JK Lakshmi to revive Udaipur operations, India

JK Lakshmi Cements plans to restore operations at its Udaipur cement plants as part of its efforts to double cement capacity in the next two years. 

"We will be spending nearly INR350 crore for reviving the operations. This will help us add nearly 1.4Mta to our existing capacity, thus enabling us to cater to the growing demand for cement," JK Lakshmi Whole-time Director Shailendra Chouksey told local press.

The revival of the plant is expected be completed by September-October 2014.

The investment is part of JK Lakshmi’s INR2000 crore capex planned over four years beginning in FY12. The plant will have new equipment and better technology, he said, adding, "we will get the best technology and may also look at tie-ups".

The company wants to nearly double its capacity to 10Mta in the next two years from 5.3Mta currently. It is currently expanding clinker capacity at its unit in Rajasthan from 3.96Mt to 4.29Mt which will enable it to enhance cement capacity by about 0.5Mta. It also working on a 2.7Mta Greenfield project at Durg, Chattisgarh which is expected to be operational by December next year and will increase the company’s overall capacity to about 8.5Mta. “Also, the revival of the new plant will enable us achieve our target of 10Mt of capacity in two years,” Mr Chouksey added.