Mukand Limited, comprising two divisions – steel and industrial machinery, is looking forward to contributing and being a part of a greener, smarter and more resilient metal industry through capacity expansion, process automation and digital transformation. Mr. Neeraj Kant, CEO, Mukand Limited, said during an exclusive interview with Tube & Pipe India that the company aims to explore new markets in high-end applications such as aerospace, defence and precision engineering, while taking steps to reduce its carbon footprint.
Tube & Pipe India: Kindly share details about your business journey, highlighting major milestones and crucial achievements.
Neeraj Kant: Mukand Limited, a Bajaj Group company, is a leading manufacturer of specialty steel long products and heavy machinery in India. Mukand Iron & Steel Works Limited was registered on November 29, 1937 and operated its re-rolling mills and foundry in Lahore and at Reay Road, Bombay. In 1939, two new rolling mills and an electric arc furnace were commissioned at the factory in Lahore. Lala Mukand Lal, who at that time had a controlling interest in the company, expressed his desire to Mahatma Gandhi to wind up the business due to the severe financial crisis. Mahatma Gandhi, in turn, asked Jamnalal Bajaj and Jeewanlal Motichand to take over the company and steer it into the future.
In 1953, the factory was shifted from Reay Road to Kurla. In 1965, the steel plant at Kalwe commenced operations with the commissioning of an electric arc furnace (EAF) and a continuous casting machine, followed by a Swedish wire rod mill in 1966. These two events heralded the first time in the country that high-carbon steel wire rods were indigenously produced and boosted import substitution.
In 1981, Mukand became the fourth plant in the world to install and commission an eight-stand, high-speed finishing block and an easy-draw continuous cooling system. In 2005-06, Mukand became the first steelmaker in India to get approval for use of stainless steel products in manufacturing of critical applications such as nuclear reactor equipment. In 2009-10, the enhanced specialty steelmaking, rolling, heat treatment, pickling, bright drawing, peeling and wire drawing facilities were commissioned.
Today, the company has two divisions – steel and industrial machinery. The steel division manufactures specialty steel long products in the form of wire rods, bars, wires and bright bars that feed into the automobile and engineering industries. The industrial machinery division designs, manufactures, assembles and commissions heavy duty cranes, bulk material handling equipment, process plant machinery and turnkey projects. Mukand produces alloy steel from its facility in Hospet, Karnataka and stainless steel from its facility in Thane, Maharashtra.
Mukand has a long history of firsts and achievements that help us stand apart in a sea of competition, from being the first indigenous stainless steel producer in India, to being the first to use the VOD production process, we are the only company in the country capable of producing nuclear-grade stainless steel for the Kalpakkam nuclear power station. Our track record of success is unparalleled in the Indian steel industry. While these are just a few examples of our commitment to innovation and excellence, we continue to set the standards for quality and performance that the rest of the industry strives to follow to date.
TPI: Please give information about your manufacturing plants and annual production capacity catering to the steel sector.
NK: Mukand Limited operates state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities that are equipped with advanced technology to produce stainless steel with a high degree of precision and customization. Mukand Limited has a total installed capacity of approximately 1,80,000+ MTPA for stainless steel, ensuring a steady supply of stainless steel long products to both domestic and international markets. With continuous modernization and sustainable manufacturing practices, our plants ensure superior quality, higher efficiency and adherence to global standards. We are committed to scaling up our capabilities to meet the growing demands of the industry, while maintaining a strong focus on innovation and environmental responsibility.
Mukand has a long history of firsts and achievements that help us stand apart in a sea of competition, from being the first indigenous stainless steel producer in India, to being the first to use the VOD production process, we are the only company in the country capable of producing nuclear-grade stainless steel for the Kalpakkam nuclear power station.
TPI: Please tell us about your steel-related products basket. Which are the industries where these products find application?
NK: With a rich legacy spanning decades, our company has been at the forefront of supplying high-quality alloy and stainless steel products to a diverse range of industries. Our alloy steel finds its niche in the thriving automobile and auto component industry, where it serves as the backbone of several critical components. Our alloy steel is used to manufacture fasteners, bearing transmissions, crankshafts, steering components, suspension springs and fuel injection equipment, including common rail diesel injection systems, braking systems and drive axle components. These products are quite in demand amongst automobile manufacturers due to their exceptional strength, durability and reliability. This robust material empowers vehicles with the performance and safety standards demanded by today’s discerning consumers.
In the realm of stainless steel, Mukand Limited has carved a distinctive space owing to its high-quality products. Our stainless steel products are indispensable in numerous industries, underpinning the very foundation of progress and innovation. The oil and gas sector benefits from the corrosion-resistant properties of Mukand’s stainless steel, ensuring the durability and safety of critical infrastructure. Power and nuclear industries rely on our stainless steel products for their high-temperature and high-pressure applications, safeguarding the efficient and secure generation of energy. Automotive manufacturers utilize components made from Mukand’s stainless steel to enhance the performance and longevity of their vehicles. In the chemical and pump sectors, our stainless steel’s resistance to corrosion and extreme temperatures makes it an invaluable asset. At Mukand Limited, our unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction is the cornerstone of our success. We cultivate enduring partnerships with our customers, viewing them as integral collaborators in our journey. Our approach extends far beyond mere product transactions; it revolves around crafting holistic solutions to address their unique challenges and needs.
TPI: What is your USP that sets you apart from others? How do you manage to stay ahead of the curve in the industry?
