The Aluminium Story

The industry presents significant growth opportunities, with a global market estimated to reach $118.7 billion by 2027. In India, the market value is expected to reach $2.5 billion by 2027, growing at an impressive CAGR of 8.3%. The Aluminium extrusion sector has benefited from India’s strong infrastructure development, including the Smart Cities Mission and Make in India programme.

In this exclusive interview to Manufacturing Today, Pragun Jindal Khaitan spoke about his visionary outlook for the company’s future.

1. Can you provide a brief overview of Jindal Aluminium, its history, and its position in the aluminium extrusion industry in India?

My grandfather, Padma Bhushan Dr. Sitaram Jindal, is the fourth of five brothers who jointly set up an industrial empire unparalleled in modern India. While studying at Kolkata (then Calcutta) University, he worked with his brothers towards setting up a steel pipe factory. After establishing the factory in Kolkata, he and his brother set up a giant steel pipe factory (Jindal India Ltd) in Hissar, Haryana. Back then, this was one of the first companies to manufacture steel pipes and tubes on a large scale in India. Since the initial period, the company has played a vital role in the green revolution in India.

Post this success, he envisioned a future beyond steel and wanted to do something that could lay the foundation for another vital industry fuelling growth, and the foundation of what is now ‘Jindal Aluminium Limited’ was laid in 1968 (It is to be noted the company was incorporated in 1970). Aluminium was a relatively new metal at that time.

Since then, we have pursued unparalleled quality and unwavering customer service. Today, Jindal Aluminium is India’s largest aluminium extrusion company, focused on aluminium extrusions and flat-rolled products, with a history stretching over five decades. Our dedication to innovation and cutting-edge technology has placed us at the forefront of the aluminium extrusion market. We now have three state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities with a skilled labour force in Bangalore & Dabaspet in Karnataka, and Bhiwadi in Rajasthan. With an installed annual production capacity of 2,20,000 MT and a turnover of over Rs. 4,500 crores, we serve approximately 25-30 per cent of the extrusion market and 10-12 per cent of India’s rolling division’s segment. We now export to more than 45 countries, increasing our global reach.

2. What sets Jindal Aluminium apart from other competitors in the market?

At Jindal Aluminium, we understand that the key to success is a happy customer. That’s why customer satisfaction remains our top priority. We’ve dedicated considerable time and effort to truly understanding what our consumers expect from our products. With this knowledge, we go above and beyond to meet their needs. By closely listening to our customers and equipping our employees with the best tools, facilities, and technologies, we ensure an exceptional experience for all. It’s our unwavering commitment to both our employees and customers that sets us apart. We have been investing in our people from the very beginning. It has helped us elevate team members up the value chain and provide the necessary support for the company’s ecosystem to function efficiently.

At the same time, we have nurtured a robust R&D pipeline at the forefront of technological advancements to stay ahead of the curve. It enables us to offer cutting-edge solutions that address the evolving needs of our customers.

By embracing a sustainable approach, we have adopted eco-friendly practices and initiatives recognising our responsibility to protect the environment while driving progress. Moreover, sustainability is ingrained in our corporate DNA. In this direction, harnessing the power of wind and sun, we have taken an innovative step to differentiate ourselves. We became Karnataka’s first private IPP company by installing a wind energy plant in October 1997 at Chitradurga. We have further enhanced our capabilities in solar energy by starting a solar power project plant in the Davangere district of Karnataka. Today we use renewable energy at both Bangalore and Dabaspet manufacturing facilities.

3. As a next-generation leader carrying forward a legacy of five decades, let us know what you value about the business module already in place.

What I value most of all is that Jindal Aluminium does not work for the sole pursuit of profit. The business takes a holistic view of Society at large and has a strong understanding of our role in it. From day one, our focus has always been on making sure Jindal Aluminium has a positive impact on Society; we are committed to Society’s upliftment. It’s an intrinsic value of the business, which we haven’t been vocal about. We consider People, Planet and Community as a part of our business ecosystem; being responsible for them comes naturally. This culture’s spirit built over these decades is manifested in our attitudes and aspirations in the form of consistent ethical and moral practices. There cannot be a better way of growing a business than respecting and valuing broader social and environmental issues. It is something we are proud of having as a way of how we do business.

4. How has the aluminium extrusion industry in India evolved over the years, and what are the key factors driving its growth?

Over the next five to eight years, the downstream aluminium industry will be moving towards consolidation. One of the pivotal catalysts behind this transformation has been the escalating demand for aluminium extrusions across diverse sectors. This surge in demand has served as a powerful impetus, realising its potential owing to the metal’s remarkable properties. Technology has shaped the industry’s trajectory. Extrusion machinery, die design, and surface treatment advances allow downstream aluminium producers to make complicated and customised aluminium extrusions more precisely and efficiently. These technical wonders have improved product quality and production capacities, allowing us to satisfy market demand.

In India, power consumes 48% of Aluminium, followed by transport and autos at 15%, building and construction at 13%, and consumer durables at 7%. Due to EVs, automotive demand is rising. Aerospace, aviation, battery casings, and other next-generation products also require aluminium alloys. Sustainability and environmental awareness have ensured that Aluminium extrusions become a symbol of ethical manufacturing as eco-consciousness spreads across sectors and consumers. The Aluminium extrusion sector has benefited from India’s strong infrastructure development, including the Smart Cities Mission and Make in India programme. Aluminium fits modern construction’s green building models since it may contribute to more extensive sustainable initiatives. The downstream aluminium industry is poised to boost the Indian economy and make it a global leader in sustainability.

