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The concept of ?brand building? has a fairly long gestation

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VP Sharma, Managing Director and CEO, ABG Cement Ltd
ABG group is large business group, head-quartered in Mumbai and having business operations in different parts of the country. It has diversified its business to cement and power segments. ABG Cement is a separate entity. ABG Energy is subsidiary of cement. ICR is in conversation with VP Sharma, Managing Director and CEO of ABG Cement Ltd. He has been associated with cement industry for more than 38 years.

Please brief us about your company.
We are a separate entity by the name ABG Cement Ltd. The management of the group thought to come in to cement business in early 2000, considering it, as core industry and govt continued emphasis on infrastructure and housing. Our finished product is still to enter the market but we have been making clinker since 2013 and are also exporting it. ABG Cement started as Green field project with the capacity of 6 MTPA at Gujarat location. We have our own captive limestone mines at nearby area. Power is the basic requirement, therefore, ABG Energy Ltd-a sister concern of the ABG Cement Ltd. is planning to install 2 x 50 MW coal based Power Plant for providing power to the cement plant and for its domestic electricity requirement. We propose to manufacture PPC and PSC Cements. We shall have our own source of fly ash and the slag will be sourced from Essar Steel.

What has been the perceptible shift in the concept of creating a ?brand? and how this shift is reflected in your ad campaigns?
The current market players are all ?company? brands and have very much relied on intrinsic product/category attributes to create a consumer proposition. Their perceived differentiation lies in the benefits of creative execution. Off late, there is a shift towards creation of product brands under the company brand portfolio. The concept of ?brand building? has a fairly long gestation, post its creation in a commoditized category like cement.

In light of above, new entrants like us have the opportunity to create tangible benefit differentiation while launching our brand.

Which feature/characteristic/USP of the product are you trying to highlight through your advertisement and why?
Our flagship product is Slag Cement and we will highlight the benefits of usage of slag cement in a variety of application areas. Advertisements are a manifestation of the Marketing Process imbibed within the organization and our attempt will be to create customer centric rather than product centric communication.

What do you think is the best and the most effective medium for building a brand? To what extent, the buying patterns of the end-user segment influence the ?creative? aspect of the brand campaign?
Brand building starts from within a company, inside-out. It grows as a ?ripple effect? of its interface with all touch-points, intentional or otherwise. Therefore, brands that capitalize on every engagement to generate positive incremental towards itself are on the optimum trajectory of brand building. In our evolving category, brand building is mostly associated with sporadic bursts of top-of-the line media advertising, hygiene in-shop presence and periodic dealer engagement programs. A recent need for building digital presence has been felt with changing consumer habits and most brands are investing in it now. Creatively, the trend is to have a lead campaign and adapt the same across media for building reach and saliency. However, with tech-adoption rate amongst consumers changing, creative message will be developed medium specific.

How do you rate your brand positioning/tag lines in terms of differentiating a product and creating value?
Our attempt will be to keep to the basics of business and bring it alive in communication.

To what extent do you think advertising on TV/sponsoring cricket team in IPL or supporting films helps in building brands? Please elaborate
The above are high reach; high awareness media and brands ride them to get quick noticeability amongst the target group. However, they are hugely expensive and used as ?force multipliers? on brand need. Many brands use these opportunities for product/market launch or reinforcement. In cement category, TV advertising is very cyclical and periodic and one should have a definitive market plan to use the mass media advantage.

Large format event sponsorship and activation surrounding it is usually undertaken by brands with distinctive ability to absorb and accrue benefit to its stakeholders, given the large costs. As for in-film placement/assorted branding in films, it may be approached on a case-to-case basis to ascertain brand fit.

How do you rate the celebrity endorsements? To what extent it enhances the brand value?
Celebrity endorsements figuratively ?add an icing to the brand cake?. They do create a positive rub off on the brand but can do little when brands have a PR challenge, casing point Maggie-endorsed by Madhuri Dixit and its current MSG fiasco. Few years earlier Amitabh Bachhan endorsed Cadbury?s Dairy Milk but when the PR fiasco of bad product came out it was the erstwhile MD, Mr. Rajeev Bakshi who first came on TV using an infomercial to assuage customers. In cement category, celebrity usage is limited.

There is a greater shift towards the concept of green and sustainability in the cement industry. But the same does not seem to be reflected in the brand positioning. What is your take on this?
Concept of green and sustainability has become very dear to the cement industry. Great efforts are being made in this direction at all levels. Slowly it will be reflected in brand building in cement industry.

It is a question of ?biting the bullet? once there is a product story. The company that does it; will have the first mover advantage.

How do you differentiate the campaigning from rural and urban markets? What are the specific differentiating factors?
The communication segmentation is done by target group as geographies of urban and rural are increasingly getting blurred. The markets are moving from Urban to Rural with lifting of rural economy. As for the choice of media option in each geography, the most cost effective reach is preferred. For brand fit with local setting, local media opportunities are utilized.

