Ranjangaon paint plant to begin commercial production

Hyderabad: Jotun India Pvt Ltd, an arm of Norway-based Jotun Group, which manufactures paints and coatings, is all set to begin commercial production at its newly-set up plant in Ranjangaon near Pune.

“The commercial production at the $25-million plant will take off in a couple of days and about 60 per cent of the total installed capacity will be utilised initially,” Mr Percy Jijina, General Manager, Jotun India Pvt Ltd, said.

The plant has a capacity to produce up to 50 million litres in wet paint and 10,000 tonnes of powder coatings.

Jotun, which operates in 67 countries with 40 manufacturing plants world over, is also planning to more than double its exclusive retail outlets in the country from 120 to 250 by the end of 2009.

With a turnover of Rs 150 crore in the 2007 (calendar year), Jotun India is optimistic on the growth of its marine coatings business. “We have a 25 per cent market share in marine coatings and are targeting further growth in this segment as a key driver of revenue,” Mr Jijina said.

The decorative and industrial coatings segments too were growing in India, he added. “The Indian paintings industry is growing at 12 per cent per annum and is valued at Rs 8,000 crore. As a provider of decorative, industrial and marine coatings under single roof, we want grab at least 8 per cent of market share over next five years,” he added.