Kolkata-based PVC pipes manufacturer Skipper Ltd, which is primarily known for its power transmission and distribution business, is fast adding capacities in the PVC segment in anticipation of surge in demand. Having commissioned two new plants – in Ahmedabad and Guwahati – last year, the company has started trial production of its fourth plant in Sikandarabad, Uttar Pradesh. It is also in the processes of setting up the fifth plant, in Hyderabad. The company initially had one plant in Uluberia in West Bengal.
Commenting on the development, Skipper’s director Devesh Bansal said, “At Skipper Limited we are constantly looking at innovation and have dedicated our resources to expand our cutting-edge products and value-added propositions to the rest of the country. Our objective is to increase our momentum by installing facilities across India and continue to be the fastest growing company in the sector.”
“The new plant in Sikandarabad will have an installed capacity of 6,000 MTPA of plumbing and agri pipes. This takes the total capacity of Skipper’s PVC business to 35,000 MTPA. The unit will cater to demand in the northern part of the country,” informed Bansal.
Skipper is expecting a surge in demand as a result of government initiatives like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and smart cities programme. Bansal added, “These programmes have resulted in growth in demand for plastic pipes and fittings as well as water tanks. We are expecting the contribution from the PVC business to grow by up to 25% from 8% at present. We will continue to invest almost `50 crore every year to enhance our manufacturing capacities both in the transmission and PVC business.”
