"There is a Very High Demand for Waterproofing Membranes in India"
Could you please give a brief introduction of your company and its line of operation?
Founded in 1942, Supreme Industries is the leading and largest plastics processor in the country offering the widest and the most comprehensive range of plastic products. Supreme is an acknowledged leader in India's plastic industry, handling over 130,000 tonnes of polymers annually and the group turnover in excess of '3500 crores. Supreme has 17 state-of-the-art manufac- turing units strategically located across India. Each of these plants has world-class amenities, ISO 9001: 2000 Certification and features a large production capacity. The Company is powered by technology from world leaders that complement the extensive facilities for R&D and new product development. It is backed by dynamic and resourceful marketing team and committed top management to ensure customer satisfaction and continuous growth. With a business philosophy of achieving total commitment in quality and service, we are serving the major growth impulses of the Indian economy.
Our product portfolio includes: Moulded furniture, Cross laminated films, Plastic piping systems, Protective packaging products, Material handling products, Industrial moulded products, Performance films.
Can you tell us about the Protective Packaging Division of Supreme?
The Protective Packaging Division (PPD) offers a large basket of products manufactured in-house. However, we are willing to import material from international sources, wherever necessary. With 3 manufacturing plants and 8 converting facilities spread countrywide, the Division is ideally placed to provide a complete range of solutions. These units are equipped with high-tech fabrication equipments. We have offices in all the metros with distribution network all over India backed by a complete team of techno commercial professionals. A powerful synergy of men, material and machines, backed by unrivalled experience and expertise, and a huge infrastructure that encompasses production, warehousing and logistics facilities, enables the Division to render professional services of the highest order.
We have vast experience of six decades, serving diverse industries and a track record of successfully partnering blue chip Indian and international clients.
Can you give us an overview of The Construction Accessories Division and DURA range of civil products?
We, at Supreme, work continuously and diligently to understand your needs of having cost effective and efficient products for the construction industry. Supreme Industries always strives to give you products that are best suited to your needs. With these values and aspiration to give you products that are durable, we present our 'DURA range of civil products.'
What are the product offerings of the Construction Accessories Division and their applications?
The Construction Accessories Division of Supreme has developed customised solutions specifically for the construction requirements of various industries. We offer better alternatives to conventional solid materials including metals, wood etc., thus being cost effective. Many of these products have been pioneered by Supreme. A few of our DURA range products are:
- DURAboardHD100 (Formerly SILFLEX):
A cross-linked, pre-moulded, high performance joint filler board for structural expansion joints in concrete brick and block work. - DURArods (Formerly SIL SEAL):
Expanded polyethylene foam rods. - DURAvapourbarrier (Formerly SIL VAPOUR BARRIER):
A high performance, multilayer microcell PE film for water vapour barrier application.
We manufacture products in the most environment-friendly manner and constantly adapt our range of products to the current challenges and recommend you the best solution always. We do not use any CFC / HCFC gases. All our products help in reducing consumption of available resources thus helping the environmental cause.
Name some of the top projects you have been associated with since last year?
NHAI, Airports, Power and many more infra-structural projects in India.
Are you planning to offer any new products soon?
Supreme has always been offering cost effective yet resilient solutions to construction industry. All our products have been developed after continuous interaction with our customers, market analysis and understanding thoroughly the needs and changing demands of the new generation structures. We are now introducing DURAmembrane – A high performance waterproofing membrane.
Tell us more about DURAmembrane.
Since past few years, there was a continuous demand from all our satisfied customers to develop waterproofing solutions to solve the leakage problems in their factories and offices. They were not very pleased with the current waterproofing systems available in the market. Hence about one year back, our R&D team started working full-fledged on this project to develop a composite of various polymers cross linked and fused resulting in this exclusive high performance membrane.
