Ramco Cements Limited told the media that the company plans for total capital expenditure (capex) of Rs 1,200-1,300 crore in the next two years to expand the capacity.

Its net debt stood at Rs 3,800 crore as of FY22, and it plans to repay Rs 500 crore debt in FY23. The company aims to become net debt-free by FY26 if no other major capex is planned.

The company told the media that at its Kurnool plant, trial production of clinker is ongoing, and the clinkering capacity has increased to 13.65 million tonnes per annum (mtpa). The cement grinding facility, including 6 MW of Waste Heat Recovery System (WHRS) and 18 MW thermal power plant (TPP), will be commissioned during the second quarter (Q2) of FY23. Another 1-1.5 mtpa grinding capacity will come up in Karnataka at a capex of Rs 300-305 crore, with an ongoing land acquisition process.

The company won the limestone mine in Karnataka at a 25% premium from the base price, lower than the recent bids. These mines can be used for the integrated plant to be come up in the state. The mine can be used to feed the grinding unit in Maharashtra.

The company said the near-term scenario could sharply raise inflation costs and lag cement price increase. The average Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA) per tonne of the past 10-12 years can be a sustainable profitability range.

It said that the price increase in the east is sustaining, while in the south, prices have dropped from the peak levels. The company proposes to take Rs 20-25 per bag, with the price increase in the south during June due to the hike in fuel prices.

In April and May, the company experienced robust demand on the low–base due to the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. However, the demand started to improve as infrastructure projects gained momentum in recent months. The industry could grow by 10%, whereas it is likely to achieve a volume growth of 15% in FY23.

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Also read: Ramco Cements to utilise green energy for clinker production