Aluminium industry in India growing rapidly!

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107 exhibitors from 18 countries participated in the three day ALUMINIUM India 2010 exhibition held from 25 to 27, February 2010 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai. The show is abuzz with leading domestic and international industry players like Vedanta, Hindalco, Bhoruka Aluminium Ltd., Fata Hunter, Wagstaff and a host of other global players among the exhibitors.

Through his inaugural speech R Darda, Industry Minister of the Government of Maharashtra encouraged aluminium and downstream producers to set up their production facilities in the state. The state provides single window clearance facility for projects and plans to provide all mandatory clearances to investors, the Minister said. Maharashtra has cleared 168 projects worth US$ 33 billion (Indian Rs. 152 thousand crore) in four years out of which 50 have already started production and another 40 are under various stages of construction.

Investments are also expected in steel, auto, aluminium and other downstream sectors. The minister further said that Maharashtra is rapidly turning into the largest auto hub in the country.

Aluminium is the second most consumed metal after steel which is also facing stiff competition from wood and plastics. Today, aluminium consumption in India stands at 1.3 kilograms per capita as against 25 kilograms in the developed countries. There is, therefore, a vast scope for growth in India, said S. K. Banerjee, ex-Chairman of Nalco.

However, according to A K Shrivastava, chairman and managing director of the public sector giant Nalco, most of the bauxite reserves exist near forests which provide livelihood for thousands of tribals who unfortunately are not prepared to change their lifestyles, which is a big hindrance for the growth of the aluminium industry in India, Shrivastava said. Nalco has chalked out an investment of Rs. 50,000 crore (US$ 11 billion) in the next 8 to 9 years.

Engaged in direct chill casting solutions for the aluminium industry, the US-based Wagstaff Inc’s Vice President (sales and marketing) said that they were happy to be in India for the second time in a row and would like to participate in future events too. “India is a fast expanding market with immense growth potential for our company,” he added.

Visitors are highly targeted. Therefore, it is interesting to communicate to our target audience through this exhibition, shared Walter C Sheng, Senior Engineer of Shanghai Jieru Heavy Industry Co. Ltd.

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