbreaking ceremony was held 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 billion, including the mining lease, and will have an annual cement production capacity of 2.5 million tonnes, supported by a 1 million tonne clinkerisation unit. Scheduled for completion by FY2029, the facility is expected to generate employment for over 2,000 people while catering primarily to the growing Northeast market.

The integrated plant will feature dedicated railway sidings to facilitate efficient transportation of raw materials and finished cement, strengthening supply chain reliability and regional distribution.

Vinita Singhania, Chairperson and Managing Director, JK Lakshmi Cement, said, “”Project Kamakshi is the start of a long-term relationship with Assam and the wider North East. This is a region that is building fast, and it deserves quality cement made close to home. With this plant, we want to bring scale, jobs, and dependable supply to the region. At JK Lakshmi Cement, we believe that building a stronger India goes beyond infrastructure. It is also about growing together with the communities we serve.””

The investment aligns with the company’s strategy to expand into high-growth markets beyond its established presence in Northern, Western and Eastern India. The project is also expected to support regional economic development and infrastructure growth.

JK Lakshmi Cement aims to pursue its expansion plans while working towards its long-term target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2047.

Concrete

JK Lakshmi Cement to Expand EV Fleet to 120 Vehicles by March 2027

JK Lakshmi Cement has deployed more than 70 EVs across its logistics network.

Published

1 day ago

October 30, 2026

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JK Lakshmi Cement has deployed more than 70 electric vehicles (EVs) across its logistics network and plans to increase the fleet to 120 vehicles by March 2027. The expansion is part of its decarbonisation strategy, which aims to reduce transport-related emissions and improve operational efficiency.

The company has achieved nearly 100 per cent EV-based clinker dispatches from its Sirohi plant in Rajasthan to the Kalol Grinding Unit in Gujarat. The transition marks an increased use of electric mobility for long-haul cement transportation and is intended to lower the environmental impact of logistics operations.

The existing fleet operates on routes connecting the Sirohi plant with the Kalol Grinding Unit, Palanpur Unit and Surat Grinding Unit. JK Lakshmi Cement is working with electric vehicle logistics providers SwitchLabs and Billion E to support fleet deployment and manage transportation requirements across these routes.

The company expects the planned expansion to increase the use of electric mobility throughout its logistics network for moving cement and clinker. Chairperson and Managing Director Vinita Singhania said the programme reflected the integration of sustainable practices with the company’s focus on long-term business efficiency, while describing the Sirohi–Kalol transition as an important step in its wider decarbonisation strategy.

The EV programme forms part of JK Lakshmi Cement’s green logistics and sustainability roadmap, alongside initiatives to improve efficiency and reduce emissions across its value chain. The company has set a long-term target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2047. It is part of the JK Organisation and operates integrated cement plants in Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, along with grinding units in Gujarat, Haryana and Odisha. The company has an annual turnover of more than Rs. 60 bn, combined cement capacity of approximately 18 mn t per annum and a target to raise capacity to 30 mn t by 2030. Its portfolio includes ready-mix concrete, gypsum plaster, wall putty, primer, adhesives and fly ash blocks.

Concrete

Martin Engineering Appoints Ashwini Khunte as India General Manager

Published

1 day ago

October 30, 2026

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Martin Engineering names Ashwini Khunte India General Manager to strengthen operations and drive growth across key bulk material handling sectors.

Pune

Martin Engineering, a global provider of bulk material handling solutions, has appointed Ashwini Khunte as General Manager of its India business, strengthening its leadership as the company expands its presence across the country’s cement, mining, steel, power and infrastructure sectors.

Khunte brings more than a decade of experience with Martin Engineering, having joined its Indian operations in 2013 as a Design Engineer, shortly after the company established its presence in the country in 2012.

A mechanical engineer by qualification, she spent her initial five years developing bulk material handling solutions in collaboration with the company’s operations team. During this period, she gained extensive experience addressing operational challenges in the steel, cement and coal industries. She subsequently moved into project engineering, managing major engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) projects from initial enquiry to commissioning. Her responsibilities later expanded to overseeing Martin Engineering’s conveyor product portfolio in India, involving customer engagement, technical presentations and site visits across heavy industries.

In 2024, Khunte was promoted to Head of Sales & Marketing for the company’s Europe, Middle East, Africa and India (EMEAI) region. The position broadened her international market exposure and strengthened her strategic and commercial leadership capabilities.

Commenting on her appointment, Ashwini Khunte, General Manager, Martin Engineering India, said: “India represents a tremendous opportunity for Martin Engineering. The country’s continued investment in cement, mining, steel, power and infrastructure is creating increasing demand for safer, cleaner and more productive bulk material handling, and that’s exactly what we do. My priority will be to build on the strong foundations already established in India, while continuing to develop our people, strengthen customer relationships and bring practical solutions to the challenges faced by our industry.”

Robert Whetstone, Area Vice President – EMEAI, Martin Engineering, highlighted Khunte’s technical expertise, market understanding and leadership experience.

“Ashwini brings an exceptional combination of technical understanding, customer knowledge and commercial leadership. She has grown as Martin Engineering has grown, and has consistently demonstrated outstanding capability to transform her expertise into practical solutions. Her knowledge of the Indian market, together with her international experience, makes her ideally suited to lead our India business through its next stage of growth for years to come.”

Since establishing its Indian business in 2012, Martin Engineering has expanded its local workforce, manufacturing capabilities and dealership network. The company supplies conveyor products, transfer point solutions, material flow aids, training and technical support to bulk material handling industries. Khunte’s appointment positions the company to further strengthen customer relationships and expand its solutions portfolio in India’s growing industrial and infrastructure markets.