Raghav Productivity Enhancers Ltd. (RPEL), the world’s
largest manufacturer of silica ramming mass, has announced a strategic joint
venture with TRL Krosaki Refractories Ltd. (TRL Krosaki) to establish a 350,000
metric tonnes per annum (MTPA) silica ramming mass manufacturing facility in
Odisha, with an initial investment of approximately ?1 billion.
The partnership marks a significant step in RPEL’s strategy
to build a multi-location manufacturing platform, strengthen its presence in
East India and create a more efficient supply network closer to key consumption
centres.
The joint venture combines RPEL’s patented manufacturing
technology, established market presence and R&D capabilities with TRL
Krosaki’s regional strength, quartzite resources in Odisha and global
refractory expertise, backed by Krosaki Harima Corporation, Japan, and Nippon
Steel Corporation, Japan.
With RPEL’s existing group capacity of 534,000 MTPA and
presence across 26 states in India and more than 40 countries, the partnership
provides a strong foundation for expanding its manufacturing and market
footprint.
Commenting on the partnership, Sanjay Kabra, Chairman,
Raghav Productivity Enhancers Ltd, said, “This strategic partnership marks an
important milestone in RPEL’s growth journey and our transition towards a
multi-location manufacturing platform. By combining our differentiated
technology and market capabilities with TRLK’s raw material resources, regional
presence and global industry expertise, we are creating a strong platform for
sustainable growth. This partnership also takes us closer to our ambition of
reaching 1 million MTPA capacity and approximately 30% domestic market share,
while reinforcing our focus on quality and cost leadership.”
A key strategic advantage of the joint venture will be
long-term, exclusive access to quartzite from TRL Krosaki’s mines, ensuring raw
material security and consistent product quality. RPEL will receive a royalty
for the use of its patented manufacturing technology.
The strategic location will also bring the company closer to
key consumption centres in East India, enabling shorter delivery timelines,
improved supply chain efficiency and lower landed costs for customers.
Speaking on the occasion, Prasant Kumar Naik, Managing
Director, TRL Krosaki Refractories Ltd, said, “This joint venture marks an
important strategic milestone for TRL Krosaki, enabling us to unlock greater
value from our mineral resources and create new avenues for growth. Our
partnership with RPEL brings together complementary strengths in technology,
manufacturing and raw material access, strengthening our position in the silica
ramming mass market. The project will also support industrial development in
Jharsuguda and the surrounding region by creating employment, supporting local
enterprises and contributing to long-term economic growth.”
The Odisha facility will strengthen RPEL’s manufacturing and
supply chain capabilities while creating a platform for deeper penetration into
East India. The joint venture also establishes a strategic building block for
RPEL’s broader ambition to scale its manufacturing footprint to 1 million MTPA
and strengthen its leadership in the silica ramming mass industry.