DURAmembrane is a new offering in the portfolio of competent and DURAble products of the Construction Accessories Division. DURAmembrane is a new generation, cost effective solution for waterproofing of basements and roofs. It is a versatile material, capable of retaining the dryness of concrete, masonry, metal and wood structures and is resistant to salts, alkalis, and most acids. It is offered as a quick and easy-to-apply system, ensuring hassle-free maximum productivity. Supreme is the only manufacturer of this type of waterproofing membrane in India. It can be used for applications like - concrete roof waterproofing, basement waterproofing and also waterproofing of bathrooms & terrace gardens. DURAmembrane can not only be used in new constructions but also at the time of repair of a structure.
What are the striking features of this product against the bitumen based membranes available in the market?
DURAmembrane is a high performance, composite polymeric membrane which is durable and lightweight. It is non-deteriorating, puncture resistant and is available in length up-to 50 meters.
Talking about evaluation against bitumen based products – we all know that bitumen disintegrates after contact with water. Further, over a period it catches fungi and also starts melting during summer, thus lowering its puncture resistant strength.
The striking feature of DURAmembrane is that it has a very good puncture resistance of 199 N (Test method - ASTM E154: 1999) and being polymer based, it won't deteriorate also over a long period.
Is DURAmembrane cost effective in comparison with other polymer based membranes and waterproofing chemicals? If yes then how?
Very much. None of the waterproofing solution systems provide any added advantage except waterproofing whereas DURAmembrane apart from being 100% waterproof is also an excellent insulating material.
Any roof treatment has to contend with the unrelenting assault of surface expansion and contraction due to daily/seasonal temperature changes. Other treatments have a tendency to absorb moisture and conduct heat. DURAmembrane does not absorb water at all. Its 'K' value does not deteriorate. Its inherent closed cell structure ensures truly effective thermal insulation and waterproofing – virtually for a life time.
Will DURAmembrane stand up to the test against the extreme climatic conditions in India? Is it stable and resistant to wear and tear?
Climate of India is most unreliable. India being a tropical country has diversity in climates. Some regions in India have hot tropical weather while some parts have heavy monsoons.
When the ambient temperature varies between 0 to 50ºC, the overlying treatment is called upon to withstand a corresponding variation of – 1 to 65ºC. DURAmembrane meets these challenge with complete and effortless ease and can withstand temperature ranging from – 40 to 115ºC.
Roof treatments have to withstand more than just surface expansion and contraction. Like structural movements or the setting of the building with time. Sudden drops in temperature results into thermal shocks. DURAmembrane has excellent elongation and tensile strength that enables it to take all movements in its stride. It is fracture, crumble, shatter and abrasion proof and resistant to most corrosive chemicals.
What is the demand for a water- proofing membranes in India?
Very high. With monsoons come problems like leakage, seepage in roofs, walls, basements, bathrooms etc. in buildings - commercial / residential and factories. After every shower of rain, structures tend to expose their limitations and flaws. The monsoon rains actually test the building with showers and reveals the defects that are not normally observed during sunny days. Leakage and seepage in roofs, walls, bathrooms and basements are some of the typical problems. Hence, to shield from the huge losses incurred due to the rains, people are determined to pay attention to the problems prior to the next rains.
With the current focus on constructing green and sustainable buildings, what is your Company's contribution in this?
We have accomplished very high standards in manufacturing, and we firmly believe in the protection of our environment. The Supreme Industries Ltd. follows the philosophy of S.A.V.E. – Supreme Always Value Efficient. Applied intelligence and innovation, enabling cost-effectiveness and precision in delivery are the drivers of this belief. Every requirement is understood meticulously, various solutions are deliberated upon and the most appropriate one is selected and implemented flawlessly. Trust and reliability are the cornerstones of our delivery promise. Whatever be the value, whether its superior protection, energy saving insulation or durable and long-lasting solutions in the civil / thermal insulation industry our customers are assured of a solution from Supreme. Because at Supreme, every single solution we create is guaranteed to be Value Efficient.
What is your vision for this product?
This is a first of its kind of concrete roof and basement waterproofing product, specially designed to withstand the hot and humid Indian conditions. Our membrane is going to solve problems and reduce huge losses arising out of water leakage. The entire construction industry will benefit from this product.
NBMCW April 2011
