MPL Group is looking forward to becoming a preferred green steel pipes manufacturer at the global platform by expanding its product range in renewable energy, completing its 4.5MW solar rooftop orders, and planning to meet its 100 percent energy requirement through renewable sources by 2030. This information was divulged by Mr. Raj Kumar Agarwal, CMO, MPL Group, in an interaction with Tube & Pipe India.
Tube & Pipe India: You have added a lot of feathers in your business cap since 1959, when you were part of the first re-rolling steel mill in Andhra Pradesh. How has the journey been? Kindly highlight major milestones and crucial achievements.
Raj Kumar Agarwal: The journey of MPL Group is a tale of resilience, innovation, and legacy that dates back to 1913, when our ancestral family moved to the erstwhile Telangana and ventured into the textile business. By 1959, we had proudly become part of the first steel industry in Andhra Pradesh, marking the beginning of our enduring legacy in the steel sector. Over more than five generations, our family has remained steadfast in conducting business in the state, evolving from transporting steel in bullock carts to developing sophisticated infrastructure, enabling multi-modal transportation.
Our flagship company was established in 1995 in Kallakal village of Medak district, setting the stage for significant growth. July 2000 marked a pivotal moment with the launch of our MS tubes manufacturing division, followed by the inauguration of our second pipe mill in 2003 and third in 2008. Today, MPL Group boasts eight manufacturing units spread across five districts in Telangana. Recognized for our innovative HR strategies, we were awarded the best employer brand award. Our products are now present in over 15 states across India and are exported to seven countries, contributing significantly to the state exchequer and providing employment to over 2,500 people directly. Moreover, as part of our commitment to environmental sustainability, we are venturing steadfast into renewable energies with the closure of 4.5MW solar rooftop orders. We have charted a plan to meet our 100 percent energy requirement through renewable sources by 2030.
TPI: Please share information about your manufacturing plants and annual production capacity.
RKA: Our manufacturing plants exemplify efficiency and innovation. Our flagship unit located in Kalakal, Telangana, has an impressive annual capacity of 200,000 tons, utilizing cutting-edge technology and skilled professionals. Unit 2 in Pashamylaram, Telangana, produces 60,000 tons annually, specializing in large-sized mild steel pipes essential for infrastructure projects. Our 8 MW waste heat recovery power plant and two sponge iron factories in Nalgonda district, Telangana, have an aggregate capacity of 120,000 TPA.
TPI: What does the product basket of MPL Group contain? Which are the industries where your products find application?
RKA: Under the flagship brand of MPL, mild steel ERW pipes are key contributors to the group’s turnover. With over 400 sizes, we are able to cater to more than 4000 applications. Our mild steel pipes are widely used in infrastructure projects, interior design, residential and commercial buildings, pre-engineered buildings, firefighting systems, and material handling applications such as pipe conveyors.
The product basket of MPL Group encompasses other diverse range of products including cement, sponge iron, power, and logistics services. Our cement products are essential for the construction of flyovers, bridges, highways, and various other infrastructure projects. Our logistics services ensure efficient transportation and delivery of goods. Industries that benefit from our products include construction, manufacturing, energy, and logistics.
TPI: Kindly tell us more about your market footprint and major clientele.
RKA: The MPL Group has established a robust market footprint across various regions, including Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi, and Uttarakhand, through a strong network of distributors and dealers. Our products are BIS approved and ISO certified, meeting the highest industry standards. We are proud to be approved suppliers for prestigious organizations such as South Central Railway, BHEL, HSL, Vizag Steel, CPWD, and Telangana State Power Generation Corporation (TSGENCO).
Our major clientele includes construction giants like L&T, Tata Projects, and Shapoorji Pallonji, leading real estate companies such as My Home Group, NCC, Rajapushpa, and Auro Realty, as well as key players in the defense sector like Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited (MIDHANI) and Defence Research Development Laboratories (DRDL). Our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction has made us a trusted name in the industry.
