Welded Wire Mesh: A Growing Industry
What are the objectives of Weldmesh Manufacturer’s Association?
WMA was formed in 2008 by a group of welded wire mesh manufacturers in India. For a company to become a member, it must be a manufacturer of welded wire mesh in India, and it must agree to abide by the WMA code of conduct.
The aim of the association is to promote the use of welded wire mesh in construction, infrastructure, and other applications; represent the interests of the welded wire mesh industry to the government and other stakeholders; provide a forum for the exchange of information and ideas among welded wire mesh manufacturers; and promote research and development in the welded wire mesh industry.
Though welded mesh is not a new concept in the Indian market and despite having many advantages its usage is still quite limited; What are the main reasons and challenges that it is not being used widely?
There are a number of reasons why welded wire mesh is not used more widely in India, despite its many advantages. These include:
- Lack of awareness of the benefits of welded wire mesh among developers, contractors, and builders.
- The perception that welded wire mesh is more expensive than other materials.
- Lack of standardization in welded wire mesh in India.
- Lack of government support for use of welded wire mesh in infrastructure projects.
Welded reinforced meshes are used in a wide variety of applications such as in foundations, slabs, walls, roofs, etc, in infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, dams, etc; in the field of agriculture like livestock fencing, greenhouses, etc; in screening and filtration industries, and in home improvement applications like siding, fencing, etc.
The advantages are enhanced strength, durability, flexibility, versatility, resistance to corrosion and weathering, plus it is cost-effective and environmentally friendly. Though welded reinforced mesh is available in PVC, galvanized/structural steel etc, the most sustainable type is the one that is made from recycled materials.
What steps is WMA taking to reach out to developers/contractors/builders to increase their understanding of welded mesh?
To reach our end-users, WMA is organizing seminars and workshops on the use of welded wire mesh and its application areas and is producing educational materials on the product.
We are working with government agencies to promote its use in infrastructure projects and are taking up several important issues such as standardization of welded wire mesh in India, government support for the use of welded wire mesh in infrastructure projects, and research and development in the welded wire mesh industry.
We also participate in industry forums and conferences; and work closely with the academia to disseminate information for greater awareness among potential users. We publish white papers and other educational materials on the product and its advantages. We conduct seminars and conferences on the various issues pertaining to manufacturers and users in the country on a regular basis.
Decarbonization has become a global imperative and a priority for governments, companies, and society at large. What initiatives is WMA taking towards reducing carbon emissions in the welded wire mesh industry?
WMA has taken many initiatives to reduce carbon emissions in the welded wire mesh industry by using recycled materials in the production of welded wire mesh; using energy-efficient production methods; and investing in research and development of new and more sustainable products.
ICCT, JULY-AUGUST 2023
