Clariant strengthens presence with capacity expansion at Roha plant

"The expansion is a step forward towards our commitment of providing our customers with high quality products specifically tailored to their needs," said Marco Cenisio, senior VP and general manager - business.

The recent expansion, according to a company statement, will enhance the capabilities and output at the site in a sustainable manner by reducing energy consumption and expanding the range of low VOC-containing pigments preparations.

"This move will enhance our on-the-ground presence and enable us to offer more intimate customer service to customers in the emerging Indian and Asian markets," Cenisio added. Additionally, the firm has commenced operations of its laboratory for upgraded technical service for pigments at its Cuddalore site in Tamil Nadu. Clariant also shares their plans of doubling its marketing and sales organisation in India, China and Indonesia in 2013.

"Our on-going efforts to strengthen our presence in India are part of a broader commitment to meet growing demands here and in the rest of the region, and to give customers access to high quality, sustainable products and technical support tailored to their local product development needs," added Cenisio.

It is all good news for the speciality chemical producer. For quarter ending June 30 2013, the firm has posted a 12.9% increase in its sales figures, following the 16% surge in Q1. 
With this, the sales and profit stand at Rs 318.5-crore and Rs 24.1-crore as compared to Rs 282.1-crore and Rs 30.8-crore for the corresponding period in the previous year.

Though the net profit, compared to the analogous period in the previous year, has slid down, Dr Deepak Parikh, VC and MD at Clariant (India), is optimistic about the growth in the segment and its operational plans for India. He stated, “The specialty chemicals industry in India is expected to more than quadruple in the next decade and Clariant sees India as a robust market for specialty chemicals. Our half-yearly performance is indicative of our focus and ambition to aggressively expand in this market.” 

The board of directors of the firm have announced an interim dividend of Rs 10 (100%) per share.

Dr Parikh further added, “The momentum in our core businesses of masterbatches, pigments and industrial and consumer specialties demonstrates our leadership in these segments. We will continue to deliver on our plans to grow organically and inorganically to maximise stakeholder returns.”