Imerys in India
Our Indian operations serve customers in India, the Middle East and South East Asia with a broad portfolio of mineral-based solutions, including calcium aluminate specialty binders, feldspar, kaolin, calcium carbonate and bentonite - key raw materials in a broad array of industries, ranging from construction and refractories to ceramics and plastics.
Key figures
Vizag calcium aluminate plant meets India’s growing refractory, construction and infrastructure needs
The state-of-the-art Vizag calcium aluminate plant near Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, in India’s southeastern coastal region, is Imerys’ largest manufacturing facility in India. Commissioned in 2021, this crucial asset meets domestic demand for locally produced, sustainable construction materials to meet India’s growing urbanization needs. The plant specializes in the production of calcium aluminate specialty binders - including Imerys’ flagship sustainable Secar® solution for refractories and Xeler Allroad product for early strength in dry mix mortars - tailored to the Indian building and infrastructure sector. In 2023, Imerys established a regional world-class application lab at the site to support local product development and innovation.
The Vizag facility employs around 100 highly skilled full-time staff and 65 contractors, with over 95% of the workforce coming from Andhra Pradesh, reflecting Imerys' commitment to local employment and community development. Imerys plans to expand capacity to 50 thousand tonnes by 2030 to serve rising demand from the domestic steel, сement and сonstruction sectors, which continue to add capacity across the country.
Kadthal and the Nadiad blending platform provide Asian ceramics markets with key raw materials
Located in Kadthal, Mahabubnagar district, Telangana, the Kadthal plant specializes in the processing of quality feldspar chips and powders. The site serves manufacturers across India and neighboring countries such as Bangladesh, China, Japan, Vietnam, and Indonesia, with the full spectrum of feldspar products designed for sanitaryware, tiles, tableware, electrical porcelain, technical ceramics, and other specialty applications.
Situated in Nadiad, Gujarat, the Nadiad platform is Imerys’ Indian ceramics hub for mineral processing , research, and development. The plant produces high-performance, innovative ceramic raw materials solutions tailored to the needs of ceramic markets. The Nadiad site also houses a laboratory facility, focusing on developing innovative and sustainable mineral solutions for ceramic applications. The operation’s strategic location and advanced capabilities make it a vital component of Imerys' commitment to supporting the ceramic industry's growth and innovation in the region.
The two sites employ around 70 people.
Mehsana and Alwar supply world-class calcium carbonates for plastics, paints, construction and ACS markets
Imerys operates two calcium carbonate production facilities in India, located in Mehsana (Gujarat) and in Alwar (Rajasthan) and employing around 100 people. The two sites became part of Imerys' portfolio following the 2018 acquisition of Vimal Microns and Vee Microns.
The facilities leverage Imerys’ global performance mineral expertise to supply high-quality ground calcium carbonate (GCC) solutions for applications including PVC pipes and fittings, raffia, paints, adhesives and sealants, and construction materials. Brand names include the benchmark Vimcro Carb and Carbigloss for enhanced performance in paints and coatings.
A joint-venture delivering high-quality bentonite solutions
Established in 2014, Gimpex – Imerys India Private Limited is a joint venture between Imerys and Indian mining company, Gimpex, which specializes in the mining and processing of bentonite solutions. Located in Bhuj, Gujarat, it is one of the largest bentonite mining and production companies in India, delivering sodium, calcium, and potassium bentonite solutions for both domestic and international markets.
The products are used in various end applications, including drilling muds for oil and gas exploration, foundry sand binding, iron ore pelletizing, wastewater purification, soil improvement, animal feed production, paper production, pet litter absorbents, and construction and civil engineering projects. Through this joint venture, Imerys leverages its own and Gimpex's local expertise and resources to deliver high-quality mineral solutions to a diverse customer base in India and beyond.
Ceramics
Imerys supplies high-performance mineral solutions used in ceramic manufacturing across sanitaryware, tableware, tiles and technical ceramics. Our portfolio of kaolin, ball clay, feldspar, wollastonite and talc supports ceramic body formulation, glaze performance and firing stability. Ceramic producers across Europe, Asia, Middle East, Africa, North and South America rely on Imerys minerals to improve product strength, surface quality, whiteness and manufacturing efficiency.
Our presence in India
Explore our growing list of country spotlights
As urbanization in India accelerates, so does the country’s construction sector and demand for locally-produced, sustainable construction practices suited to the subcontinent. Inaugurated one year ago, Imerys’ state-of-the-art calcium aluminate plant in Vizag, Andhra Pradesh, in India’s southeastern coastal region, produces new products that answer this precise need. It recently showcased its products and initiatives during a construction workshop for customers on October 16 in Mumbai.
Since the launch of the first commercial sales a year ago, Imerys’ calcium aluminate plant in Vizag has brought the Group closer to customers in India and is supporting the country’s fast growing economic development.
Philippe Bourg, Senior Vice President of our Refractory, Abrasives & Construction business explains that while carrying out a 40 million euro project during a global pandemic was certainly an ambitious objective, our teams stepped up to the challenge.