TPI: The Group has earned quite a reputation for its high-quality products. How do you manage to stay ahead of the curve in the industry?
RKA: At MPL, staying ahead of the curve in the industry is a result of our commitment to quality at every stage of production. We start by sourcing the best quality raw materials, ensuring a strong foundation for our products. Our manufacturing processes leverage best-in-class machinery and state-of-the-art technology, including high-speed mills with Japanese W Forming and solid-state welding technology from Thermatool. Quality control is a cornerstone of our operations. Our laboratories are equipped with advanced testing & analytical instruments, and computerized testing machines. We conduct over 40 rigorous tests, such as tensile strength, bend, hydro, drift expansion and dimensional checks, to ensure our products meet the highest standards. This meticulous attention to detail and continuous investment in technology & processes enables us to deliver exceptional quality, keeping us at the forefront of the steel pipe industry.
TPI: How do you plan to enhance your business presence in India as well as at the global level?
RKA: We are committed to enhancing our business presence both in India and globally through several strategic initiatives. Domestically, we plan to strengthen our already robust dealer network, which spans 15 states, by expanding into new regions and deepening our relationships with existing partners. Internationally, we aim to increase our footprint by entering new markets and reinforcing our presence in current ones, including Haiti, Trinidad & Tobago, Spain, Luxembourg, UAE, Oman, South Africa, and Sri Lanka. By focusing on innovation, quality and customer satisfaction, we will continue to build our brand and deliver exceptional value to our clients worldwide.
Our flagship unit located in Kalakal, Telangana, has an impressive annual capacity of 200,000 tons utilizing cutting-edge technology. Unit 2 in Pashamylaram, Telangana, produces 60,000 tons annually specializing in large-sized mild steel pipes and two sponge iron factories in Nalgonda district, Telangana, has an aggregate capacity of 120,000 TPA.
TPI: Kindly share your views on trade fairs. How do you think such events help the industry?
RKA: Trade fairs, such as the Tube & Pipe Fair 2024, play a crucial role in the industry by providing a dynamic platform for networking, collaboration and knowledge exchange. These events help companies like us to showcase our latest innovations, connect with potential clients & partners, and gain insights into emerging market trends & technologies. Additionally, trade fairs foster a sense of community within the industry, facilitating discussions on best practices and future challenges, ultimately driving growth & development for all participants.
TPI: What are your expectations from Tube & Pipe Fair 2024?
RKA: At MPL Steel Pipes, we are highly optimistic about our participation in Tube & Pipe Fair 2024. We anticipate this event to be a remarkable platform for showcasing our latest products, technologies, and innovations in the steel pipes industry. Our goals include building strong brand awareness, networking with key industry players, and exploring new business opportunities and partnerships. We look forward to engaging directly with a diverse audience, ranging from suppliers to end-users, and leveraging the unique convergence of global companies & start-ups to drive growth & development in our sector. The fair’s thematic approach and the comprehensive visitor profile align perfectly with our objectives to highlight our cutting-edge solutions & solidify our position as one of the industry leaders.
TPI: Where do you see MPL Group five years down the line?
RKA: In five years, we envision MPL Steel Pipes further solidifying its position as an industry leader in steel pipe manufacturing. Our focus will be on expanding our production capacity as well as product range. The increased capacities shall be augmented by entering into new markets, both domestically and internationally. We are actively engaging with technology providers in AI & data analytics to drive our business operations more efficiently and reduce costs, with the ultimate goal of offering customer delight. Additionally, we plan to enhance our product range, particularly in high-growth sectors like renewable energy and infrastructure. Our commitment to sustainability and innovation will be central to our strategy, positioning MPL Steel Pipes as a preferred green steel pipes manufacturer at the global platform.
Visit Stand: Hall 1 / B5 1 & 2 at Tube & Pipe Fair – Hyderabad
