Vesuvius, a global leader in the refractory sector, has strengthened its commitment to India’s industrial development with the inauguration of two advanced manufacturing plants in Visakhapatnam. The new Alumina-Silica (AlSi) and Basic Monolithic facilities, inaugurated on 12 November 2024, aim to bolster the company’s manufacturing capabilities and meet growing demand from the iron and steel industries. These investments are aligned with the Indian government’s Make in India initiative, emphasizing innovation and sustainable development in key industrial sectors.

The cutting-edge plants are designed to produce high-quality refractory products, crucial for high-temperature processes in industries such as iron, steel, cement, and aluminium. With a combined annual production capacity increase of 250,000 tonnes, the facilities mark a significant step forward in Vesuvius’s strategy to expand its footprint in India. Additionally, the integration of advanced manufacturing technologies will allow the company to cater to diverse industrial needs while introducing new products tailored to the local market.

Chief Executive Officer of the London-headquartered Vesuvius Group, Patrick André, highlighted that these investments underscore the company’s unwavering confidence in the Indian market. He described the AlSi and Basic Monolithic plants as key components of Vesuvius’s broader vision to support India’s industrial growth through innovation and operational excellence.

Biswadip Gupta, Chairman of Vesuvius India Limited, emphasized that the new facilities play a dual role in enhancing production and contributing to socio-economic development in the region. He pointed out that Vesuvius is committed to not only meeting industrial demands but also creating a positive impact on the local communities where it operates.

From a sustainability perspective, Mohinder Rajput, Managing Director of Vesuvius India Limited, explained that the plants incorporate energy-efficient technologies and robust waste management systems. He noted that these features align with the company’s focus on minimizing environmental impact while achieving operational efficiency.

This expansion follows the earlier launch of a Mould Flux manufacturing plant in Visakhapatnam in April 2024, further showcasing the company’s focus on addressing growing industrial demand in India. Together, these projects signify Vesuvius’s strategic vision of innovation-driven growth in a rapidly evolving industrial ecosystem.

Vesuvius India Limited, a subsidiary of the global Vesuvius Group, specializes in manufacturing refractory products essential for high-temperature industrial applications. The company caters to industries such as direct reduced iron (DRI), iron ore pelletization, cement, and aluminium. By investing in state-of-the-art infrastructure and adopting sustainable practices, Vesuvius has reinforced its position as a leader in the refractory sector while contributing to India’s industrial development.

As these new plants become operational, Vesuvius is poised to meet increasing demands from the iron and steel industries, reaffirming its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and socio-economic growth.

  Biswadip Gupta, Mohinder Rajput, Patrick André, Vesuvius India Limited, Visakhapatnam