Shalimar Paints has come long way since its inception in 1902 to today as coating Iconic Bridge to coating Chenab Bridge with sustainable and innovative products. Here is an interaction with Mr. Suresh Nair, Vice President, Shalimar Paints Limited with Tube and Pipe India. He oversees the overall industrial sales function and under his vision; Shalimar Paints Limited today has embarked on a journey to address issues in pipeline coating technology.
Tube & Pipe India: Kindly walk us through the business journey of Shalimar Paints, highlighting major milestones and crucial achievements.
Suresh Nair: Shalimar Paints Limited, one of India’s oldest and leading paint manufacturing companies, boasts over 122 years of experience and expertise in providing coating solutions. The company has been a pioneer in the industrial paint segment, supported by its strong R&D capabilities for high-performance industrial and decorative coatings. Shalimar Paints features a state-of-the-art R&D centre accredited by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), Government of India, and is also a NABL-accredited laboratory with a dedicated team of technologists.
Over the years, Shalimar Paints Limited has played a crucial role in providing coating and technical solutions for iconic structures such as the Howrah Bridge, Rashtrapati Bhavan, nuclear power installations, railways, power plants, and refineries. Most recently, they have protected the “World’s highest rail bridge over the Chenab River,” enduring environmental conditions ranging from -20°C to +45°C.
Shalimar Paints’ high performance linings have been protecting millions of kilometres of potable water pipelines by providing food-grade coatings which are both NSF & WRAS certified for projects in India and abroad, notably the prestigious Saudi Arabia NEOM Project.
Through hard work and innovation, we are set to launch our API 5L2 and ISO 15471-certified Gas Flow Epoxy. Among our innovative new and maintenance project products is EPIGARD NGF 83, which can be applied on wet and sweat pipelines and offers 8000 hours of salt spray resistance. Additionally, products like solvent-free epoxy and polyurethane have helped our organization meet market demands.
Shalimar Paints Limited is today embarking on a journey of excellence by changing the dynamics of not just providing paints and coatings but also working with asset owners to increase the life of assets along with a proper recommendation of products and special application training by our NACE certified coating experts. In our journey towards a sustainable future, Shalimar Paints Limited is working with the industry and academia to bring cleaner and meaningful solutions to potential corrosion problems.
TPI: Please give us information about your robust infrastructure and manufacturing capabilities
SN: Shalimar Paints Limited today has three strategically located manufacturing units at Nashik (Maharashtra), Sikandrabad (Uttar Pradesh) & Gummidipundi (Tamil Nadu) which are ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 with more than 50 branches and depots across the country. All the plants are well equipped to take care of the industry demand. It has an installed capacity of 0.7 million KL per annum with expansions now happening at Sikandrabad and Nashik to double the existing capacity.
The Sikanderabad and Nashik facilities are certified by NSF for manufacturing potable water coatings. The state-of-the-art R&D centre in Nashik aims to achieve the highest international standards of product quality through innovation and the continuous improvement of existing products. It also focuses on developing innovative, eco-friendly, and sustainable coatings to extend the lifespan of assets such as metal pipes, plant machinery, national infrastructure, construction equipment, ships, and buildings, meeting specific requirements without harming the environment. Our modern IT systems & processes enable us to provide quick service and achieve desired customer satisfaction
TPI: What does the product basket of Shalimar Paints (related to tube and pipe industry) boast of?
SN: Shalimar Paints’ range of products for the ductile iron (DI) pipe industry encompasses various products including bitumen, epoxy, aluminum, seal coat, zinc-rich coatings, pipe marking and pipe socket paints. In mild steel category, we have products in solvent-free poly epoxies, solvent-free polyurethanes, normal epoxies, epoxy phenolics, glass flake epoxy coatings, zinc-rich and coal tar and many more. We also have a complete range of products like clear and pigmentated varnishes for seamless and ERW pipe as well.
Many of the products for the tube and pipe industry are globally certified for NSF ANSI 61, UL and WRAS. Products are also certified against performance requirements under AWWA C210 and AWWA C 222. Apart from this, we have an entire range of innovative products for various substrates from mild steel, stainless steel, galvanized iron, aged coating, etc.
TPI: Kindly tell us more about your market footprint and major clientele in the tubes and pipes sector
SN: We serve a broad range of industry segments and are a major supplier to numerous esteemed customers in the pipe industry. We cater to ductile iron, HSAW, and LSAW customers in India and abroad, with millions of litres of paint sold.
Shalimar Paints Limited has played a crucial role in providing coating and technical solutions for iconic structures such as the Howrah Bridge, Rashtrapati Bhavan, nuclear power installations, railways, power plants, and refineries. Most recently, they have protected the “World’s highest rail bridge over the Chenab River,” enduring environmental conditions ranging from -20°C to +45°C.
TPI: Research plays an important role in the growth of a company. Kindly elaborate
SN: Over the past decade, the R&D team at Shalimar Paints has been pivotal in developing products that prioritize sustainability and green technology. Our offerings now include low VOC and zero VOC products that comply with REACH and ROHS standards. Our research and design team collaborates closely with vendors to ensure our final products meet customer specifications while also minimizing the use of hazardous substances and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
TPI: What is your USP which gives you an edge over others?
SN: Our robust and resilient manufacturing setup enables us to meet the demands of the tube and pipe industries effectively. With the largest capacity to service the potable water industry and strategically located depots, we can deliver materials promptly.
Also, our dedicated NACE Certified technical service teams are stationed at customer locations to monitor and enhance productivity, provide feedback to support R&D, and assist in designing products for easier application on customer lines. This service is highly appreciated by our clients.
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TPI: What is your Vision for Shalimar Paints
SN: I firmly believe that under new leadership and with its cutting-edge technological capabilities, Shalimar Paints Limited will be pivotal in pioneering the development and promotion of various advanced technologies to mitigate corrosion.
Shalimar Paints Limited is developing specific technologies that enable our customers to proudly use “Make in India” products as substitutes for foreign and multinational products. Additionally, the company plans to collaborate more with national institutions to address current and future industry challenges through industry-academia partnerships.
TPI: Kindly share your views on trade fairs. How do you think such events help the industry
SN: I would like to express my Gratitude to Trade fairs and Tulip for successfully organizing the event where we are able to show case our products, share our thoughts and engage with industry professionals. It acts as platform to share ideas, understand requirements and be future ready.
TPI: What are your expectations from Tube & Pipe Fair 2024?
SN: I wish Tube and Fair 2024 a grand success and I also expect there must be a Committee framed to discuss further on various issues which are relevant today and steps taken jointly to address the same.
Visit Stand: Hall 1 / E3 1 & 2 at Tube & Pipe Fair – Hyderabad
