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Lafarges Concrete Master enables customers to order RMC in small quantities.

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While the ready- mix market is growing steadily in India, it is plagued by several challenges that are slowing down the growth of this sector. Innovative companies are studying the market closely to design products and services that iron out the wrinkles. It is this approach that has allowed Lafarge to develop concrete products that cater to typical and specific needs of the Indian market. Maruti Srivastava, VP Marketing and Jean Philippe Thierry, QC and Product Development Head, Lafarge India shares their views on the current market scenario and talks of what Lafarge has to offer. Excerpts from the interview.

How many plants does Lafarge have in India?

Lafarge is one of the largest suppliers of ready-mix concrete in India and has established its presence through both commercial concrete plants and dedicated project plants. Lafarge ready-mix covers a wide geographic portfolio with over 66 plants spread across 40 cities in India.

What is the range of products you offer, including value added / green products?

Lafarge is committed to delivering unique products and solutions for building better cities in India.

Our innovations help create products and solutions which promote sustainable construction and help meet the needs of the local market, from high value-added products to affordable housing solutions.

In India, Lafarge Readymix concrete offers the following value added products:

Mega high strength concrete: As cities grow the need for vertical constructions has increased. Lafarge in India is supporting leading builders by supplying Mega« high strength concrete which is M90 plus grade of concrete. The Mega« high strength concrete allows builders to make taller structures while using scarce land resources more effectively. The total material cost is also reduced as use of other materials like steel is reduced. Most importantly, as the wall and column width reduces, the consumer gets the advantage of a higher carpet area. Other products under mega series include: Mega lightweight concrete, Mega« PP fiber concrete and Mega« steel fiber concrete.

AgiliaTM is self-consolidating concrete which helps in faster concrete placement with minimal cost. Highly fluid, this concrete flows and spreads effortlessly. Due to its fluidity, it eliminates the tedious chore of vibration thereby improving worksite quality and on-site conditions, including worksite noise levels which is a source of irritation both for workers and for nearby residents. Agilia provides excellent consistency and aesthetic qualities as per the architect´s need and has a wide application range like retaining walls, foundation raft, sheer walls, beams, slabs, and water tanks

ArteviaTM by Lafarge is a collection of decorative concretes for indoor and outdoor usage that combines freedom of design with low maintenance and durability. The stunningly beautiful design material keeps all the advantages of concrete, it is hard wearing and long lasting and available in an array of amazing colours, patterns and textures.

HyrdromediaTM: With the need for effective water management growing, especially in a congested city like Mumbai, Lafarge provides HyrdromediaTM, a pervious concrete which offers high permeability and drainage capacity by absorbing rain water and facilitates natural run-off into the ground. It therefore reduces the risk of flooding. It minimises the urban impact on the natural water cycle, allowing for the natural replenishment of water tables in urban environments that up till now have typically been covered with impervious asphalt or concrete surfaces. .Typically containing 20-35 per cent void space, it allows water to pass directly through it at a permeability of 150 – 1000 L/min/m´.

Lafarge is committed to reduce its production costs and reduce its environmental footprint. Hydromedia is a green solution and aids effective water management in urban areas. Lafarge also produces blended cement which is preferred for many construction applications and the use of cementitious products as an alternative to clinker ensure that less CO2 is emitted in the cement production process and hence a green solution. Lafarge uses maximum fly ash within the stipulated BIS limit. This reduces the use of clinker and contributes to waste management by utilising fly ash, which otherwise would be a waste product. This approach significantly reduces the carbon footprint per bag of cement.

Where is the current demand for RMC coming from?

Recent Crisil research reports the overall ready-mix penetration in India is around 9 per cent, which is low. However it is projected to be 14 per cent by 2017-18. In India, the demand is highest from the housing segment, followed by industrial and infrastructure segments.

Why do you think the demand for RMC in India is not as high as it is in developed countries?

A major part of India still comprises smaller towns where the majority of individual home builders prefer using conventional methods of construction. Overall in India, site mix is still perceived to be a cost- effective material as opposed to ready- mix concrete, though that is not the case anymore.

What are the problems due to unstructured supply of aggregates?

The aggregates market remains fragmented with many independent operators and local producers; environment and mining bans in certain states also impact the quantity and quality of aggregates. Consistent source for quality aggregates has therefore become a real task. Lafarge India has two aggregates mines/ crushers, one each at Badlapur in Maharasthra and Kotputli in Rajasthan. Lafarge offers a wide range of aggregates including manufactured sand, a key ingredient in construction; however, it is difficult to procure because of the ban on river sand in many states in India. Lafarge manufactured aggregates ensures availability, consistency of quality and transparency.

What are the challenges in transporting RMC?

Transportation plays a major role in ready-mix concrete. With increasing population in urban areas, high traffic problems are frequent. Some cities have a æno entry´ policy during peak/working hours. Some customers demand small quantities which is not feasible to transport. Lastly, in metro cities, transporting ready- mix concrete through transit mixers in congested neighbourhoods is a major challenge.

