Nuvoco is the latest entrant as a ready mix producer. But the company has been very innovative in launching newer generation of products. Here is a product introduced for smaller consumption and where use of conventional ready mix is not possible. Prashant Jha Chief Ready-Mix Business, Nuvoco Vistas Corp Ltd. speaks about InstaMix Express.

1. What was the idea behind introducing the product during the pandemic? What is the market size? What kind of growth you expect?

Through our interactions with customers and market studies, we observed that the construction industry is facing challenges of manufacturing concrete at the site due to the non-availability of superior quality raw materials like cement, sand, and aggregates. In the current scenario, the majority of small concrete work is done by mixing cement, aggregates, and water at the site. Then there is the issue of wastage of raw materials. Most of the sites are still using the volumetric batching method which generally results in poor quality concrete at site. Further due to the pandemic situation there is a shortage of labour (masons/contractors) moreover getting labour to do small jobs is generally a problem. All these factors resulted in an increased demand for well- graded pre-mix bag concrete. Although there are no published records we are estimating the all India market size is more than 10K Ton/ Month, and it would be growing @ 15% per annum.

2. Can you indicate to us what is the manufacturing process, is it same as wet concrete? What is the batch size?

InstaMix Xpress is a pre-blended mixture of Cement, Sand, and Aggregates with special admixtures, requiring only the addition of water before pouring the concrete. It is produced in a controlled environment and is fast, easy-to-use, and ready-to-pour in just three steps – Open, Mix, and Pour. All one needs to do is open the bag in a pan or mechanical mixer as per the requirement; add 4-5 litres of potable water per bag and mix the concrete uniformly; and finally, pour the preparation without making a mess. The manufacturing process of Instamix Xpress is entirely different as compared to wet concrete. In InstaMix Xpress we have to ensure that there is 0% moisture at any stage of production till packaging of the product. It is available in 50kg special moisture-proof sealed bags, which are tested for quality. Batch size depends on the Transit Mixer capacity which varies from 500 kg to 2000 kg.

3. Is there any shelf life for the product?

Yes, it is good for use till 3 months of production.

4. Is the product covered under any BIS code? OR is the code in the draft stage?

No at this stage it is not covered under any BIS codes; however drafting of code for dry concrete is under process.

5. What has been the response from the users?

Initially, we have launched InstaMix Xpress in East & North East markets and the response is very encouraging. Structural consultants and contractors prefer to use the M-30 and M-40 grade of concrete, which is not possible to produce at the site and ready-mix concrete is not available in remote areas. InstaMix Xpress is the ideal solution as it is a pre-mixed, ready-to-use, bagged, dry concrete that can be easily transported to these far-flung areas. Looking at the response we are planning to launch this product in Northern and Western India very soon.

6. Does any other cement manufacturer cater the consumers with a similar product?

Yes, few cement manufacturers tried to produce at the local level Readymix plants but they were not able to control the quality of the product.

7. To what extent the strength will be compromised if more water is used or if the product is used beyond stipulated period?

It all depends on how much excess water has been added or how long InstaMix Xpress has been stored beyond the 3 months shelf life. We recommend using 4 To 5 liter of water per 50 Kg bag

InstaMix Xpress Responses

(depending on the grade of concrete) or if the product is used beyond the stipulated period definitely the compressive strength will reduce from 10% to 50%.