NK: What truly sets us apart is our commitment to innovation, customization and sustainability. With over 85 years of legacy, we have built a strong reputation as a trusted and reliable steel manufacturer, consistently delivering high-performance alloy and stainless steel products that adhere to the most stringent industry standards.
Our state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities allow us to integrate cutting-edge technology, precision engineering and stringent quality control into our production processes. Our focus on customization and R&D-driven solutions enables us to develop steel products tailored to mission-critical applications, ensuring superior mechanical properties and durability.
To stay ahead of the curve, we continuously invest in advanced research and process improvements to enhance quality and efficiency. Our customer-first approach ensures on-time delivery, quality consistency and competitive pricing, making us a preferred choice for industry leaders.
Additionally, sustainability is at the core of our operations – we actively implement green manufacturing practices to minimize environmental impact and reduce emissions.
With our export footprint across more than 25 countries, a commitment to technological advancement and a vision for a sustainable and innovative future, Mukand Limited continues to drive excellence and redefine industry benchmarks in the global steel sector.
We have signed a power delivery agreement (PDA) for the supply of power from renewable sources like solar, wind and hydro. These sources are likely to fulfill approximately 70 percent of our total power needs.
TPI: Tell us about your local and international market footprint. How do you plan to enhance your business presence in India as well as at the global level?
NK: Mukand Limited has established a strong footprint both in India and internationally, supplying high-quality specialty steel and industrial machinery to diverse industries. Domestically, we serve leading manufacturers in the automotive, railways, defence, aerospace, power and infrastructure sectors, ensuring that our products meet the most stringent industry standards.
On the global front, Mukand exports its products to over 25 countries, catering to clients across Europe, the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
To further expand our market presence, we are focused on new product development to meet evolving customer needs. We are also leveraging digital transformation, strategic partnerships and sustainable manufacturing practices to enhance efficiency and reduce our environmental footprint.
Additionally, our participation in global exhibitions, industry collaborations and technical advancements ensures that we remain at the forefront of the steel industry, delivering superior quality and value to customers across the globe.
TPI: How are you addressing sustainability and environmental concerns in your production?
NK: At Mukand Limited, sustainability and environmental responsibility are at the core of our operations in the steel industry. We believe that as a leading player in this sector, it is our duty to take proactive steps towards reducing our carbon footprint and embracing green technologies. I’m delighted to share with you some significant initiatives that showcase our commitment to sustainability. We have signed a power delivery agreement (PDA) for the supply of power from renewable sources like solar, wind and hydro. These sources are likely to fulfill approximately 70 percent of our total power needs. In addition to that, through the implementation of various energy-saving measures, we have achieved substantial energy savings. We recognize the importance of clean energy sources and these investments align with our goal of reducing environmental impact and supporting sustainable practices. We firmly believe that this commitment benefits not only the environment but also our customers, employees and stakeholders.
Also Read: Kamdhenu: Poised to be a Part of Indian Steel Industry’s Growth Story
TPI: Shed light on your recent developments. Where do you see yourself five years down the line?
NK: At Mukand Limited, we are continuously evolving to meet the demands of a dynamic and competitive market. Our recent developments include successful execution of specialized engineering projects, expansion of our high-quality alloy & stainless steel product range, and adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies to enhance efficiency and precision. We have also strengthened our commitment to sustainability by implementing energy-efficient processes and waste reduction initiatives to minimize our environmental impact.
Over the next five years, Mukand aims to further expand its market presence, both domestically and internationally by investing in capacity expansion, process automation and digital transformation. We are committed to developing innovative steel solutions, strengthening our R&D capabilities and exploring new markets in high-end applications such as aerospace, defence and precision engineering. Our vision is to be at the forefront of the specialty steel and engineering industry, delivering unmatched quality, sustainability and technological excellence, while continuing to contribute to the growth of India’s manufacturing sector and global industrial landscape.
TPI: What trends do you see shaping the future of the metal industry?
NK: The metal industry is undergoing a transformational shift, driven by technological advancements, sustainability initiatives and evolving market demands. Several key trends are shaping its future, such as green & sustainable steel production, advanced alloys & high-performance materials, digitalization & smart manufacturing, electrification & automotive evolution, growing infrastructure & construction demand, and reshoring & supply chain resilience.
With increasing global emphasis on carbon neutrality, the industry is moving towards low-carbon and hydrogen-based steelmaking technologies. Sustainable practices such as recycling, waste heat recovery and energy-efficient manufacturing are gaining prominence.
The demand for high-strength, corrosion-resistant and lightweight alloys is rising, particularly in automotive, aerospace and defence industries. Advanced metallurgy is enabling the development of stronger yet lighter materials to enhance fuel efficiency and durability. Industry 4.0 is revolutionizing steel production with automation, artificial intelligence (AI), IoT and predictive analytics. These technologies are optimizing process efficiencies, reducing downtime and enhancing quality control.
The rise of electric vehicles (EVs) and lightweight transportation is driving demand for high-grade steel and alloys that support weight reduction and energy efficiency. This shift is reshaping material requirements for the auto sector. Rapid urbanization and industrialization are fueling demand for high-quality structural steel in sectors like construction, renewable energy (wind, solar) and transportation. Global supply chain disruptions have led to a trend of localized production and strategic sourcing, encouraging investments in domestic steelmaking capabilities.
At Mukand Limited, we are aligned with these trends, continuously innovating to deliver sustainable, high-performance steel solutions while integrating digitalization and process efficiency to stay ahead of the curve. The future of the metal industry is undoubtedly greener, smarter and more resilient, and we are excited to be a part of this journey.