To what extent does CSR impact branding?
In a related category like steel/aluminium, CSR has been the creative route for oimpact branding?. The trend could percolate to cement specially with category leaders showing the way or brands with credible history of CSR. CSR activities certainly help the brand.

Sir, Brief us some thing about your export business.
As I told you earlier we have been exporting clinker since we started. the export of clinker was remunerative last year and before. However currently because of political and economical disturbances in Middle East, particularly Egypt, Syria, there is pressure on prices of clinker.

How do you assess the future of branding in the cement industry? Specifically consider the mature markets of the world.
The cement market is steadily moving towards bulk as compared to bags, casing point being the matured markets. In light of it, the brand building efforts will gravitate towards the B2B domain from B2C. The key differentiators will be the ?solutions approach? to different segments of projects. More so, brand building efforts will be more in the digital sphere as consumers (both business and trade partners) will be ?online? with company?s efforts to reach out to them. Social media will be very useful for branding, going forward.

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Economy & Market

Power Build’s Core Gear Series

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A deep dive into Core Gear Series of products M, C, F and K, by Power Build, and how they represent precision in motion.

At the heart of every high-performance industrial system lies the need for robust, reliable, and efficient power transmission. Power Build answers this need with its flagship geared motor series: M, C, F and K. Each series is meticulously engineered to serve specific operational demands while maintaining the universal promise of durability, efficiency, and performance.

Series M – Helical Inline Geared Motors
Compact and powerful, the Series M delivers exceptional drive solutions for a broad range of applications. With power handling up to 160kW and torque capacity reaching 20,000 Nm, it is the trusted solution for industries requiring quiet operation, high efficiency, and space-saving design. Series M is available with multiple mounting and motor options, making it a versatile choice for manufacturers and OEMs globally.

Series C – Right Angled Heli-Worm Geared Motors
Combining the benefits of helical and worm gearing, the Series C is designed for right-angled power transmission. With gear ratios of up to 16,000:1 and torque capacities of up to 10,000 Nm, this series is optimal for applications demanding precision in compact spaces. Industries looking for a smooth, low-noise operation with maximum torque efficiency rely on Series C for dependable performance.

Series F – Parallel Shaft Mounted Geared Motors
Built for endurance in the most demanding environments, Series F is widely adopted in steel plants, hoists, cranes and heavy-duty conveyors. Offering torque up to 10,000 Nm and high gear ratios up to 20,000:1, this product features an integral torque arm and diverse output configurations to meet industry-specific challenges head-on.

Series K – Right Angle Helical Bevel Geared Motors
For industries seeking high efficiency and torque-heavy performance, Series K is the answer. This right-angled geared motor series delivers torque up to 50,000 Nm, making it a preferred choice in core infrastructure sectors such as cement, power, mining and material handling. Its flexibility in mounting and broad motor options offer engineers the freedom in design and reliability in execution.
Together, these four series reflect Power Build’s commitment to excellence in mechanical power transmission. From compact inline designs to robust right-angle drives, each geared motor is a result of decades of engineering innovation, customer-focused design and field-tested reliability. Whether the requirement is speed control, torque multiplication or space efficiency, Radicon’s Series M, C, F and K stand as trusted powerhouses for global industries.

http://www.powerbuild.in
Call: +919727719344

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Economy & Market

Conveyor belts are a vital link in the supply chain

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Kamlesh Jain, Managing Director, Elastocon, discusses how the brand delivers high-performance, customised conveyor belt solutions for demanding industries like cement, mining, and logistics, while embracing innovation, automation, and sustainability.

In today’s rapidly evolving industrial landscape, efficient material handling isn’t just a necessity—it’s a competitive advantage. As industries such as mining, cement, steel and logistics push for higher productivity, automation, and sustainability, the humble conveyor belt has taken on a mission-critical role. In this exclusive interview, Kamlesh Jain, Managing Director, Elastocon, discusses how the company is innovating for tougher terrains, smarter systems and a greener tomorrow.

Brief us about your company – in terms of its offerings, manufacturing facilities, and the key end-user industries it serves.
Elastocon, a flagship brand of the Royal Group, is a trusted name in the conveyor belt manufacturing industry. Under the brand name ELASTOCON, the company produces both open-end and endless belts, offering tailor-made solutions to some of the most demanding sectors such as cement, steel, power, mining, fertiliser, and logistics. Every belt is meticulously engineered—from fabric selection to material composition—to ensure optimal performance in tough working conditions. With advanced manufacturing facilities and strict quality protocols, Elastocon continues to deliver high-performance conveyor solutions designed for durability, safety, and efficiency.

How is the group addressing the needs for efficient material handling?
Efficient material handling is the backbone of any industrial operation. At Elastocon, our engineering philosophy revolves around creating belts that deliver consistent performance, long operational life, and minimal maintenance. We focus on key performance parameters such as tensile strength, abrasion resistance, tear strength, and low elongation at working tension. Our belts are designed to offer superior bonding between plies and covers, which directly impacts their life and reliability. We also support clients
with maintenance manuals and technical advice, helping them improve their system’s productivity and reduce downtime.

