Vesuvius, a global leader in the refractory industry, inaugurated its new alumina-silica (AlSi) and basic monolithic manufacturing plants in Visakhapatnam on November 12, 2024. This landmark event, initially shared under embargo, reinforces Vesuvius's support for the Make in India initiative. These state-of-the-art facilities represent a significant investment in India, aimed at strengthening manufacturing capabilities to meet the growing demand from the iron and steel industry. This development follows the inauguration of the Mould Flux manufacturing plant in Visakhapatnam earlier in April.
The newly launched plants will manufacture high-quality alumina-silica and basic monolithic refractory products, which are essential for iron and steel production. Once operational, they are set to increase Vesuvius's annual production capacity by 250,000 tonnes, solidifying the company's leadership in the refractory solutions market. Equipped with advanced technologies, these facilities enable Vesuvius to introduce innovative products and solutions to the Indian market.
Patrick Andre, Chief Executive of the London-headquartered Vesuvius Group, remarked, "Our ongoing investment plans reflect our strong belief in the Indian market. The AlSi and Basic Monolithic plants are a testament to our commitment to innovation and our support for India's industrial growth."
"These new facilities not only enhance our manufacturing capabilities but also contribute to the socio-economic development of the communities we serve. Sustainability and efficiency are at the core of our operations," added Biswadip Gupta, Chairman of Vesuvius India Limited (VIL).
Mohinder Rajput, Managing Director of VIL, further emphasised, "Our new plants incorporate energy-efficient technologies and robust waste reduction systems, ensuring that our growth aligns with environmental stewardship and operational excellence."