Economy & Market

Output soars on statistical base effect

Published

5 years ago

March 5, 2021

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The core sector data should not be taken at face value as they come over unusual circumstances in 2020. A better way would be to compare over March even though there are seasonal influences.

In April 2021, the eight core sectors registered a double-digit output growth of 56.1 per cent compared with 11.4 per cent growth in March 2021. The high growth in output can be attributed to a low base effect (-37.9 per cent in April 2020) as the nation-wide lockdown imposed last year brought production activities to a standstill resulting in huge output losses. The expansion in April has been led by an exponential growth in output of steel and cement. All sectors except crude oil have witnessed positive growth during the month.

However, the core sector output has been lower by 15.1 per cent in April 2021 over the March 2021 level with a broad-based contraction across all segments on a month-on-month basis. For March 2021, the core sector growth has been revised upwards from 6.8 (prov.) to 11.4 per cent (first revision) on account of improved coal production.

Key highlights

Coal production rose to a six-month high of 9.5 per cent in April 2021, higher than 0.3 per cent in March 2021 and -15.5 per cent in April 2020. However, coal production was lower sequentially in April 2021 compared with March 2021. The second wave of Covid-19 pandemic impacted production of coal as large number of employees tested positive for virus in state-run CIL.

Crude oil production witnessed a de-growth of 2.1 per cent in April 2021 compared with -6.4 per cent growth in the corresponding month last year. This fall can be ascribed to the less than planned contribution from workover wells, drilling wells and old wells by government owned oil companies. Production by private/joint venture companies was marginally lower on YoY basis, due to few wells being under maintenance, and some not producing due to possible casing damage, snapped/unscrewed sucker rod string and unavailability of effective demulsifier.

Natural gas production rose by 25 per cent in April 2021 as against a contraction of 19.9 per cent in April 2020 as output from fields operated by the private sector and joint ventures tripled and bulk of this came from eastern offshore fields. However, production by ONGC was flattish during the month.

Refinery production was in the positive territory for the first time in 13 successive months. Output in this segment grew by 30.9 per cent in April 2021 as against negative growth of 24.2 per cent in April 2020. Of these, major products that witnessed a rise in production during the month were LPG, Naptha, petrol, petcoke, bitumen, while products that saw a fall in production were superior kerosene oil and furnace oil.

Fertilisers production in April 2021 grew by 1.7 per cent over -4.5 per cent in the corresponding month last year. This lower output growth is reflective of the limited impact of coronavirus led disruptions on this segment in April 2020. Fertilizers production in April was 5.4 per cent lower when compared to March as the demand for fertilizers did not pick up because Kharif sowing doesn?? start in April.

Steel output saw exponential growth of 400 per cent in April 2021 compared with negative growth of 82.8 per cent in April 2020. However, sequentially steel production fell by 20.6 per cent. The rising coronavirus cases across the country, labour exodus and the diversion of liquid oxygen to hospitals for coronavirus patients impacted steel production during April 2021.

Cement production on a year-on-year basis increased by 548.8 per cent in April 2021 over -85.2 per cent April 2020. Monthly cement production declined by 15.2 per cent in April 2021 compared to March 2021 as the uptick seen in infrastructure and construction activities since H2-FY21 witnessed a slowdown due to recent spike in Covid-19 cases and subsequent imposition of localised restrictions from April 2021. Even the rural demand that had aided growth in demand last year seems to be affected by the second wave of Covid-19.

Electricity production increased by 38.7 per cent in April 2021, higher than 22.5 per cent in the previous month and -22.9 per cent in the corresponding month last year primarily on account of a low base effect as demand for electricity from the commercial sector was dampened by the disruption in economic activities in April last year. The growth in output witnessed in this segment during the month is the highest in the new series with the base year 2011-12.

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As expected the core output for April 2021 has been elevated on the back of a statistical base effect. The trend is likely to continue in the months ahead owing to output disruptions of May 2020 and slow pick-up in production following resumption of economic activities in June and July last year. The index of industrial production for April 2021 is likely to be high given the double-digit contraction of 57.3 per cent witnessed in the corresponding month last year.

Courtesy: CARE Ratings

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Akanksha Bhende, Associate Economist with CARE Ratings.