It is therefore imperative for companies like Lafarge to support the metamorphosis of the cities and bring innovative solutions to address local issues. Lafarge India recently launched Concrete Master, a unique offering which enables customers to order RMC in small quantities and allows up to four hours of workability before the initial setting. This simplifies the entire construction process in congested neighbourhoods by offering an efficient onsite delivery of ready- to- use concrete and mortar in 30 kgs bags. This benefits contractors working in congested areas where RMC transit mixers cannot reach, and allows construction with quality products of Lafarge for the benefit of the end user.

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Concrete

Cement Margins to Erode as Energy Costs Rise: CRISIL

CRISIL warns of 150–200 bps margin decline this fiscal

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Crisil Intelligence (CRISIL) released a report on April 13, 2026, indicating Indian cement manufacturers face margin erosion of 150–200 basis points this fiscal, reducing operating margins to between 16 per cent and 18 per cent. The firm noted that this represents a reversal from the prior year when margins expanded by 260–280 basis points. The analysis attributed the shift to rising input costs despite steady demand.

The report said that power and fuel, which typically account for about 26–28 per cent of production cost, are expected to increase by 10–12 per cent year on year, driven by higher prices for crude oil, petroleum coke and thermal coal. Brent crude was assessed as likely to trade between $82 and $87 per barrel, and industrial diesel prices rose by 25 per cent in March, raising logistics and procurement expenses. Such increases have therefore heightened cost pressures across the value chain.

Producers plan to raise selling prices by one–three per cent, which would put the average retail price of a cement bag at around Rs355–Rs360, according to the report. CRISIL’s director Sehul Bhatt was cited as saying that these hikes will at best offset a four–six per cent rise in production costs, leaving little room for higher profitability. The report added that intense competition and continual capacity additions constrain the extent to which firms can pass on costs.

Demand conditions remain supportive, with CRISIL projecting volume growth of six point five–seven point five per cent this fiscal on the back of accelerated infrastructure projects and steady industrial and commercial consumption. Nonetheless, the pace of recovery is sensitive to developments in West Asia, the speed of government infrastructure execution and monsoon performance. The agency noted that any further escalation in energy prices or delays in project execution would widen margin pressures.

Overall, the sector will continue to grow but with compressed margins as energy cost inflation outpaces the limited ability to raise prices. Investors and policymakers will therefore monitor both input cost trajectories and policy measures aimed at alleviating supply chain constraints.

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Concrete

Haver & Boecker Niagara to showcase solutions at Hillhead

Focus on screening tech, diagnostics and quarrying efficiency

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Haver & Boecker Niagara will showcase its mineral processing technologies at Hillhead 2026, scheduled from June 23–25 in Buxton, UK.
At Stand PA3, the company will present its end-to-end solutions including screeners, screen media and advanced diagnostics, with a focus on improving efficiency, uptime and throughput for aggregates producers.
Highlighting its screen media portfolio, the company will feature Ty-Wire media with hybrid design offering up to 80 per cent more open area, alongside FLEX-MAT® solutions designed to enhance wear life and throughput while reducing blinding and clogging.
The showcase will also include its PULSE Diagnostics suite, comprising vibration analysis, condition monitoring and impact testing, aimed at assessing equipment health and preventing unplanned downtime.
Commenting on the event, Martin Loughran, Sales Manager, UK & Ireland, said, “Hillhead presents an excellent opportunity for us to demonstrate how we deliver innovative technologies along with long-term service and technical support.”
The company will also highlight its Niagara F-Class vibrating screen, designed to reduce structural vibration and improve operational reliability under demanding conditions.
The participation reflects Haver & Boecker Niagara’s focus on supporting quarrying operations with advanced screening solutions and predictive maintenance technologies.

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Concrete

Siyaram Recycling Secures Rs 21.03 mn Order From Anurag Impex

Domestic Fixed Cost Contract To Be Executed Within Seven Days

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Siyaram Recycling Industries Limited (Siyaram Recycling) has informed the stock exchange that it has secured a purchase order for brass scrap honey from Anurag Impex. The company submitted the intimation on 10 April 2026 from Jamnagar and requested the filing be taken on record. The filing was made under the provisions of regulation 30 of the SEBI listing regulations and accompanying circular. The intimation referenced the SEBI circular dated 13 July 2023 and included an annexure detailing the terms.

The order carries a fixed cost value of Rs 21.03 million (mn) and is to be executed domestically within seven days. The contract was described as a fixed cost engagement and the customer was identified as Anurag Impex. The announcement specified that the order size contributes a short term consideration to the company. Owing to the brief execution window, logistics and dispatch were expected to be prioritised.

The filing clarified that neither the promoter group nor group companies have any interest in the purchaser and that the transaction does not constitute a related party transaction. Details were provided in an annexure and the document was signed by the managing director, Bhavesh Ramgopal Maheshwari. The company referenced compliance with SEBI disclosure requirements in its notification. The notice indicated that no related party approvals were required owing to the nature of the transaction.

The order is expected to provide a modest near term revenue inflow and to be processed within the stated execution window given the nature of the product and the fixed cost terms. Management indicated the contract will be executed in accordance with standard operational procedures and accounting recognition at completion. The development signals continuing demand in the secondary metals market for brass scrap.

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