Vishnu Chemicals Limited (VCL) has entered into a definitive Joint Venture Agreement with DCX Chrome SAS, France, to establish a greenfield manufacturing facility for high-purity chromium metal in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The strategic partnership will combine VCL’s manufacturing expertise with DCX’s advanced process technology to strengthen India’s domestic capabilities in critical engineering materials.

Under the agreement, VCL and DCX will hold an equal 50% stake in the joint venture company. The proposed facility will have an installed capacity of 6,000 MTPA and will focus entirely on producing high-purity chromium metal for sectors including aerospace, defence, energy and advanced engineering.

The partnership will enable technology transfer from DCX, providing access to its proprietary aluminothermic chromium manufacturing process and supporting production that meets global aerospace standards. VCL, India’s leading chromium chemicals manufacturer, will ensure reliable supply of chrome oxide green as a key raw material for the facility.

The project is expected to reduce India’s dependence on imported chromium metal and support the country’s push towards self-reliance in strategic manufacturing sectors. It will also help both companies tap into long-term demand from global aviation, nuclear energy, deep-water oil exploration and chemical processing industries.

High-purity chromium metal is used in critical applications such as aerospace engine components, including combustion chambers, turbine disks, blades and casings. It is also used in oil and gas drilling equipment, corrosion-resistant pipelines, nuclear power plant components and advanced industrial applications.

Commenting on the partnership, Mr Krishna Murthy Cherukuri, Chairman & Managing Director, Vishnu Chemicals Limited, said the collaboration will expand the company’s specialty chemicals footprint while contributing to India’s manufacturing capabilities and self-reliance objectives.

Mr Siddartha Cherukuri, Joint Managing Director, Vishnu Chemicals Limited, said the joint venture combines VCL’s domestic market leadership with DCX’s metallurgical expertise to create a platform for high-performance materials manufacturing.

Mr Fernando Accioly, CEO, DCX Chrome SAS, said the partnership will bring together DCX’s aluminothermic technology and industrial expertise with VCL’s operational capabilities and raw material supply strengths to establish a global manufacturing platform for high-purity chromium metal.

The facility in Visakhapatnam is expected to strengthen regional industrial development while creating skilled employment opportunities in Andhra Pradesh.