French industrial minerals producer Imerys has infused Rs 350 crore, (EUR 40 million) in India to set up 30,000 tonne calcium aluminate plant, an important raw material for making refractories in Vizag, Andhra Pradesh.

The Group invested EUR 40 million in this new facility which expands the group’s presence in the country and enables it to serve domestic customers with solutions adapted to their local needs.

Calcium aluminates are obtained by heating calcium and aluminium oxides at high temperatures. They are used in the manufacture of refractories and cement. Imerys procures alumina which is used in the making of calcium aluminate.

The French multinational is looking to further expand capacity to at least 50,000 tpa through inorganic growth. Currently the capacity is around 30,000 tpa, but can be augmented up to 50,000 tonne any time with some minor additions.

The company’s strategy is to create a network of plants to address global demand for refractory products.

The company produces andalusite and also has a plant in Bahrain, where it produces white fused alumina. The company also has a zirconia plant in the US as well as in China. So depending on the requirements it can supply these products in India.

As a long-term plan Imerys is looking to further invest in India either through greenfield projects or through acquisitions.

The group will continue to invest in India when the time comes. It can be an acquisition. The company plans to achieve full capacity by 2025 and targets Rs 200 crore turnover annually.