JSW Cement plans to expand Indian footprint

JSW Cement is planning to expand its current 6.4Mta slag-based cement capacity in the coming years with entry into new areas beyond south India under consideration.

“We are planning to go into areas other than south India such as into east and west India especially in West Bengal, Odisha and in Maharashtra that would include both the greenfield and brownfield investments. Certain approvals are being awaited and we expect them to come during the monsoon period after that we will start the construction activities.”

Some of the areas identified in West Bengal and Odisha where the company has acquired land are Salboni in West Bengal and Cuttack and Bhubaneshwar in Odisha where approvals are expected soon. Expansions would also happen at Vijayanagar in Karnataka and Dolvi and Pen in Maharashtra where the company already has its presence and available land.

JSW Cement will invest around INR2200 crore at a debt equity ratio of 40:60 where the equity component would be higher than the debt. “We are in process of arranging the funds and SBI Caps has been mandated for the purpose,” said the official.

The company is also evaluating acquisition potential to boost clinker capacity.