Rapid diversification strategy saw C.R.I. Pumps (P) Limited, a global force in the pump industry, entering into high value product of non-metallic plastic pipe segment early last year. The operations began with the manufacture of uPVC and CPVC pipes designed with higher durability to provide an efficient pumping and plumbing system at the state-of-the-art manufacturing facility at Gandhinagar, Gujarat. This unit presently caters to the western, northern and central Indian markets and the response so far has been overwhelming. Currently Gandhinagar, Gujarat plant is operating to full capacity.
Now, C.R.I. has opened its second Pipe manufacturing plant at Hosur, Tamilnadu. This new plant at Hosur offers top-of-the-line manufacturing facilities with state of the art machinery. This plant will ensure that the southern and eastern indian markets are catered to.
According to G. Soundararajan, Vice-Chairman of the Rs.1,500 Crore global turnover company, the aggressive expansion plans are part of an overall business development strategy arising out of the company’s five-year vision. C.R.I. has been growing rapidly even in adverse market conditions and has achieved the status of the fastest growing pump company globally.
He further extended that, “diversification has taken us to becoming a complete pumping and plumbing solution provider. A wider product line translates to better market reach. An increased production capacity translates to increased market share. Currently, our Gujarat plant is also under expansion mode to cater to the increasing demand. In this expansion phase, Hosur and Gandhinagar plants put together will be achieving a total production capacity of 40,000 metric tonnes per annum. The infrastructure thus created in these plants can accommodate increased production in future. The launch of the new Hosur plant will take us a step closer to the targeted pipe market share of 10% in India.
“In most pumpset installations the cost of the pipes is much more than that of the pumpset. With a long presence in the pump industry, C.R.I. has a strong marketing network of 4,000
Dealers and nearly 10,000 retailers. Almost all our counters that sell our pumps, also deal in pipes. This is to our great advantage in capturing a sizeable market share in pipes. In addition,
C.R.I. also plans to create new distributor channels for promoting certain specific application pipes. C.R.I. is a well-recognized brand among plumbers, contractors, builders and EPC companies because of its five- decades of service to the fluid industry. Most of the pipe consumers also acknowledge C.R.I. as a quality player in the pumping industry. With this reputation, we can achieve our targets and become a prominent player in the pipe segment” the Vice-Chairman added.
According to Mr. Soundararajan, C.R.I. is investing about Rs.125 Crores in the Pipes business. The estimated market potential in India for non-metallic pipes is expected to be around a whooping Rs. 21,500 Crores. uPVC and CPVC pipes alone would contribute to around Rs.10,000 Crores, and it is into this niche high value segment the company is now venturing in the initial phase and eyeing to capture 10% market share in the years to come. The Indian pipe market CAGR of uPVC and CPVC pipes are estimated to be around 15% and 30% respectively.There are good export opportunities as well, C.R.I. Pipes are currently exported to many countries.
The favourable factors contributing to the demand of these pipes are National Water Mission, Government Plans on Infrastructural development, Industrial Corridor Development, Roads, Housing for All Plan, Smart city development, Satellite towns, Sewage treatment and much more. As these plans unfold, the construction and infrastructure industry is deemed to take a giant leap thus boosting the demand for plumbing, sewage and drainage pipes.
A rapid conversion is happening from metal pipes to plastic pipes as metal pipes are having many short- falls like corrosion and longevity issues. The uPVC pipes shall also be a good alternative to the conventional cement and iron pipes in under- ground sewage and drainage systems. Further the time taken for installing these pipes is three times less than conventional metal pipes.
uPVC pipes are used as riser (column) pipes, casing pipes, plumbing, sewage and drainage pipes. As column pipes, uPVC pipes are used extensively in place of metal pipes and HDPE Pipes for the pumping of ground water in open wells and bore wells. These pipes possess
higher tensile strength, UV and chemical resistance and energy efficiency. Further, the pipes are light weight and free from maintenance and corrosion.
As plumbing, sewage and drainage pipes, uPVC pipes are used mainly for the distribution of potable water and disposal of waste water from residential and commercial buildings, and industries. The pipes are non-toxic and lead-free that make them safe for potable water.
The uPVC column pipes are provided with patented Polymer Bonded Thread Sink (PBTS) locking system, another innovation from the C.R.I. R&D team. This unique locking system is used as a pipe coupler system to firmly couple the pipes.
The CPVC pipes are used for hot and cold water applications and also high pressure applications. In addition to this, due to their ability to handle up to a temperature of 200 degree F, the pipes are also used for transportation of chemical and hot corrosive fluids in process industries.
C.R.I. uPVC casing pipes are available from 115mm to 300mm diameter; uPVC plumbing pipes are available from 15mm to 150mm & CPVC plumbing pipes are available from 15mm to 100mm diameter, with all accessories like fittings and solvents.