Disclaimer: This report is prepared by CARE Ratings. CARE Ratings has taken utmost care to ensure accuracy and objectivity while developing this report based on information available in public domain. However, neither the accuracy nor completeness of information contained in this report is guaranteed. CARE Ratings is not responsible for any errors or omissions in analysis/inferences/views or for results obtained from the use of information contained in this report and especially states that CARE Ratings has no financial liability whatsoever to the user of this report.

Economy & Market

Fornnax launches world’s biggest secondary/fine shredder for AFR pre-processing

Published

1 week ago

November 7, 2025

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Fornnax has introduced its latest breakthrough – the R-MAX3300, for handling low-density waste streams, offering a powerful solution for cement AFR plants.

Fornnax Technology has launched its latest breakthrough – the R-MAX3300, the biggest secondary shredder in its class. The unveiling took place on 14th October, 2025 at IFAT India 2025 in Mumbai, one of the most prestigious events for environmental technologies, waste management, and sustainable resource innovation.

The launch ceremony was graced by esteemed industry leaders and dignitaries. The guest list included Md Fahim Sopariwala, CEO, GEPIL India; Sridhar Jagannathan, Vice President, Zigma Global; Priyesh Bhatti, CEO, GEPIL India; Shailendra Singh, Deputy General Manager, Prism Johnson (Cement Division); Ulhas Parlikar, Global Consultant, Waste Management, Circular Economy, Policy Advocacy and Co-processing; Saurabh Palsania, Joint President (Strategic Sourcing), Shree Cement; Rajeev Patel, DGM (Process), Mangalam Cement; and Anumodan Kumar Dubey, Mangalam Cement.

This state-of-the-art equipment represents a significant advancement for India’s recycling and waste processing landscape, offering a powerful solution for cement AFR plants and waste-to-energy facilities.

Building on the proven performance and legacy of the R Series secondary shredder, which has long been trusted for high-density materials like tyres and cables, the newly introduced R-MAX3300 is specifically engineered for handling low-density waste streams. These include Municipal Solid Waste (MSW), Commercial and Industrial (C&I) waste, Bulky waste, Legacy waste, Wood waste, and Construction & Demolition (C&D) waste.

By incorporating advanced shredding technology, the R-MAX3300 enables seamless and highly efficient production of Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) and Solid Recovered Fuel (SRF) within the ideal particle size range of 30 to 50 mm. Its design prioritises versatility, durability and superior performance, directly supporting industrial operations that demand consistency and scale.

“The R-MAX3300 represents a monumental leap forward in our vision to become a global leader by 2030 in recycling technology through innovation,” said Jignesh Kundaria, Director and CEO, Fornnax Technology. “With the rising challenges of waste management in India and globally, this machine is not just a product; it’s a powerful tool for change. We engineered it to handle the most difficult waste streams with unparalleled efficiency, turning what was once considered unusable waste into a valuable resource. It directly addresses the urgent demand for effective, large-scale shredding technology that can support cement kilns and waste-to-energy facilities in achieving the desired output,” he added.

The launch of the R-MAX3300 arrives at a pivotal moment. India currently generates over 160,000 tons of municipal solid waste daily, while government-led initiatives such as Swachh Bharat Mission and Smart Cities are accelerating the demand for RDF and waste-to-energy solutions. Simultaneously, the global industrial shredder market is expected to grow at a 5–6 per cent CAGR, driven by stricter recycling regulations and increasing waste generation.

Kundaria further emphasised, “Our commitment goes beyond just selling machinery; it’s about empowering our customers to achieve lasting efficiency, sustainability, and growth. We see ourselves as a trusted partner who stands beside them at every step – from technology deployment to ongoing support, ensuring they can rely on Fornnax not only for performance but also for consistency, dependability, and long-term value.”

The R-MAX3300 is equipped to handle high-throughput processing of pre-shredded or coarse materials, making it ideal for SRF/RDF production, composting pre-treatment, and volume reduction for logistics optimisation. It is expected to play a crucial role in Integrated Waste Management Projects (IWMP) and bio-mining operations both within India and globally.

