Shree Cement Limited, one of India’s major cement producers, has officially opened its new integrated cement plant in Dachepalli village, located in the Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh. This inauguration marks a significant milestone for the company, as the plant boasts a cement production capacity of 3 million tons per annum (MTPA), completing construction six months ahead of schedule with an investment exceeding Rs 2,500 crore.
This latest addition to Shree Cement’s portfolio represents its sixth integrated production facility in India and its second in the southern region, following Kodla in Karnataka. With the Guntur plant now operational, the company’s total manufacturing capacity has increased to 56.4 MTPA.
The strategically positioned plant is poised to cater to the burgeoning markets of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, foreseeably creating approximately 700 direct jobs and 1,300 indirect employment opportunities.
In his remarks at the inauguration ceremony, Shree Cement’s Managing Director, Neeraj Akhoury, emphasized the plant’s utilization of advanced technology for manufacturing while ensuring controlled emissions. Noteworthy features include the incorporation of 30% alternate fuel and raw materials such as municipal waste and biomass, setting a new benchmark within the Indian cement industry. Additionally, innovative measures like siting the limestone crusher 40 feet below ground within the mining pit have been implemented to curtail diesel consumption.
Operating as a zero-wastage, water positive facility, the plant prioritizes sustainability by returning more water to the mining pit than it consumes. Furthermore, a substantial portion of its power requirements – 75% – is met through a 12 MW waste heat recovery system and a 21.5 MW solar power plant. To conserve water, air-cooled compressors have been integrated into the operations.
Akhoury reiterated Shree Cement’s commitment to its core philosophy of ‘Build Smart,’ emphasizing the company’s trajectory towards becoming a modern and environmentally responsible building material provider. Plans are underway to enhance capacity utilization, bolster brand equity, optimize cost efficiency, and intensify research and development endeavors.
With the successful commissioning of the Guntur plant, Shree Cement remains steadfast in its pursuit of achieving an 80 MTPA production capacity by 2028, which entails the operation of an additional 13 plants. Renowned for its operational efficiency, cost leadership, and sustainability initiatives, Shree Cement aims to deliver environmentally friendly building solutions to its customers.
In the highly competitive landscape of the Indian cement industry, Shree Cement stands among the prominent players alongside UltraTech Cement, Ambuja Cements, ACC, Dalmia Bharat, and JSW Cement, collectively shaping the industry’s future.