Shalimar Paints Limited, India’s oldest paint manufacturer with a legacy dating back to 1902, continues to play a pioneering role in the country’s industrial coatings sector. With over a century of innovation, the company has introduced several first-of-its-kind technologies in India, serving critical industries such as railways, defence, infrastructure, and water supply. In an exclusive interview with Tube & Pipe India, Mr. Suresh Nair, Vice President, Shalimar Paints Limited, shares insights into the company’s technological milestones, evolution from a product supplier to a solutions provider, its strong presence in the tube and pipe segment, and the growing relevance of the Tube & Pipe Fair as an industry platform.
Tube & Pipe India: Please introduce yourself and give a brief description of your company.
Suresh Nair: Good morning. My name is Suresh Nair, and I represent Shalimar Paints Limited, the oldest paint manufacturer in India, established in 1902. Shalimar Paints has been a pioneer in the Indian paint industry introducing several new technologies over the decades and playing an integral role in shaping the industrial and infrastructural landscape of India.
From 1902 onwards during the initial periods, very few paint manufacturers in the country supplied coatings not only across India but also to Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Maldives, Nepal, Bhutan, and even the Middle East and Shalimar Paints was one among them.
TPI: What are some of Shalimar Paints’ major technological milestones?
SN: Shalimar Paints has consistently led innovation in the coatings industry. We were the first in India to introduce zinc-silicate coatings, coatings for fighter aircraft, aircraft carriers, and specialized coatings for Indian Railways, coatings for extreme weather zones like the Howrah Bridge and Chenab Bridge. These milestones underline our long-standing commitment to advanced coating technologies.
TPI: How has your business model evolved over time?
SN: Over time the customer is looking at a single point of contact. We realized that supplying paint alone would not fully address the needs of the Indian market and customers. As a result, we expanded into application services, where both the paint supply and application responsibility rests with us. This ensures single-point accountability, allowing us to offer a consolidated service package with the ultimate aim of extending the life of the asset for our customers.
TPI: How relevant is the Tube & Pipe Show for Shalimar Paints?
SN: We have been participating in the Tube & Pipe Fair for the past three years, and we believe it is the right platform to showcase products that are highly relevant to the tube and pipe industry. Today, we hold over 50% market share in ductile iron pipe coatings.
Our products are certified by international authorities such as UK WRS and the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF). Notably, we were the only company approved by Saudi Arabia for potable water coatings for the Neom City project, which is a significant achievement for us.
“We were the first in India to introduce zinc-silicate coatings, coatings for fighter aircraft, aircraft carriers, and specialized coatings for Indian Railways, coatings for extreme weather zones like the Howrah Bridge and Chenab Bridge.”
TPI: How has your experience been at this edition of the exhibition?
SN: This forum is extremely valuable because it brings together manufacturers, fittings and accessories producers, consultants, and raw material suppliers under one roof. Over the past three years, the Tube & Pipe Fair has evolved from a product-display platform into a comprehensive industry ecosystem.
TPI: Do you have any suggestions for the future of the exhibition?
SN: One suggestion would be to encourage more formal discussions among key stakeholders—tube and pipe manufacturers, paint manufacturers, and raw material vendors. Similar to platforms like CII, this forum could also engage with government bodies to highlight industry challenges, upcoming technologies, and future expectations of the tube and pipe sector.
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TPI: How has visitor turnout been during this edition?
SN: The first day started on a relatively slow note, but the second day saw a significant increase in footfall, possibly due to a holiday in Delhi. Today as well, we are seeing good visitor numbers. As the event continues to evolve over the next few years, I believe it will gain even more traction.
TPI: Any closing remarks?
SN: I would like to congratulate the promoters and organizers of the Tube & Pipe Fair. From Pragati Maidan to Hyderabad and now here, the event has grown steadily. I wish the entire team the very best for future editions.
“We have been participating in the Tube & Pipe Fair for the past three years, and we believe it is the right platform to showcase products that are highly relevant to the tube and pipe industry.”
