‘We plan to launch 100 plants in FY24’: RDC Concrete

Give us an overview of the current Ready-Mix Concrete (RMC) industry in India.  

RMC is a type of concrete that is manufactured in a batch plant according to a set recipe and then delivered directly to a construction site in a truck-mounted mixer. The RMC industry in India has been growing rapidly over the past few years due to the increasing demand for quality concrete for construction activities in the country. 

One of the primary drivers of the growth of the RMC industry in India is the increasing demand for infrastructure development, industrialization, and residential and commercial projects. The government's initiatives, such as the Smart City project, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), and Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT), have further boosted the demand for RMC in the country. 

What are some of the challenges being faced by RMC industry?  

The RMC industry in India is also facing some challenges, including land availability in metro cities, unorganised supply chain, and no entry issues during demand periods, and high fixed costs. In terms of the demand-supply gap, there is currently a shortage of RMC plants in India, particularly in Tier-II and Tier-III cities. This gap is primarily due to a lack of awareness among some builders and contractors about the benefits such as durability and better quality due to RMC as compared to site mix, as well as the high initial costs associated with setting up RMC plants. However, the increasing demand for RMC in the country is expected to drive the growth of the industry, and the supply is likely to catch up with the demand in the coming years.

What are some of the innovative solutions that RMC sector can offer?  

RDC Concrete has built a reputation for providing innovative and cost-effective building solutions that cater to the diverse requirements of our clients. With an extensive product portfolio, we offer tailor-made solutions of the highest quality to meet their varying needs. Our commitment to eco-friendly and sustainable solutions for smart cities is evident in our product called Greencrete concrete, available in varying grades. It contains more environmentally friendly materials and has lower embodied energy. 

Duracrete is another product that offers longer life and lower life cycle costs due to its superior durability and low maintenance properties. To prevent water penetration and protect the reinforcement from corrosion caused by external factors, we offer Crackfree concrete. 

Naturecrete is perfect for paving walkways as it allows water to percolate to the ground and increase the water table instead of draining it away. Our dry and wet concrete bags cater to small repair work requirements, delivering high-quality concrete for smaller applications in areas where standard concrete transportation is difficult. 

Selfcrete is a popular product that can be used in multistoried buildings with congested columns or aluminum formwork, thanks to its high flowability and the ability to fill complicated structural members quickly. 

Tempcrete, which reduces the core temperature of raft foundations; Supercrete, which achieves high compressive strengths up to M100, Fastrackcrete, which achieves high strength within a few hours, and Fibrecrete, featuring new-generation polypropylene or steel fibers. 

Tell us about your manufacturing facilities and the future plans?  

As of March 31, 2023, we have 80 operational manufacturing plants located across India, delivering 3.5 lakh m3 per month to different segments. We have set up a goal of having plants in every state and each union territory. Our expansion into new states will enable us to meet the growing demands of our customers and drive future growth. Looking ahead, we have even more ambitious plans to launch 100 plants by the end of the year, and are always on the lookout for opportunities to expand our operations and increase our market presence. Our unwavering focus remains on delivering top-quality products and services to our customers, while pursuing sustainable growth for our company. The company clocked a turnover of Rs 1,500 crore in FY23 thereby registering a 50 per cent jump over FY22. The setting up 100 manufacturing plants will entail investments of around Rs 60-70 crore.

How is ready-mix concrete making construction better? 

Using RMC for construction has a host of benefits including consistency and quality. RMC is produced in a computer controlled batching plant, ensuring consistency and quality in every batch. The use of standardized mix designs and quality control measures results in stronger and more durable concrete, reducing the need for repairs and maintenance. 

Is India’s construction sector ready for high-end RMC products having niche applications? Which RMC Grades have maximum demand? What are their applications? 

India's construction sector is gradually becoming more receptive to high-end RMC products with niche applications. However, the market for such products is still relatively small compared to the overall RMC market, which is dominated by standard grades of RMC. The demand for high-end RMC products with niche applications, such as self-compacting concrete (SCC), fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC), and high-performance concrete (HPC), is increasing in India. These products offer superior performance and durability compared to standard RMC, making them suitable for specialized applications, such as high-rise buildings, bridges, and precast concrete products. 

Tell us of the new products you have introduced or plan to launch in the near future? 

After conducting extensive tests and experiments, we have successfully developed a high-performance concrete mixture called Pot-Crete, which offers both strength and durability. Following successful trials conducted by the BMC and KDMC civic bodies, a major company in Oman has decided to order Pot-Crete from us. The process of using pot-crete is fairly simple. It's like pour it, temp it and forget it. The whole process is completed in a span of 5 minutes and does not hamper regular commutation.