How critical are conveyor belts in ensuring seamless material handling?
Conveyor belts are a vital link in the supply chain across industries. In sectors like mining, cement, steel, and logistics, they facilitate the efficient movement of materials and help maintain uninterrupted production flows. At Elastocon, we recognise the crucial role of belts in minimising breakdowns and increasing plant uptime. Our belts are built to endure abrasive, high-temperature, or high-load environments. We also advocate proper system maintenance, including correct belt storage, jointing, roller alignment, and idler checks, to ensure smooth and centered belt movement, reducing operational interruptions.

What are the key market and demand drivers for the conveyor belt industry?
The growth of the conveyor belt industry is closely tied to infrastructure development, increased automation, and the push for higher operational efficiency. As industries strive to reduce labor dependency and improve productivity, there is a growing demand for advanced material handling systems. Customers today seek not just reliability, but also cost-effectiveness and technical superiority in the belts they choose. Enhanced product aesthetics and innovation in design are also becoming significant differentiators. These trends are pushing manufacturers to evolve continuously, and Elastocon is leading the way with customer-centric product development.

How does Elastocon address the diverse and evolving requirements of these sectors?
Our strength lies in offering a broad and technically advanced product portfolio that serves various industries. For general-purpose applications, our M24 and DINX/W grade belts offer excellent abrasion resistance, especially for RMHS and cement plants. For high-temperature operations, we provide HR and SHR T2 grade belts, as well as our flagship PYROCON and PYROKING belts, which can withstand extreme heat—up to 250°C continuous and even 400°C peak—thanks to advanced EPM polymers.
We also cater to sectors with specialised needs. For fire-prone environments like underground mining, we offer fire-resistant belts certified to IS 1891 Part V, ISO 340, and MSHA standards. Our OR-grade belts are designed for oil and chemical resistance, making them ideal for fertiliser and chemical industries. In high-moisture applications like food and agriculture, our MR-grade belts ensure optimal performance. This diverse range enables us to meet customer-specific challenges with precision and efficiency.

What core advantages does Elastocon offer that differentiate it from competitors?
Elastocon stands out due to its deep commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. Every belt is customised to the client’s requirements, supported by a strong R&D foundation that keeps us aligned with global standards and trends. Our customer support doesn’t end at product delivery—we provide ongoing technical assistance and after-sales service that help clients maximise the value of their investments. Moreover, our focus on compliance and certifications ensures our belts meet stringent national and international safety and performance standards, giving customers added confidence.

How is Elastocon gearing up to meet its customers’ evolving needs?
We are conscious of the shift towards greener and smarter manufacturing practices. Elastocon is embracing sustainability by incorporating eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient manufacturing techniques. In parallel, we are developing belts that seamlessly integrate with automated systems and smart industrial platforms. Our vision is to make our products not just high-performing but also future-ready—aligned with global sustainability goals and compatible with emerging technologies in industrial automation and predictive maintenance.

What trends do you foresee shaping the future of the conveyor belt industry?
The conveyor belt industry is undergoing a significant transformation. As Industry 4.0 principles gain traction, we expect to see widespread adoption of smart belts equipped with sensors for real-time monitoring, diagnostics, and predictive maintenance. The demand for recyclable materials and sustainable designs will continue to grow. Furthermore, industry-specific customisation will increasingly replace standardisation, and belts will be expected to do more than just transport material—they will be integrated into intelligent production systems. Elastocon is already investing in these future-focused areas to stay ahead of the curve.

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Economy & Market

Impactful Branding

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Advertising or branding is never about driving sales. It’s about creating brand awareness and recall. It’s about conveying the core values of your brand to your consumers. In this context, why is branding important for cement companies? As far as the customers are concerned cement is simply cement. It is precisely for this reason that branding, marketing and advertising of cement becomes crucial. Since the customer is unable to differentiate between the shades of grey, the onus of creating this awareness is carried by the brands. That explains the heavy marketing budgets, celebrity-centric commercials, emotion-invoking taglines and campaigns enunciating the many benefits of their offerings.
Marketing strategies of cement companies have undergone gradual transformation owing to the change in consumer behaviour. While TV commercials are high on humour and emotions to establish a fast connect with the customer, social media campaigns are focussed more on capturing the consumer’s attention in an over-crowded virtual world. Branding for cement companies has become a holistic growth strategy with quantifiable results. This has made brands opt for a mix package of traditional and new-age tools, such as social media. However, the hero of every marketing communication is the message, which encapsulates the unique selling points of the product. That after all is crux of the matter here.
While cement companies are effectively using marketing tools to reach out to the consumers, they need to strengthen the four Cs of the branding process – Consumer, Cost, Communication and Convenience. Putting up the right message, at the right time and at the right place for the right kind of customer demographic is of utmost importance in the long run. It is precisely for this reason that regional players are likely to have an upper hand as they rely on local language and cultural references to drive home the point. But modern marketing and branding domain is exponentially growing and it would be an interesting exercise to tabulate and analyse its impact on branding for cement.

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