### **Overview** The Ramco Cements Limited, headquartered in Chennai, is India’s **fifth-largest cement producer** and the **leading cement brand in South India**, with a strong and growing presence in East India. Established in 1961 with a modest 200 tonnes per day capacity, the company has evolved into a diversified, multi-location manufacturing giant with an integrated value chain spanning mining, clinker production, cement grinding, and construction solutions. Anchored by innovation, sustainability, and a customer-first approach, Ramco Cements is strategically transforming from a traditional cement manufacturer into a **comprehensive ‘Construction Solution Provider’**. --- ### **Strategic Highlights (2025)** #### **Expansion into Construction Chemicals – "Hard Worker" Brand (Aug 2025)** - Ramco Cements has rebranded and expanded its **Construction Chemicals division** under the new brand identity **‘Hard Worker’**, launching 20 specialized products including **tile adhesives, waterproofing solutions, bonding agents, and repair mortars**, with another 20 in the pipeline. - All products are **manufactured in-house**, ensuring consistent quality, sustainability, and control over the supply chain. - The division generated **₹210 crores in FY25** and has an ambitious **target of ₹2,000 crores in revenue within 4–5 years**, representing a **10x growth**. - Distribution spans **Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and West Bengal** via the existing dealer network. - Backed by a **nationwide 360-degree marketing campaign** across TV, digital, outdoor, and in-store platforms, the brand aims to achieve high recall and awareness. #### **Growth Strategy: Diversification & Adjacent Businesses** - The Construction Chemicals division is now a **key growth driver**, supported by **R&D investments, innovation, and a customer-focused product development model**. - The company's **“Right Product for Right Application” philosophy** now extends beyond cement into dry mix and specialty chemical solutions. - The **Building Products business**, including dry mortar and specialty construction materials, is expected to **cross ₹500 crores in annual revenue within two years**. - New plants commissioned recently (Chennai, Salem, R.R. Nagar, Jayanthipuram, Odisha) each have ~100,000 tons annual capacity, expanding production footprint. --- ### **Production & Operational Infrastructure** - **Total Cement Manufacturing Capacity**: **24.44 million tonnes per annum (MTPA)** - **Clinker Capacity**: **16 MTPA**, with plans to expand to **15.5–16 MTPA** - **Integrated Plants**: 5 (Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Odisha, West Bengal) - **Grinding Units**: 6, strategically located near raw materials and demand centers - **Other Facilities**: 3 dry mortar plants, 1 ready-mix concrete plant - **Railway Sidings**: Installed at multiple plants under **Gati Shakti**, including a dedicated line from Budawada mine to Jayanthipuram plant, reducing logistics costs. #### **Energy & Sustainability** - **166 MW Wind Farm**: One of the largest corporate-owned wind power capacities in India, wheeling power through the grid to reduce external dependence. - **Captive Power**: - Thermal Power: **175 MW** - Waste Heat Recovery Systems (WHRS): **43 MW** - Uses **alternative raw materials** (fly ash, slag, phospho-gypsum) constituting **22% of blended cement inputs**, promoting circular economy. - **Energy Efficiency Initiatives**: - Installation of **high-efficiency kiln burners** (e.g., Evolution E+ at Alathiyur) - **Process automation using self-learning software** for optimal blending - **GPS-enabled fleet tracking** integrated with ERP reduced truck turnaround time by 40–50% --- ### **Technology & Innovation** - **Ramco Research & Development Centre (RRDC)** in Chennai: - 41-member team focused on **product innovation, sustainability, and performance optimization**. - Developed in-house **cost-effective grinding aids**, reducing production costs. - Conducts microstructure, mineralogical, and chemical analysis for quality assurance. - **In-House R&D Achievements**: - Launched **Ramco Supergrade (2003)**, **Super Fast (2014)**, **Supercrete (2019)**, and **Infra Super (2022)** — purpose-built for high-strength, crack resistance, and early setting. - Pioneered **blended cements** in the late 1990s. - **Digital Transformation**: - Centralized Control Center monitors **real-time operations** across all plants. - **ERP-integrated logistics** with GPS tracking, enabling 24-hour delivery. - **WhatsApp Business Solution (WBS)** for direct customer engagement, booking MACE services, and support. --- ### **Customer & Market Strategy** #### **"MACE" – Technical Support Ecosystem** - **MACE Division** (Masons, Architects, Contractors, Engineers) employs **344+ field engineers** providing **on-site technical support**. - Delivers engineering solutions, product selection advice, and conducts quality tests (slump, rebound hammer, compressive strength). - Acts as a bridge between **R&D and real-world application**, feeding customer insights into product development. - Conducted over **8,300 customer engagement events** in FY23–24. - Offers **free technical assistance**, especially to rural homebuilders, to promote best practices. #### **Product Differentiation & Premiumisation** - Offers **13 application-specific cement variants** (vs. one in 1961), including: - **Ramco Supercrete**: Zero-crack, high durability, m-sand compatible - **Ramco Super Steel**: For harsh environments and underground construction - **Ramco 53 Infra Super**: For metro rails with high slump retention - **Ramco Super Plaster**: 10% higher coverage, crack-resistant, mortar concentrate - **"Right Cement for Right Application"** strategy drives **premiumization**: - Share of premium products in sales mix rose to **25% in FY23** (from 22% in FY22). - Improved pricing realizations and margin stability. #### **Distribution Network** - **9,400+ dealers**, **24,000+ sub-dealers** across South and East India - Over **50% of dealers have relationships exceeding 5 years** - **30% of customers are multi-generational, loyal buyers** - Expanding into **Maharashtra** in the medium term to diversify revenue base (currently 75% from South India) --- ### **Sustainability & ESG** - **Decarbonization Leadership**: - Wind energy since **1993**, supporting ~5 million tons of production annually - WHRS installations reduce carbon emissions and power costs - Focus on **fuel efficiency, alternative fuels, and limestone conservation** - **Wet Limestone Beneficiation Plant** (Jun 2023): Improves raw material mix using water-based separation, increasing utilization of low-grade limestone. - **Optical Sorter at Pandalgudi Mine** (Jan 2021): First in India; saves ₹1,270/ton by replacing imported limestone, improves efficiency. --- ### **Leadership & Governance** - **Shri P.R. Venketrama Raja**, MD & Promoter: - Chemical Engineering & MBA (University of Michigan) - Guiding strategic expansion since 1985 - Expertise in cement technology, IT systems, and industrial planning - Board member of Ramco Industries, Ramco Systems, Rajapalayam Mills - **Dinesh**, Independent Director (since Mar 2024): - Overseas experience with **$2B+ turnover firms**, 25,000 employees - Led international expansion in **UK, Germany, US, Singapore, Sri Lanka** - Brings expertise in **supply chain, finance, and business development**