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'Good export market for construction chemicals'
Rahul Kamat
How is the industry developing?
The industry is developing through new requirements and trends in the use of building materials. For example, from pure concrete structures to steel structures where they need to include fire proofing with specific ratings. The new development also includes fibre reinforced concrete, plastering, coatings to obtain better strength, abrasion resistance etc. which are coming with the latest construction technology.
What problems do you face, and how do you tackle them?
The problem faced by this industry is that the importance of proper application of construction chemicals is not realised.
Improper application of a product often leads to dissatisfactory results. For instance, unskilled workforce and lack of information on how to use the material properly pose problem for suppliers.
The industry should be open to more joint working with suppliers and interact with technical people to help reduce problems. At the same time, technical up-gradation should trickle down to actual user/site for maximum benefit.
What are the trends in the industry?
The trend is shifting towards the use of higher grade concrete from conventional concrete. This has opened up avenues for admixtures and construction chemicals.
Focus on infrastructure projects and increased outlay for developmental projects will mean good market growth for the construction chemical industry in the next five years. Full acceptance of new technology and market potential will enable techno-savvy companies to grow and provide better solutions to the construction industry.
What is the export potential?
There is good potential. The ideal destinations for export can be easily judged by checking the progress in the construction industry in those countries.
Do you have any foreign collaboration?
No. But we usually use the chemicals manufactured by them. At present we are using chemicals of companies from USA, Germany, Spain and other countries.
Are construction chemicals harmless and cost-effective?
Construction chemicals are absolutely harmless since they are used to enhance construction quality. These chemicals can be used from pre-construction to post-construction stage and they are cost-effective if used at the right time and in the right manner.
What new products do you have in mind?
No new products are planned, but there's always room for improvement.
[2 May 2005]
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