Hi-Tech Carbon, a division of Indian Rayon & Industries, is increasing the carbon black manufacturing and captive power capacity at its facility at Gummidipoondi near Chennai.

The capacity for carbon black is being doubled from 40,000 tonnes per annum to 80,000 tonnes per annum with an investment of Rs.80 crore. The scheme, scheduled for completion by March 2004, is being funded through internal accruals.

The capacity of its captive power plant will also enhance from 6.5 MW to 12 MW of which, 8 MW would be sold to TNEB.

The completion of the expansion project will raise the overall capacity for carbon black to a level of 150,000 tonnes per annum.  Hi-Tech Carbon’s other unit is located at Renukoot in UP where a capacity of 70,000 tonnes per annum is in operation.

Carbon black is essentially used as a reinforcing agent in tyres when blended with polymers. It also finds application in plastics, paints, pigments and printing ink industries.

It may be noted that in the recent past, Hi-Tech Carbon set up an R&D centre at Gummidipoondi to develop products for entering the non-rubber segment such as paints, pigments and printing inks.