UltraTech Cement commissions Karnataka clinker plant, India

UltraTech Cement said it has commissioned its 3.3Mta clinker plant at Malkhed in Karnataka, taking capacity from 53.9Mta to 57.2Mta.

The company continues to invest in new capacity to consolidate its position as India's cement market leader. In its annual report for 2012-13 (Apr-Mar), UltraTech Cement said it has already spent INR43bn of the INR114bn capital expenditure plan. By 2015 the company targets a capacity of 64.45Mta.

Latest local news reports also state that the company is planning a a 5.5Mta cement plant and 75MW captive power plant and waste heat recovery facility in Tamil Nadu. Business Line India reported that the factory will have two production lines of 2.25Mta each with a total clinker manufacturing capacity of 4.5Mta. The public hearing for this project was conducted in May as part of the environmental impact assessment and management plan. Preliminary work on environmental clearances is currently being undertaken.