Apollo Pipes Limited is set to expand its total production capacity by 70,000 tonnes through its ongoing expansions, including its INR 135 crore greenfield facility in Varanasi that will add 30,000 tonnes to its overall capacity by 2026, along with 11,500 tonnes in infrastructure and home building material. The company also plans a brownfield expansion of 28,500 tonnes, bringing the total capacity to 286,000 tonnes over the next 2–3 years. In an exclusive interaction with Tube & Pipe India, Mr. Dhruv Gupta from Apollo Pipes Limited also shared insights into how it is accelerating its move toward PVC profiles and gas pipelines, particularly for applications in the growing solar power sector and clean energy transmission.

Tube & Pipe India: Please tell us about your PVC pipe segment? What are the products that you have recently introduced in this segment?

Dhruv Gupta: PVC pipes, known for their high pressure applications, are one of the most significant products of our portfolio- which includes a variety of PVC products such as cPVC, uPVC, PVC-O pipe, PTMT taps, fittings, water storage tank and solvent of the highest quality. The products cater to an array of industrial applications such as agriculture, water management, construction, infrastructure, and telecom ducting segments.

Last year, we introduced a new product in this segment, called APL Apollo Ultima PVC-O pipes which can serve as a replacement for DI pipes. Crafted through a revolutionary molecular orientation process, these pipes maintain the inherent advantages of PVC while enhancing their physical and mechanical properties. These pipes are ideal for medium- and high-pressure water networks, and excel in irrigation, potable water supply, fire extinguishing, and pumping systems.

We have also launched two new products in the HDPE pipe segment. PLB duct pipes and PE gas pipes. PLB duct pipes are permanently lubricated duct pipes which are widely used in telecommunications and utility networks, and the PE gas pipes are yellow and orange pipes used for gas transmission purposes.

TPI: Could you walk us through your infrastructure setup and the manufacturing capacities?

DG: Apollo Pipes operates 8 state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities located in Dadri and Sikandrabad (UP), Ahmedabad (Gujarat), Tumkur (Karnataka), and Raipur (Chhattisgarh), Mahagaon (Maharashtra), Silvasa (Dadar & Nagar Haveli) and Dewas (Madhya Pradesh).

With a robust production capacity of 2,16,000 tonnes, we have successfully established a pan-India presence supported by a strong network of over 1,000 channel partners and more than 10,000 customer touchpoints. Our diverse product portfolio includes over 2,600 SKUs, offering the widest range of solutions currently available in the Indian market.

TPI: Apollo Pipes has increased its stake in Kisan Moulding. What was the strategy behind Apollo Pipe’s decision to increase its stake in the company?

DG: We have acquired 57 percent in Kisan Mouldings with an investment of approximately INR 140 crore, providing a very strong footprint in West India. With a capacity of 60,000 tonnes, the company eyes a potential revenue of INR 750 crore in the next three years. Beyond its strategic value, Kisan Moulding is a well-established, highly recognized brand and one of the oldest brands in the PVC pipe segment in India which helped us expand our Indian presence.

TPI: Can you tell us about your market footprint? Are there any export opportunities for the company?

DG: We are currently expanding our footprint, with a strong focus on northern India, where we have established our largest plant in Dadri, UP, enabling us to supply large quantities of pipes, fittings, and other supplies to our clients in a timely manner. In 2021, we had set up a green field manufacturing facility at Raipur, Chhattisgarh to cater to the central and eastern part of the country.

We are also targeting new markets such as Gujarat and Maharashtra, while working to significantly increase our overall production capacity.

In 2023-24, we kick-started the establishment of our greenfield facility near Varanasi. With a total capex outlay of INR 135 crore, the new establishment will add 30,000 tonnes to our overall capacity by 2026 and create the company’s pan-India presence.

While we are expanding our domestic presence, our exports are currently limited. However, we are actively pursuing opportunities to enter the international market.

TPI: What are your company’s USPs in the plastic pipe segment that keeps you ahead of the competition?

DG: There are many players in the plastic pipe segment, but what sets us apart from our competitors is the level at which we operate as an organization. We follow high standards of professionalism in our company, as compared to other organisations. Additionally, we have a significant number of plants and distribution centers all over India with our distribution network being one of the largest in the building industry.

The Indian PVC pipes and fittings market expected to register 15% CAGR during FY24 – FY27. The domestic plastic pipes industry size is ~ INR 350 billion, and the organized players account for ~70% market share.

TPI: Could you give us an overview regarding how the plastic or PVC pipe segment is growing in India as well as globally , and what opportunities do you foresee in the future?

DG: The Indian PVC pipes and fittings market expected to register 15% CAGR during FY24 – FY27. The domestic plastic pipes industry size is ~ INR 350 billion, and the organized players account for ~70% market share.

The key features of the plastic pipes that are driving the growth of these segments include lightweightedness, ease of transportation, and longer life span. Moreover, the government’s push for cleanliness and sanitation to boost the water management sector, increased building of affordable houses and growing housing demand, and the requirement for infrastructure for irrigation and water supplies are further boosting the demands of these segments.

In the coming years, I see significant opportunities in the PPR segment, as it’s being increasingly used in HVAC systems all over the world. Along with that, I see a considerable potential in the PVC profiling business.

I have studied a published article about the shift from aluminium to PVC profiles for solar panels, which presents a big opportunity for the PVC market segment. I think China and the USA are one of the biggest manufacturers of solar panels and would present a substantial opportunity for the PVC players.

In the coming years, I see significant opportunities in the PPR segment, as it’s being increasingly used in HVAC systems all over the world.

TPI: With the ongoing US-China tariff war impacting the steel segment, how do you see the plastic pipe segment poised for growth?

DG: We could see some advantages in raw material prices of the plastic pipes. If import prices from China fall, as a result of Chinese players trying to be more competitive and use their capacities, it could help manufacturers by lowering the production costs of plastic pipes and improving profit margins. This might also make plastic pipes a more attractive and affordable option in the market.

However, there’s another side to it. A big drop in raw material prices can sometimes signal a broader economic uncertainty and cause a bad market sentiment. If that happens, the overall demand for plastic pipes could slow down as businesses become more cautious. So, this development could have both positive or negative sides.

Also Read: Sintex Launches India’s 1st CPVC Antimicrobial Pipes

TPI: Apollo Pipes has partnered with prominent figures like Mr. Amitabh Bachchan for brand promotions. Moving forward, how do you plan to further enhance your brand presence?

DG: We onboarded bollywood celebrities like Mrs. Raveena Tandon and Mr. Amitabh Bachchan as our brand ambassadors. Through this strategic investment and marketing campaign, we grabbed eyeballs and gained appreciable mileage for the brand.

Further, our product roster includes both industrial products and building materials. Our steel window frames and doors, in particular, have the potential to capture the public eye and create strong brand recall. Much like other prominent brands, we expect to gain a significant advantage in this segment as well.

TPI: What are your future plans for Apollo Pipes?

DG: Apollo Pipes is set to increase its capacity through its ongoing expansion including its greenfield facility in Varanasi that will add 30,000 tonnes to its overall capacity by 2026, along with 11,500 tonnes in infrastructure and home building material. The company also plans a brownfield expansion of 28,500 tonnes, bringing the total capacity to 286,000 tonnes over the next 2–3 years.

We also have several exciting products joining our roster this year, which will enhance our product portfolio and build our brand. With these new developments and expansion strategies, we drive the brand forward, aiming it to be synonymous with the highest quality, cutting-edge technology, and an unwavering commitment to services.

I observe a shift from aluminium to PVC profiles for solar panels which presents a big opportunity for the PVC market segment.