Ambassador of France to India, Emmanuel Lenain, Wednesday inaugurated an Imerys plant, in Andhra Pradesh's Atchutapuram that produces advanced heat-resistant binder materials for industrial use, such as cement and steel production.
France-based Imerys has set up its manufacturing unit with an initial investment of Rs 350 crore. The plant has a capacity to produce 30,000 tonnes of calcium aluminate binder used in construction industries. "The company has plans to expand capacity to 50,000 tonnes by 2030 to meet the growing demand from the domestic steel and cement sectors," said PTI quoting Imerys senior vice-president Philippe Bourg.
"Imerys is also in the process of setting up a regional Research and Development Centre at Vizag. The centre will support local product development and innovation for specific customer requirements in India," Bourg added.
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The Visakhapatnam facility is Imerys’ largest site in India and also the largest investment in its refractory and construction businesses. Imerys is a leading global player in mineral-based speciality solutions for industry with a revenue (in 2021) of over Rs 35,000 crore.
“The R and D Centre will also contribute to augmenting the company’s global technical and manufacturing standards. We are also committed to growing our India business sustainability and have commenced work to generate solar energy to power the Vizag plant,” Bourg said.
The senior vice-president also said Imerys generated sales of Rs 160 crore in 2021 in India.
While the company remained focused on serving Indian market demand, the Vizag manufacturing facility was also equipped to serve overseas markets in Asia Pacific and the Middle East. "This will contribute to strengthening India’s position in the global manufacturing supply chain," Bourg said.
Imerys India managing director Segi Idicula and other officials attended the event.
(With PTI inputs)