With this grand launch, Fornnax continues to set global benchmark and move decisively towards the vision of becoming global leader in recycling technology by 2030 that is state-of-the-art, innovative, economical, efficient reliable and eco-friendly.

Concrete

Fornnax wins Top Domestic Sales Award 2024-25 by AIRIA

Published

1 week ago

November 7, 2025

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Fornnax bags the Excellence in Top Domestic Sales Award 2024–25 by the All India Rubber Industries Association (AIRIA).

The company has been honoured with the Excellence in Top Domestic Sales Award 2024–25 by the All India Rubber Industries Association (AIRIA) under the Rubber Machineries and Equipment category. The award recognises Fornnax’s exceptional market leadership, strong sales performance and continued commitment to sustainable innovation.

With over a decade of specialised expertise, Fornnax has emerged as a transformative force in India’s tyre recycling sector, commanding nearly 90 per cent of the domestic market while steadily expanding across Europe, Australia, the GCC, and other global regions.

Fornnax’s advanced recycling systems—comprising the SR-Series Primary Shredders, R-Series Secondary Shredders, and TR-Series Granulators—are engineered for durability, efficiency, and high-output performance. These technologies are widely deployed in end-of-life tyre (ELT) processing and other waste management applications, reinforcing Fornnax’s reputation as a trusted industry partner.

Expressing his gratitude, Jignesh Kundaria, Director & CEO, Fornnax, said, “We are incredibly proud to receive this recognition from AIRIA. This award validates the trust that our customers and partners have placed in us over the years. I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all our clients and partners who have been an integral part of this journey and our continued success. At Fornnax, our goal has always been to empower the recycling industry with innovative, high-performance solutions that make sustainability both achievable and profitable.”

The award also underscores Fornnax’s pivotal role in promoting circular economy practices by enabling the conversion of end-of-life tyres and rubber waste into reusable raw materials. Through ongoing R&D, new product innovation, and a solutions-driven approach, the company continues to help industries worldwide adopt eco-conscious, scalable recycling models.

As India’s recycling landscape evolves to meet global sustainability benchmarks, Fornnax stands at the forefront with internationally certified technology, a proven track record, and a clear vision for environmentally responsible growth.

Concrete

Pacific Avenue Completes Acquisition of FLSmidth Cement; Rebrands as Fuller Technologies

Published

2 weeks ago

November 4, 2025

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The acquisition of FLSmidth Cement by Pacific Avenue Capital Partners marks a new phase of focused growth and innovation.
Rebranded as Fuller® Technologies, the company will continue delivering world-class solutions with renewed investment and direction.

Pacific Avenue Capital Partners (“Pacific Avenue”), a global private equity firm, has completed its acquisition of FLSmidth Cement following the fulfillment of all customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. The transaction includes all of FLSmidth Cement’s intellectual property, technology, employees, manufacturing facilities, and global sales and service organizations.

As Fuller Technologies, the company will continue to seamlessly support its customers while advancing its robust portfolio of capital equipment, digital solutions, and service offerings. With a sharpened focus on Pyro and Grinding technologies, alongside core brands such as PFISTER®, Ventomatic®, Pneumatic Conveying, and Automation, Fuller Technologies aims to deliver enhanced value and reliability across the cement and industrial sectors.

Under Pacific Avenue’s ownership, Fuller Technologies will benefit from increased investment in people, products, and innovation. The dedicated management team will work to optimize operations and strengthen customer relationships, ensuring continuity and excellence during this exciting transition.

“We are proud to be the new owner of FLSmidth Cement, now Fuller Technologies, a global leader with a rich history of providing mission-critical equipment and aftermarket solutions in the cement and industrial sectors. We will continue to build upon the Company’s legacy of being at the forefront of technological innovation, service delivery, and product quality as we support our customers’ operations,” says Chris Sznewajs, Managing Partner and Founder of Pacific Avenue Capital Partners.

Pacific Avenue’s deep experience in executing complex industrial carve-outs and guiding standalone businesses into their next growth phase will be instrumental in shaping Fuller Technologies’ future. With a proven track record in building products and capital equipment industries, Pacific Avenue is poised to help Fuller Technologies optimize performance, accelerate growth, and create long-term value for its customers and stakeholders worldwide.