(BRK.A), (BRK.B)
In a significant development for the Indian piping industry, Berkshire Hathaway’s Lubrizol, a global leader in specialty chemicals, and Grasim Industries Limited, a flagship company of the Aditya Birla Group, have initiated the construction of the first phase of a massive 100,000 metric-ton CPVC resin plant in Vilayat, Gujarat, India.
This collaborative effort is poised to revolutionize CPVC production in the region, catering to the burgeoning demand for piping applications not only in India but also in neighboring countries such as Nepal, Bangladesh, and Indonesia.
The new CPVC resin plant, situated at Grasim Industries’ complex, is set to become the largest single-site facility for CPVC resin production globally. It is designed to address the escalating need for CPVC materials in India’s construction and plumbing sectors, ensuring a steady supply of high-quality, locally manufactured CPVC resin. The plant will be equipped with Lubrizol’s cutting-edge CPVC resin manufacturing technology and will leverage Grasim’s expertise in reliable manufacturing processes.
In addition to this groundbreaking project, Lubrizol is doubling its existing CPVC compound manufacturing capacity at its Dahej, Gujarat, India site. This expansion will see production capacity soar from 70,000 metric tons to an impressive 140,000 metric tons, solidifying Lubrizol’s position as the largest CPVC producer in the region. It also distinguishes Lubrizol as the sole company with end-to-end CPVC capabilities, enabling its partners to meet the projected 10-12% annual increase in CPVC demand within the Indian market. Furthermore, Lubrizol is planning to establish a research and development center at its Dahej site, catering to the rapidly evolving needs of the Indian market.
The initial phase of the Vilayat resin plant and the expansion at the Dahej facility are scheduled to be operational by early 2025. These projects are anticipated to create over 4,000 direct and indirect job opportunities, contributing significantly to the local economy. In addition, Lubrizol is taking steps to establish a Global Capability Center in India, aimed at supporting regional growth and fostering closer collaboration among employees in the region. Over the next year, Lubrizol plans to hire 150 to 200 new employees at this location, with plans to expand its workforce further in the coming years.
Scott Mold, General Manager of Lubrizol TempRite, expressed his pride in these milestones, emphasizing that Lubrizol’s investment in India is geared toward servicing and supporting the growing demand for CPVC materials, particularly for ensuring access to clean, safe drinking water. India represents a key market for Lubrizol’s global CPVC leadership ambitions.
Lubrizol has been a pioneer in introducing CPVC into the Indian market for the past 25 years, offering a substantial economic development opportunity for the region. Today, India stands as one of the largest consumers of CPVC, primarily for plumbing pipes and fittings, and the increasing demand for clean water in residential and commercial buildings is set to propel continued growth in this sector.
© 2023 David Mazor
Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell a stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee