Riding high on innovation, RK Steel is currently in the process of commissioning five tube mills that will increase its production capacity from 15,000MTPM to 25,000MTPM. It is also aiming to become a leading pipe & tube supplier in Eastern India. This was revealed by Mr. Pramod Bhalotia, Managing Director, RK Steel Manufacturing Company Private Limited, during his recent interaction with the Tube & Pipe India magazine.
Tube & Pipe India: Kindly share details about the business journey of RK Steel, highlighting major milestones and crucial achievements.
Pramod Bhalotia: RK Steel was founded in 2009 by Mr. Pramod Kumar Bhalotia and Mr. Rajesh Kumar Bhalotia with a vision to establish a reliable and innovative steel tube & pipe manufacturing company in South India. The company started modestly with a small manufacturing facility in a suburban industrial area of Chennai, focusing initially on producing basic steel products for local construction and manufacturing industries. The early years were characterised by significant challenges in securing funding, establishing a customer base, and building a skilled workforce.
By 2020, RK Steel had solidified its position as a reputable player in the steel industry, known for reliability, product quality, and customer service. The company differentiated itself through a commitment to continuous improvement, responsive customer support, and a flexible approach to meeting diverse customer needs. Its competitive advantages included a robust supply chain, strong industry partnerships, and a skilled workforce committed to excellence.
RK Steel demonstrated its commitment to corporate social responsibility by actively engaging in community development projects, promoting environmental sustainability through energy-efficient practices and waste reduction initiatives, and ensuring a safe and inclusive workplace for its employees. These efforts enhanced RK Steel’s reputation as a responsible corporate citizen and contributed to its long-term sustainability goals. The company continues to expand its operations and consolidate its market position. It remains focused on leveraging technological innovations to drive efficiency and maintain competitiveness.
TPI: Please give information about your manufacturing facility and products.
PB: Our manufacturing unit is set up in Perundurai, Tamil Nadu. It is a state-of-the-art facility having a total installed production capacity of 15,000MTPM. Our size range in precision pipe is from 15MM – 173MM OD. In GI, our galvanising range is from 0.5 inches to 6 inches. We cater to industries like fire protection, furniture, automobile, hospital, transformer as well as general fabrication industry.
TPI: Kindly tell us more about your market footprint and major clientele.
PB: Today, we are a leading pipe and tube supplier in South India with the aim of becoming a trusted brand in East India as well. We are planning to set up a manufacturing unit in Assam. The project is in initial stages but after its installation, RK Steel will be able to serve the East Indian states, which are currently under supplied as compared to the demand. We are also expanding our brand presence in countries like South Africa, Sri Lanka, Latin America and the United State of America.
TPI: What is the USP of RK Steel that sets it apart from others?
PB: Our unique selling point lies in our fusion of precision engineering with a customer-centric approach. We prioritise quality craftsmanship and innovation, ensuring our steel tubes exceed industry standards for durability & performance. Our ability to provide tailored solutions to diverse customer needs sets us apart, backed by a commitment to reliability and excellence in every aspect of production & service. Whether for industrial applications, infrastructure projects or specific customer requirements, RK Steel stands out for delivering superior products that enhance efficiency, reliability, and long-term value for our clients across East India and beyond.
RK Steel is in an expansion phase. It is in the process of commissioning five tube mills that will increase its production capacity from 15,000 MTPM to 25,000 MTPM
TPI: Please tell us about your R&D efforts.
PB: Research and development is crucial for the growth of a manufacturing company as it drives innovation, enhances product quality, and boosts competitiveness. R&D enables a company to develop new products, improve existing ones, and adapt to changing market demands and technological advancements. It fosters efficiency in manufacturing processes, reduces costs, and opens new market opportunities. Moreover, R&D investments cultivate a culture of continuous improvement and creativity within the organisation, positioning the company for sustainable growth and leadership in its industry.
TPI: How do you plan to enhance your business presence in India as well as at the global level?
PB: RK Steel is committed to providing high-quality pipes and tubes to its customers. Through our entry into Eastern parts of the state, we want to cater to various government initiatives and private investments in infrastructure development. Various projects on highways, bridges, railways, ports and urban development announced by the government will further boost the requirements of steel tubes and pipes, helping RK Steel to increase its overall sales volume.
TPI: Kindly share your views on trade fairs. How do you think such events help the industry?
PB: Trade fairs are an essential component of a manufacturing company’s growth strategy as they provide a concentrated platform for networking, showcasing products, and gaining market insights. They offer direct access to a targeted audience of industry professionals, potential clients, suppliers, and partners, facilitating crucial business relationships and partnerships. Manufacturers can use trade fairs to launch new products, demonstrate capabilities, and receive immediate feedback from potential customers, which helps in refining offerings and identifying market trends. Moreover, industry fairs offer opportunities for market research, allowing companies to gather competitive intelligence, understand industry trends, and assess customer preferences. Educational seminars and workshops at these events provide valuable insights into technological advancements, regulatory changes, and best practices.
Also Read: Ratnabhumi Steeltech Eyes International MS ERW Tube Markets
TPI: What are your expectations from Tube & Pipe Fair 2024?
PB: Like other growing companies, we expect the Tube & Pipe Fair, starting in Hyderabad from August 5, 2024, to provide us a platform for networking, knowledge acquisition, business development, and enhancing market presence. Each company may prioritise these expectations differently based on their specific goals and market positioning. As for RK Steel, we expect our participation in TPF 2024 to enhance our brand visibility, strengthen our industry credibility, and create avenues for business expansion. We are looking forward to accelerating the sales cycles of RK Steels, generating leads and fostering long-term relationships.
TPI: Please share details of recent developments at RK Steel. Where do you see yourself five years down the line?
PB: Currently, RK Steel is in an expansion phase. It is in the process of commissioning five tube mills that will increase its production capacity from 15,000MTPM to 25,000MTPM. Steel is a very volatile commodity and predicting how a company will perform in the next five years is a challenge. However, we envision not only being a leading supplier of pipes and tubes in South India, but also becoming a leading pipe & tube supplier in East India. Our future plans also include further expansion into emerging markets, enhancing product offerings through continuous R&D, and exploring opportunities in renewable energy sectors to align with global sustainability trends.
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