Steel, Cement Cos to ramp up production, future looks promising for Refractory business

India's refractory industry is poised for significant growth, driven by increased steel and cement production and infrastructure development. RHI Magnesita India, a leading refractory supplier, plans to expand its operations and market share in the coming years, leveraging recent acquisitions and a strong global presence.

- RITWIK MUKHERJEE

A mechanical engineer by profession, he has more than 3 decades of extensive experience of serving the steel and refractory industry. After more than seven years of gaining valuable insights in the steel industry, he transitioned to the refractories business, joining Orient Refractories Limited (ORL) and following the acquisition of ORL by RHI AG in 2013, he was appointed Managing Director & CEO of ORL RHI Magnesita India Limited, where he is the CMD now, is the leading supplier of high-grade refractory products, systems and solutions which are indispensable for industrial high-temperature processes exceeding 1,200°C in a wide range of industries, including steel, cement, non-ferrous metals and glass. The company offers a wide range of high quality refractory products and mixes to our customers in Steel, Cement & Lime, Non Ferrous Metals, Glass and other industries. From Furnace to ladle to mould, RHI Magnesita provides the entire gamut of refractory products for the whole spectrum of high temperature manufacturing processes. All its products are custom-made to suit the casting conditions and grade requirement of the product being cast and are a result of an intensive research and development effort.

Speaking to The Statesman, Parmod Sagar, Chairman & MD, RHI Magnesita India and President - India, West Asia & Africa, explains the current scenario in the refractory industry and outlines the expansion, which the company has lined up for the second half of 2025.

Excerpts:

Q: How has the refractory industry fared in the current fiscal nationally and globally?

A: Globally, geo-political disruptions have impacted businesses across industries. Such disruptions have collectively battered long-established supply chains and global trade networks. Rising bauxite and alumina prices due to a supply shortage, for example, have resulted in cost inflation of alumina-based products, to reflect the higher cost of raw materials.