Indias cement industry has witnessed tremendous growth on the back of continuously rising demand from the housing

sector, increased activity in infrastructure, and construction boom, according to RNCOS latest research report titled, Indian Cement Indust ry Forecast to 2012. The countrys cement production is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 12 per cent during 2011 -12 - 2013-14 to reach 303 million metric tonnes (MMT), as per the RNCOS research report. India is the second largest cement producing country with 137 large and 365 mini cement plants. The large plants employ 120,000 people, according to a recent report on the Indian cement industry published by Cement Manufacturers Association (CMA). Cement production in the country is expected to increase to 315-320 million tonne (MT) by end of this financial year from the current 300 MT. The cement production touched 14.50 MT, while the cement despatches quantity was registered at 14.28 MT during April 2011, as per provisi onal data released by Cement Manufacturers Association (CMA).

The cement industry is pushing for increased use of cement in highway and road construction. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has planned to invest US$ 354 billion in road infrastructure by 2012. Housing, infrastructure projects and the nascent trend of concrete roads would continue to accelerate the consumption of cement. Increased infrastructure spending has been a key focus area. Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee has proposed to earmark US$ 47 billion for infrastructure development during 201 1-12. The infrastructure sector has received an impetus in the form of increased funds and tax related incentives offered to attract investors for tapping the infrastructure opportunities around the country. Introduction of tax free bonds, creation of infrastructure debt funds, formulating a comprehensive policy for developing public private partnership projects are some announcements which will give a fillip to the infrastructure sector which is the backbone of any economy.
Road Ahead

Cement sales has revived across regions in December 2010. The pick -up in cement demand was attributed to revival of infrastructure and real estate projects, especially in rural areas. Demand is expected to gain momentum in the March quarter which is traditionally considered a strong as most of the infrastructure and real estate projects are revived post monsoon

ACC Limited (Formerly The Associated Cement Companies Limited is the

largest producer of cement in India based in Mumbai. Its registered office is called Cement House. It is located on Maharishi Karve Road, Mumbai.. In 1936 ten cement companies belonging to Tatas, Khataus, Killick Nixon and F E Dinshaw groups merged to form a single entity, The Associated Cement Companies. Sir Nowroji B Saklatvala was the first chair man of ACC. The first board of directors had some prominent industrialists - J R D Tata, Ambalal Sarabhai, Walchand Hirachand, Dharamsey Khatau, Sir Akbar Hydari, Nawab Salar Jung Bahadur and Sir Homy Mody

The management control of company was taken over by Swiss cement major Holcim in 2004. On 1 September 2006 the name of The Associated Cement Companies Limited was changed to ACC Limited. The company is only cement company to get Superbrand status in India.

ACC Limited is Indias foremost cement manufacturer with a countrywide network of factories and marketing offices. Established in 1936, ACC has been a pioneer and trend-setter in cement and concrete technology. Among the first companies in India to include commitment to environment protection a s a corporate objective, ACC has won accolades for environment friendly measures taken at its plants and mines, and has also been felicitated for its acts of good corporate citizenship. ACC is the most preferred cement brand name in India

Facts of Indian Cement Industry (1982 2009)

y y y y y

The Industry recorded an exponential growth with the introduction of partial decontrol in 1982 culminating in total decontrol in 1989.

The capacity, which was 29 Mn.t in 1981-82, rose to 219 Mn.t at the end of FY09.

While it took 8 decades to reach the 1 st 100 Mn.t capacity, the 2 nd 100 Mn.t was added in just 10 years.

India ranks second in world cement producing countries.

The Industry has been facing a chronic problem of insufficient availability of the main fue l coal, driving the manufacturers to resort to use of

alternatives at steep cost.

y y y y

Taxes and Government levies on cement are high compared to countries in Asia pacific region.

Cement Industry, which was branded as the highest polluter of environment, now today.

meets the pollution standards, and no longer a polluter

Contributes to environmental cleanliness by consuming hazardous wastes like Fly Ash (around 30 Mn.t) from Thermal Power Plant s and the entire 8 Mn.t of Slag produced by Steel manufacturing units.

As a part of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), the Cement Industry employs around one lakh people and takes care of the social needs not only of the employees but also adopts several villages around the factories providing free drinking water, electricity, medical and educational facilities.

y y y

The Cement Industry produces a variety of cement to suit a host of applications matching the world's best in quality.

Exports Cement/Clinker to around 30 countries across the globe and earns precious foreign exchange.

The core sector Cement Industry deserves due support from the Government by avoiding imposition of high levies and duties, ma king available various inputs like fuel, power, transport etc. at reasonabl e prices and in required quantities and help its growth and improve competitivity both in domestic and international markets.