Electrosteel Castings (ECL), one of India’s top ductile iron pipe makers, plans to establish a research and development unit and a manufacturing plant in India for precision water valves.

This initiative builds on its Rs 150 crore acquisition of Italy-based T.i.S Service, a specialist in valve technologies. With this move, ECL aims to tap into India’s Rs 16,700 crore (approx. USD two billion) water valve market, which is growing steadily, and also expand its global footprint.

Headquartered in Kolkata and promoted by the Kejriwal family, ECL currently has a ductile iron pipe production capacity of 8,50,000 tonne. The acquisition will broaden its portfolio by combining DI pipe offerings with advanced valve systems. Sunil Katial, CEO of ECL, stated the firm is evaluating localisation of select T.i.S products to align with the ‘Make in India’ mission.

Madhav Kejriwal, ECL director and president of T.i.S, said: “With this acquisition, Electrosteel now becomes one of the only global players capable of offering both ductile iron pipes and fittings and sophisticated valve technologies under one umbrella.” T.i.S has plants in Italy and Turkey and centres in Italy and Poland. 

ECL is also planning a Rs 3,000-crore DI pipe unit in Odisha.