Ashapura Volclay Ltd, part of the Ashapura Group, has doubled the capacity at its bleaching clay and clay catalyst plant at Bhuj, Gujarat, from 25,000 tpa to 60,000 tpa to meet the growing demand in domestic and foreign markets. The newly created capacity makes this plant the world's second largest single-location facility for high-grade speciality bleaching clay. The cost of this project was Rs 50 crore.
The new unit at the bleaching clay and clay catalyst plant has commenced operation and the capacity will cater to the additional demand being generated from edible oil refineries worldwide. The company has already received advanced orders.
"Ashapura Group has always focused on adding value added lines of production and the latest addition, of capacity, is in line with the group's strategy of offering value-added and critical products to cater to Indian and global customers," Chetan Shah, Managing Director, Ashapura Group, told Projectmonitor. The company is committed to the growth of Kutch region and we are pleased to add additional capacity here, which would cater to the ever-increasing demand from our customers, Mr. Shah added.
Says Tanuj Roy, CEO, "Increasing edible oil refining capacities across the globe and the growing demand for premium quality products were prime factors in doubling the capacity. We are confident of meeting the additional demand through the augmented capacity."
While the domestic market for bleaching clay continues to grow in double digits the global market for the product is nearly 800,000 ml.