Coromandel International Limited, India’s leading agri solutions provider, has commenced the project activity to set up its Phosphoric Acid-Sulphuric Acid complex facility at Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh. In an event organised on 26 April 2024, Company’s Executive Chairman, Mr. Arun Alagappan, was present for the groundbreaking ceremony and Mr. S. Sankarasubramanian, Executive Director, Nutrient Business signed the key contracts with global technology partners. With an estimated outlay of Rs 1000 crores, the project is expected to be commissioned in two years’ time.
The proposed 650 ton per day (tpd) Phosphoric Acid facility is designed with advanced DA-HF (Dihydrate Attack-Hemihydrate Filtration) process technology and automated DCS system. This will enhance Company’s backward integration capacities and provide stable supplies of phosphoric acid for its fertiliser manufacturing by replacing more than 50% of Kakinada plant’s imported acid requirement. The Company also plans to set up an 1800 tpd Sulphuric Acid Plant to meet the captive needs in phosphoric acid manufacturing besides augmenting power from the waste heat generation. Phosphoric acid and Sulphuric acid are used as key intermediates for manufacturing Phosphatic fertilizers like DAP and NPKs.
Currently, company’s fertilizer plants at Visakhapatnam and Ennore are fully integrated with captive Sulphuric and Phosphoric acid facilities and the proposed expansion plan at Kakinada will make this unit also an integrated complex. With a capacity of around 2 million tons, Coromandel’s Kakinada plant is the India’s second largest phosphatic fertiliser facility and contributes close to 15% of nation’s NPK fertilizer output. The plant facility also acts as a habitat for countless diverse species of birds, while greatly contributing to biodiversity and conservation of the ecosystem.
Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Arun Alagappan, Executive Chairman, Coromandel International Limited stated, “This investment signifies a pivotal moment in Coromandel’s journey towards strengthening its self-sufficiency goals in fertiliser manufacturing. Over the past few years, we have been building our upstream supply chain with investments in mining project and creating intermediate
products’ capacity at Visakhapatnam for Phosphoric and Sulphuric acid. The proposed Plant in Kakinada will be built on par with the best technology standards globally and enable stable supplies of phosphatic fertilisers to the farming community. This is in line with Government’s vision of “Atma Nirbhar” Bharat in fertiliser sector besides creating employment opportunities in the state of Andhra
Pradesh.”
The company is also exploring investment support from the State and Central Governments, which can improve the project viability and ensure supply security for key raw materials used in fertiliser manufacturing.
During the event, Coromandel signed contracts with technology partners M/s Prayon, Belgium for DA- HF process technology for Phosphoric Acid manufacturing and with M/s MECS, USA for DCDA process technology for Sulphuric Acid manufacturing. The Company also signed a contract with M/s thyssenkrupp UHDE for Detailed Engineering of both Phosphoric Acid and Sulphuric Acid projects.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Thierry Marin, Vice President – Sales, MECS EMEA & India said, “We will work in close partnership with Coromandel to provide the world-class Sulfuric Acid Technology and meet guaranteed performance and emissions control for meeting stringent environmental standards and production objectives.”
Mr Rajesh Kamath, CEO & MD, thyssenkrupp UHDE said, “We are grateful to Coromandel International for the trust they have reposed in our capabilities once again. The integrated project is a new benchmark for both organisations and presents an exciting challenge for us at thyssenkrupp Uhde India.”
About Coromandel
Coromandel International Limited is amongst India’s pioneers and leading Agri solutions provider, offering diverse products and services across the farming value chain. It operates in two major segments: Nutrient and other allied businesses and Crop Protection. These include Fertiliser, Crop Protection, Bio Products, Specialty Nutrients and Organic businesses. The Company is 2nd largest manufacturer and marketer of Phosphatic fertiliser in India. The Company’s Crop Protection products are marketed in India as well as in international geographies, offering wide range of technical and formulation products. The Specialty Nutrients business of the Company focuses on water soluble fertiliser and secondary & micronutrients segments. The Company is leading marketer of Organic fertiliser in India. The Bio Products business of the company focusses on plant extractions for various applications. It also operates a network of around 750+ rural retail outlets across Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka. Through these Retail outlets, the Company offers farming services including crop advisory, soil testing and farm mechanization to around 3 million farmers. The Company has a strong R&D and Regulatory setup, supporting the businesses in process development and new product introduction. The Company has 18 manufacturing facilities, producing wide range of Nutrient and Crop Protection products, which are marketed through an extensive network of dealers and its own retail centers.
The Company clocked a turnover of Rs.22,290 Crores during FY2023-24. Its efforts towards environment have been well recognized by international organizations like UNDP and has also been voted as one of the ten greenest companies in India by TERI. Coromandel is a part of the INR 742 billion (INR 74,220 Crores) of the Murugappa Group.
For more details, visit www.coromandel.biz
About Murugappa Group
A 123-year-old conglomerate with presence across India and the world, the INR 742 billion Murugappa Group has diverse businesses in agriculture, engineering, financial services and more. The Group has 9 listed companies under its umbrella — Carborundum Universal Limited, CG Power & Industrial Solutions Limited, Cholamandalam Financial Holdings Limited, Cholamandalam Investment &
Finance Company Limited, Cholamandalam MS General Insurance Company Limited, Coromandel
International Limited, EID Parry (India) Limited, Shanthi Gears Limited, Tube Investments of India Limited and Wendt India Limited. Brands such as Ajax, Hercules, BSA, Montra, Montra Electric, Mach City, Gromor, Paramfos, Parry’s are part of the Group’s illustrious stable.
Abrasives, technical ceramics, electro minerals, electric vehicles, auto components, fans, transformers, signalling equipment for railways, bicycles, fertilisers, sugar, tea and several other products make up the Group’s business interests.
Guided by the five lights — integrity, passion, quality, respect and responsibility — and a culture of professionalism, the Group has a workforce of over 73,000 employees.
