India: JSW cement, the largest producer of slag cement in India, is reported to be eyeing up the coastal state of Kerala as a location into which to expand. The company is aiming at 9 - 10% growth from states in southern India in 2014, according to Pankaj Kulkarni, Director of JSW Cement Ltd.
It says that the focus will be on selling its Portland slag cement (PSC), which is highly-resistant to corrosion both from the soil and sea. This perfectly matches conditions in Kerala, which has a long coastline and severe monsoon.
The company is also looking at expanding its clinker production capacity in the near future by setting up a plant in Chittapur in Karnataka. Growth in cities like Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore and Kochi will lead the way in the Southern market, according to Anil Kumar Pillai, CEO of JSW Cement Ltd. He added that JSW Cement, part of JSW Group, has made significant investments into cement manufacturing and will continue to add capacity to serve the burgeoning cement market.