Concrete

The government needs to strictly enforce cement usage in rural and urban roads

Published

10 years ago

January 31, 2015

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Faisal Alam, President-Sales & Marketing, Kalyanpur Cement
Overall cement demand will go up which will increase the present capacity utilisation levels from 50-60 per cent to around 80 per cent, says Faisal Alam, President-Sales & Marketing, Kalyanpur Cement. Excerpts from the interview…Which sectors will drive cement demand in 2015?
According to the recent Government of India guidelines, most of the highways and roads will be built using concrete. This should have happened much earlier. If this happens, infrastructure demand will take the lead as is the case in China. The gap between China and India as first and second largest producer of cement in the world is primarily on account of cement being used in roads and bridges in China. The overall specs of the roads is for 100 years or more horizon. Rest of the sectors will grow at 7 to 8 per cent.

What will be the likely demand-supply scenario in 2015?
This will depend on cement usage in roads and bridges. In case of 100 per cent conversion to cement for road and highway building, the overall growth may easily reach double-digit figures. That will lead to demand outstripping supply (at 100 per cent capacity utilisation) but in not less than a year and a half time. We are yet to catch up with developed nations in as far as FAR vs Road width vs height is concerned. The emphasis on low-cost housing will also make a difference if it is well supported by government. This is a more important area than building smart cities.

What is your estimate on the cement prices in 2015 and how will it impact the market?
Cement prices will cross Rs 400 mark per bag across the country in order that cement companies survive in line with rising costs and a huge tax burden.

What is the export/import scenario in 2015 for cement and its raw materials?
Export levels will go up but not at a very large variance than what has been in recent years because I believe Indian cement will be dearer with rupee consolidating against foreign currencies. Raw material import will go up, specially coal and gypsum.

What are the policy initiatives you expect from the government?
The government needs to strictly enforce cement usage in ?all? roads, rural or urban. Improve building laws to encourage sky scrapers on smaller footprints, incentivise low cost housing, reduce interest rates on housing loans and also reduce income tax rates on disposable income.

Increase coal output in the country by bringing in modern technology for higher output of coal. Simultaneously, encourage R&D at premier institutes to substitute usage of coal (gas pipelines?) Better roads are needed. Also encourage washeries so that less ash and more coal is transported. Today, coal is Railways? highest transported commodity followed by steel and cement. Average ash from pit is in the range of 30-40 per cent. Railways is therefore transporting huge amount of ash which is further leading to disposal problems of fly ash at thermal power plants.

Concrete

Ramco Cements employee wins silver at Japan Para Badminton

He partnered with Paralympian Sukanth Kadam to win this medal.

Published

3 hours ago

November 12, 2024

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Dinesh Rajaiah, an employee of Ramco Cements, won Silver medal in the men’s doubles event in the Japan Para Badminton International 2024 held in Tokyo. He partnered with Paralympian Sukanth Kadam to win this medal. Notably Sukanth Kadam had finished 4th in the men’s singles in Paris Paralympic Games which concluded in September 2024.

Japan Para Badminton International 2024 was held in Tokyo from 22nd to 27th October 2024 where more than 200 players were in the fray.

Dinesh, despite suffering a shoulder injury and having his right shoulder heavily taped, treated the audience to a nail biting final. The duo was down 16-20 in the second set and fought back to take the game to the third set where they lost 16-21. Being the last match of the event, the pair won hearts of the audience for their never give up spirit.

Dinesh breaks into the top 15 in the BWF Para World Ranking in men’s singles category and is now ranked 14 in the world. Ramco Cements has been supporting Dinesh Rajaiah ever since he showed his talent in an inter unit tournament of Ramco Cements in 2017. The company had then encouraged him to take up professional badminton coaching and has been sponsoring him for all major international tournaments. Ramco Cements wishes Dinesh all success in future tournaments.

Concrete

Asian Paints Sees 43.71% Profit Dip

Asian Paints reports significant profit decline in Q2.

Published

3 hours ago

November 12, 2024

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Asian Paints has reported a 43.71% year-on-year decline in its net profit for Q2 FY25, amounting to a substantial reduction in earnings. The leading paint manufacturer attributed this decline primarily to increased input costs, a competitive market environment, and a slowdown in consumer demand. Despite the lower profit, the company’s revenue saw a moderate increase, reflecting its ability to maintain strong market presence in the face of challenges.

The company’s margins have been impacted by rising raw material prices, particularly in key components used in paint production. Additionally, the ongoing economic conditions, coupled with sluggish demand in certain segments, have put pressure on profitability. However, Asian Paints remains optimistic about its long-term prospects, focusing on strategic innovations and expanding its market share in the premium product segments.

In response to these challenges, the company has reaffirmed its commitment to cost-efficiency and improving operational performance. Asian Paints continues to explore new avenues for growth, including enhancing its product portfolio and leveraging its extensive distribution network to drive sales across diverse consumer segments.

Concrete

Ambuja Cements seeks CCI approval to acquire majority stake in Orient

Ambuja Cements’ stake would rise to 72.8 per cent, as per the notice filed with the CCI.

Published

3 hours ago

November 12, 2024

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Billionaire Gautam Adani-led Ambuja Cements has sought approval from the Competition Commission of India (CCI) for the acquisition of a majority stake in CK Birla group firm Orient Cement in a deal worth Rs 81 billion.

According to a notice from the CCI, the proposed transaction involves a two-stage acquisition process, which was initiated through two share purchase agreements (SPAs) on October 22, 2024. As part of the deal, Ambuja Cements will initially acquire a 46.80 per cent stake in Orient Cement. This includes a 37.90 per cent stake from the current promoter group and an additional 8.90 per cent from certain public shareholders.

The notice further stated that following the acquisition of shares, an obligation would be triggered for the acquirer to make an open offer under the Sebi’s SAST (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) rules, aimed at acquiring up to 26 per cent of the expanded share capital of the target company. If the open offer is fully accepted, Ambuja Cements’ stake would rise to 72.8 per cent, as per the notice filed with the CCI.

In October, the Adani Group, led by Gautam Adani, had announced the signing of a binding agreement to acquire Orient Cement (OCL) at an equity value of Rs 81 billion. This acquisition would increase Adani Cement’s capacity by 16.6 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), which is operated through Ambuja Cements.

Ambuja Cements, part of the diversified Adani Group, is a leading cement and building materials company in India. It operates 22 integrated cement plants, 10 bulk cement terminals, and 21 grinding units across the country.