Asahi India plans to set up a second float glass facility in the north of the country with a larger capacity than its Taloja, Maharashtra plant. Sanjay Labroo, managing director and chief executive of…
Asahi India plans to set up a second float glass facility in the north of the country with a larger capacity than its Taloja, Maharashtra plant. Sanjay Labroo, managing director and chief executive officer, told reporters on 24 April 2004, “Our Taloja unit is working at over 100% capacity utilisation. We are going to need another plant soon.” He said that while a decision on the plant will not be taken until November 2004, the company is targeting capacity of 600-700 tonne per day. In view of the market trend, the plant will be located in the north. When asked about the probable investment, he said, “The ball-park figure internationally for such a capacity is USD 100 million.” Competing against Saint Gobain and Gujarat Guardian, Asahi India today has a market share of 21%. Asahi currently buys 4% of its float glass requirements for it automotive product line from Saint Gobain and Gujarat Guardian (2% each). Between 12-13% of Asahi India float output goes into automotive applications. Asahi India exports 17% of its float glass production to about 40 countries.