What is the present technological status of domestic construction chemicals industry, its market size, problems, and challenges? What has been the role of Fosroc in resolving some of these problems and challenges?
The domestic construction chemicals industry is growing and it is now finding wider acceptance across the country. The technology and innovation in the field of construction chemicals is growing leaps and bounds. The thrust of the Government on speedy and quality construction and the focus on infrastructure has facilitated the increase in awareness and usage of specialty chemicals. India has a huge potential for construction chemicals. The market size for construction chemicals is quite large but the exploited potential considering the organized sector could be around Rs 500–600 crores. The problems and challenges do not arise from the technical requirements of the civil construction industry but from the unorganized sector who are trying to woo the market with cheap and low quality products.
Another challenge is the traditional and conventional systems that are in use. There is always a resistance for a change from the traditional concept to a new innovative one. Fosroc has played a major role and pioneered the creation of awareness and spreading the message of construction chemicals across the length and breadth of the country.
How over the years, Fosroc India has evolved itself to be the Numero Uno construction chemicals manufacturer in India?
Fosroc started its operations in 1981. This year we are celebrating the Silver Jubilee.Since its inception, Fosroc has been striving hard to deliver quality products and services to its esteemed customers. Fosroc across the country is known as a “Solution Provider” and is recognized for its products and services. We have been the Numero Uno since several years now and we set the benchmark for quality and service. Customer satisfaction is paramount to us. Fosroc has a dedicated team of engineers and professionals who cater to the needs of the industry and are ably supported by the group’s R&D Center in developing innovative and higher end technology products. Fosroc’s extended arms–Stockists and Applicators have played a pivotal role in spreading the message across and serving the customer needs.
What are the specific business segments as related to civil engineering being focused by Fosroc India and market share it commends, including exports?
Fosroc has a wide range of products and Fosroc India alone has more than 200 products in its range. We cater to all segments of the civil engineering industry i.e., new constructions, repairs and protection and tunneling. We are into the retail segment also. In addition to this, we also have solutions to the cement industry – Cement Grinding Aids. So right from casting the foundation concrete to the final protective coating over the completed structure, we have a full range of products that can provide total construction solutions.
What are Fosroc manufacturing facilities, their locations, product range and quality systems placed in the company to ensure consistency of products produced?
Fosroc India has state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities fully operational at Bangalore and Ankleshwar (Gujarat). The entire range of products are manufactured at both these plants. To reduce the lead time and with a view to provide speedy services, one more plant at Rudrapur (Uttranchal) is in the pipeline and this is slated for operation by June 2006. We also have plans to put up a manufacturing unit in the Eastern part of India for wider coverage. Fosroc India manufactures / supplies over 200 products. The entire range as needed by the construction industry is catered to. The range of products include Conplast admixtures, Conbextra, and Cebex grouts, Nitoflor Floorings, Renderoc Repair products, Nitocote coatings, Nitoseal Sealants, Nitobond Adhesives, Brushbond waterproofing, Galvashield Electrochemical repairs, Nitowrap Fibre wrapping seismic strengthening systems etc. The products are manufactured to the highest quality standards are constantly monitored by an exclusive quality control department. The Company follows the ISO norms and we also have an ERP system in place to provide effective solutions to the end users. We have periodic quality audits in addition to extensive testing of our products in third party laboratories and Research Organizations like IISc, Bangalore, IIT Madras to ensure that the products meet the target requirements. Our International R&D Centre is located in Bangalore and is being geared up to meet Fosroc global requirements as well as domestic needs.
Protecting new concrete and extending the life of old structures is Fosroc’s forte. What has been Fosroc’s most challenging technical experience on dealing with such problems and the success stories?
Fosroc thrives on providing innovative solutions to the most challenging technical problems. It is extremely difficult to single out any one project. To name a few:
- Rehabilitation works carried out during the Bhuj earthquake.
- The repair of Runways in Andamans during the aftermath of Tsunami. It was done on a war footing as the whole rescue operation depended on the air traffic. Fosroc rehabilitations were among the first to arrive at the scene.
- The electrochemical range for corrosion protection / prevention. A patented technology exclusive to Fosroc has been used to provide the most innovative solution in difficult situation.
- Fosroc’s range of Nitowrap strengthening systems has put into service several structures, which were on the threshold of demolition.
Foreseeing great potential of construction chemicals in India, what are the future plans of Fosroc to remain the Numero Uno construction chemicals manufacturer in the country?
The fundamental principles on which Fosroc plans its strategies aim at providing the best quality products and service to the customer. All the actions are derived from this concept.
What is Fosroc’s greatest asset?
It is the goodwill created by customer satisfaction over several years, which cannot be replaced by TV advertising, or a media building and the quality, strength and commitment of Fosroc India team member and associates.
