The last few years have been a challenging time for the cement industry. Overall, profitability for the industry has dropped by about 10 per cent since FY 13.

To remain competitive in a tough environment, cement producers are adopting different operational methods to improve their bottom-line. Krishna Kumar takes a closer look.

For more than three years, overcapacity has shadowed the Indian cement industry and it continues to wait for the good days that it was expecting post the general elections of 2014. Though there are a few signs of improvements, the expectations from the industry are far removed from the ground reality.

The distribution of cement to the end user from the manufacturer is a major cost factor in the landed cost of cement at the user's end. Approximately 30-35 per cent of the cost of cement can be attributed to the cost of distribution, which begins at the gates of the cement facility.

Today, cement industry has option of using various modes of material handling. However, pipe conveying is gaining popularity very fast. The other part of material handling is stacker and reclaimer, we catch up with industry experts.

The pipe conveyor is a modern bulk material handling system solving problems in training, scattering and spillage of material and the limited angle of inclination of conventional belt conveyor systems.

Stacking raw materials/fuels and reclaiming them is an essential part of cement industry. Stacking of raw material is done in order to have sufficient raw material to feed the plant during any unforeseen supply stoppage.

Cement is called a commodity as there is very little to differentiate one cement from another in terms of features or attributes. Yet, branding of cement is relevant due to its end-use pattern in India.

JSW is mainly into the production of steel, and generates slag as a by-product, a key material for cement. Rahul Akkra explains his strategy behind building up the JSW brand, and the difference that a strong brand can make to the bottom-line of a cement manufacturer.