The construction chemicals market is likely to double in the next five years

Ewart Lazarus, Executive Director, Chowghule Construction Technologies Pvt LtdThis is one brand with serious equity. Specialising in waterproofing, concrete repair products, floor and anti-corrosive coatings and sealants, Chowgule Construction Technologies has executed a host of notable projects in Mumbai, including the Bombay Stock Exchange, the Grand Hyatt Hotel and Lodha Experia. Ewart Lazarus, Executive Director, Chowghule Construction Technologies Pvt Ltd, opens up on the company and its future plans, in conversation with SHUBHANGI BIDWE.Tell us about the recent expansion of your Goa plant.The expansion will cover over 5,000 sq m and include powder and liquid production and warehousing facilities for raw materials and finished goods. We also plan to develop warehousing facilities for exports besides an administrative block housing our offices, seminar areas, R&D laboratories, conference, administrative and production facilities. The project is likely to be complete in the next 12-15 months. And, the total investment will be around Rs 12-14 crore, including plant building and machinery.You are also coming up with a new plant in Gujarat...Yes, we are acquiring a property for setting up a power production facility in Gujarat. The basic raw materials required are cement and sand, which are easily available in the state. Also, we mainly supply our products to Maharashtra, central and north India, so Gujarat offers a logistic advantage. This plant will have an initial capacity of 7,000-8,000 mtpa.Highlight your Captain Bond's Crystalline System.System/Crystal Flex is a unique crystalline waterproofing system. This impregnation system is very effective below the ground, right from the basement and swimming pool to tunnels and water tanks and reservoirs. It is the only crystalline product with flexibility and self-healing properties and can be applied to drinking water tanks too. Also, in our flooring segment, we have launched a fully automated system that removes oil from concrete to almost 50 mm.How different is waterproofing tall buildings?There is absolutely no difference. Wherever there is concrete and brick masonry and water ingress, you need waterproofing. The only difference lies in the volume of work. The challenges, if any, come from the type of waterproofing needed. For instance, for the Bombay Stock Exchange, we had to execute the waterproofing and repair works from the 28th to 30th floors. The main challenge, considering all repair works had to be executed during office hours, was to ensure that not even a single small stone fell on the street below.Any ongoing projects?We have a lot of waterproofing works for Oberoi Construction Group. We are currently engaged in the Oberoi Grand and Oberoi Exquisite residential projects. We are also involved in the Lodha Bellissima and Supremes projects for the Lodha Group in Mumbai. Other projects include a Taj Hotels project in Kolhapur and commercial projects in Pune and Bengaluru.What are the innovations taking place in the industry?The chemicals being introduced combine the features of conventional and modern systems. Polyurethane foams and resins for repairing leakages in below ground structures are being used. Polyurethane gels combined with water form a rubbery mash that can be applied to expansion joints. These can be used effectively in drinking water reservoirs.What are the upcoming trends?The CAGR growth of construction chemicals is around 18-22 per cent per annum, and this trend is likely to continue for at least five to 10 years. As quite a few multinationals are entering the market, a lot of expansion is happening.In India, the demand for construction chemicals is only 2 per cent of the whole global scenario. Why?Yes, this is true, but the trend is changing slowly. The biggest hurdle is the lack of awareness amongst users. The biggest buyers today are government organisations. Older corporate houses are slow to adapt to these systems.What are the initiatives needed from the government?Rather than the government, we need initiatives from private players, who need to create forums to create awareness about their products and upcoming trends. The government should encourage private-sector companies to come up with more presentations and demonstrations on their products.Where do you see the market headed in future?The future for the construction chemicals market in India is quite robust, with figures likely to double in the next four to five years.To give your feedback on this interview, write in at feedback@ASAPPmedia.com