Murugappa Group to foray into renewable energy materials mfg

Chennai: Carborundum Universal Limited (CUMI), a part of the Murugappa Group, manufacturing abrasives, ceramics and super refractories, is looking for joint ventures to foray into renewable energy materials manufacturing.

Talks with some foreign companies for partnership are on the way. The company already has a 25-acre central government approved renewable energy SEZ (special economic zone) in Kochi, Kerala, and is presently seeking approvals from stakeholders to set up a couple of joint ventures inside this area.

It is looking to supply material parts for renewable energy generators including silicon wafers and materials for processing silicon wafers, eyeing the growth potential of renewable energy industry in the country. At present, the company supplies micro silicon carbide powder used in silicon wafers for global customers.

The company is also looking at manufacturing inputs for other sources in the segment. All the projects would be of mid-size.

Further, it is also looking at entering into business like manufacturing kilns, ovens and heating equipment industry, with its experience in manufacturing refractory products, subject to stakeholders' approval.