Kamdhenu Limited, a one-stop construction material solutions company engaged in manufacturing and supply of TMT bars, structural steel and colour coated sheets, aims to contribute and become a part of the Indian steel industry’s growth story, owing to its installed capacity of 52.5 lakh MT; brand turnover of more than INR 21,200 crore in retail; and operations over 80 manufacturing units spread across India via our unique franchisee based business model. Mr. Sunil Kumar Agarwal, Director, Kamdhenu Limited, revealed this and much more, during an exclusive interaction with Tube & Pipe India.
Tube & Pipe India: Please share your views on the Indian vis-a-vis the global steel industry. What is the role of the Indian government in the growth of this sector?
Sunil Kumar Agarwal: India plays a pivotal role in the global steel industry both as a major consumer and producer of steel. It is the second-largest producer of crude steel, has abundant iron ore reserves, and a net exporter of steel.
The country is also one of the fastest growing steel consumers in the world, driven by increasing urbanisation and large scale infrastructure development projects. Government initiatives such as the National Steel Policy 2017, the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) and Make in India have significantly contributed to the growth of the steel industry.
Despite this progress, India’s per capita steel consumption remains below the global average of approximately 230 kg, indicating considerable potential for further growth of the steel sector.
TPI: What are the major ongoing challenges in the Indian steel industry?
SKA: While there are abundant reserves of iron ore deposits in the country, the same is not true for coking coal. The country primarily meets its demand for coking coal through imports, exposing the steel industry to global supply chain risks and price fluctuations.
India produces and exports finished and semi-finished steel products, while importing high-grade steel and specialty alloys. The capacity for the production of high-grade steel products and specialty alloys needs to be ramped up to meet domestic demands and expand the export portfolio.
Steel production in India relies heavily on coal. To accelerate the decarbonisation of the industry and align with sustainability goals, there is a strong need for initiatives to adopt greener fuels and more sustainable production methods.
Strengthening the steel industry requires a concerted effort by both the government and industry players in terms of enabling policies and investment in advanced technologies and expertise.
TPI: How can these challenges of the industry be addressed? How is your company contributing towards this transition?
SKA: Strengthening the steel industry requires a concerted effort by both the government and industry players in terms of enabling policies and investment in advanced technologies and expertise. Most steel producers are actively looking at ways to offset their carbon footprint and adopt greener practices in their workflow.
Government initiatives like the ‘Taxonomy on green steel’ will also go a long way in pushing adoption of decarbonisation measures among industry players. The initiative defines green steel with parameters for giving star ratings on products based on the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) emitted during the production process.
TPI: Brief us about your specialized steel products along with their USPs. Where do your products find applications?
SKA: Kamdhenu NXT is a next generation TMT bar with angular double rib design, manufactured with cutting edge technology at par with the futuristic national and international quality standards. It is best suited for modern architectural patterns and designs meant for newly-engineered structures.
Kamdhenu Limited’s Power Alloy Steel 10000 (PAS10000), made from an alloy-based steel, is capable of strength up to 10000PSI with concrete and surpasses the current BIS standard. The alloy’s unique Rib design enables a 360 degree locking, giving it the capability to bear 28 percent more weight and enhance earth-quake resistance of the building.
Kamdhenu Colour Max Sheet is an eco-friendly pre-painted product offering a wide spectrum of appealing colors for selection. A unique coating on the multiple layers of high-quality steel alloy enables ‘Kamdhenu Colour Max’ to resist cracking and peeling under extreme weather conditions and construction process.
Kamdhenu also manufactures a variety of structural steel products under franchisee agreement. High-quality angles, channels, beams, flats, round and squares are manufactured at our partner facilities.
TPI: Share with us about your major projects, market footprint and clientele you are catering to.
SKA: Kamdhenu has over 80 manufacturing units spread across India via our unique franchisee based business model with an installed capacity of 52.5 lakh MT. The brand has achieved a turnover of more than INR 21,200 crore in retail with a CAGR growth of 14 percent over the last decade. We are a one-stop construction material solutions company, engaged in the manufacturing and supply of a variety of products, including but not limited to TMT bars, structural steel, colour coated sheets, etc. Our wide range of products cater to various kinds of structural, aesthetic and luxury requirements in construction.
TPI: What are your future growth plans or investments aimed at strengthening your market position?
SKA: Kamdhenu’s franchisee-based model has allowed faster growth, while the in-house Innovation Centre has ensured that customers have easy access to cost-efficient and high-quality products for their construction needs. A strong focus on training, technical support and continuous improvement to meet customer expectations has enabled us to stay ahead in the industry. The steel industry has room for much more growth, considering the lower than average per-capita steel consumption and we are perfectly poised to partake in this growth. With a strong focus on quality controls, self-reliance and consumer connect, we are excited to be a part of this growth story.
Kamdhenu’s franchisee-based model has allowed faster growth, while the in-house Innovation Centre has ensured that customers have easy access to cost-efficient and high-quality products for their construction needs.