5. What are the major industry trends and developments you have observed recently?

Aluminium extrusions are now in high demand as the foundation for energy-efficient industries and renewable energy platforms. The transition towards non-fossil-based sectors like solar, wind, hydro, biomass, and nuclear power has created a need for lightweight and durable extruded products. The industry presents significant growth opportunities, with a global market estimated to reach $118.7 billion by 2027. In India, the market value is expected to reach $2.5 billion by 2027, growing at an impressive CAGR of 8.3%.

Automation, digitalisation, and Industry 4.0 transform production and enable greater personalisation. Manufacturers have begun to invest in advanced design to fulfil segment needs as customisation and R&D grow. Design consultancy and logistics help are becoming industry staples as manufacturers use quality control to meet requirements and maintain quality standards.

6. What are some of Jindal Aluminium’s main challenges in the current business landscape, and how do you overcome them? Are there any untapped opportunities or potential growth areas that Jindal Aluminium is exploring within the aluminium extrusion industry?

Matching 11 kg per capita global consumption is a significant opportunity for the aluminium industry. India’s per capita consumption is 2.5 kg; thus, we must compete worldwide and increase domestic aluminium use. To encourage downstream aluminium industry expansion, legislation is needed. Addressing our sector’s custom duty levies is critical. Reducing customs tariffs ensures a consistent supply of raw materials at competitive prices, creating a more stable operating environment. Primary aluminium import tariff reduction to 5% will stabilise prices and strengthen India’s aluminium sector.

Currently, while we are exploring both organic and inorganic growth opportunities, we are also concentrating on sweating existing assets. Segments like defense, aerospace, infrastructure, batteries, and EVs provide greater scope for using engineered Aluminium. We believe in listening to our customers and evolving with the ever-changing business environment.

7. Could you share your views on India’s current market demand for aluminium extrusion products and how Jindal Aluminium responds to this demand?

India’s market demand for aluminium extrusion products is on a significant upswing, driven by the thriving construction and industrial sectors and the increasing emphasis on EV & renewable energy. As the fifth-largest producer of Aluminium in the world, India is poised to lead the way in sustainability, with the Aluminium extrusion industry playing a crucial role. With our dominant share of India’s extrusion market and the country’s largest manufacturer, Jindal Aluminium is at the forefront of meeting this demand. Our commitment to delivering high-quality products adhering to international standards and our global influence as exporters to over 45 nations position us as a critical player in the industry. By investing in technology, innovation, and customer-centricity, we are well-poised to address the evolving market needs and contribute to the growth of the Indian economy while propelling India towards a leadership position in the sustainable world.

8. What are the primary aluminium extrusion products offered by Jindal Aluminium, and which industries do you primarily cater to?

Jindal Aluminium has India’s largest installed production capacity of 1,50,000 MT per annum of aluminium extruded products catering to diverse industries. With our cutting-edge manufacturing facilities and advanced capabilities, we have established a strong position in the market. Our state-of-the-art facilities include 14 advanced aluminium extrusion presses, ranging from 750 UST to 4000 UST capacity, ensuring efficient and precise extrusion processes. We have the most modern tool shop capable of producing high quality and intricate dies backed up by an international billet casting facility (hot top casting) imported from the USA with the latest CNC, EDM wire cut and other ancillary equipment. We manufacture a wide range of aluminium alloys, including AA 1XXX, 2XXX, 3XXX, 5XXX, 6XXX, 7XXX and 8XXX, etc. Our product offerings cater to manufacturing segments such as architectural, aviation, defence, electrical, electronics, façade, solar, and more. We are committed to providing high-quality solutions and being the preferred choice for customers across industries.

9. How does Jindal Aluminium ensure product quality and customer satisfaction? What role does innovation play in your product development process, and could you highlight any recent advancements or unique offerings?

Jindal Aluminium prioritises product quality and customer satisfaction through our commitment to excellence. Our aluminium profiles meet worldwide requirements using cutting-edge technologies and our in-house tool shop. Our quality system tests raw ingredients and inspects finished extrusions to ensure client satisfaction. Innovation is central to our product development process, enabling us to offer unique solutions tailored to evolving customer needs. Recent advancements in manufacturing capabilities and customised designs showcase our precision and commitment to excellence. With continuous investment in research and development, we introduce new features and enhanced performance to our extrusion products.

Jindal Aluminium has embraced innovation to boost the aerospace market with a segment-specific product. We were the first Indian Aluminium extrusion company to get ISO 9002; we are also certified for ISO-14001:2015 and ISO-9001:2015. HSB Global Standards, UK has also approved our manufacturing practices, and recently, we received aerospace certification – AS9100T. These are a testimony to our innovation and technological advancement in providing quality products to our clients.

10. What are your expectations for Jindal Aluminium’s future growth and development in the aluminium extrusion industry? Are there any specific expansion plans, new market segments, or product innovations that Jindal Aluminium focuses on?

At Jindal Aluminium, we strongly envision our future growth and development in the Aluminium extrusion industry. We see immense potential in expanding our presence in the construction sector, aviation, aerospace, and defence, which offer significant market opportunities along with the emerging EV market. We are focusing on capacity building and driving innovation within this space to capitalise on this. With the government’s emphasis on smart cities and infrastructure like Aluminium coaches for the railways and metro systems, we believe Jindal Aluminium is well-positioned to cater to the growing needs of the segments.

We are dedicated to enhancing our value-added offerings, ensuring our brand remains top-of-mind for our customers. We focus on new opportunities in domestic manufacturing and are continuously increasing our export market share. Last year, we concluded an INR 100 crore acquisition of Indo Alusys Industries Limited (IAIL) assets and announced the successful commencement of production at the revived Bhiwadi plant. Other notable inclusions in the recent past have been the addition of sixth and seventh casters to the rolling division leading to its capacity expansion by 25% and commissioning one of India’s largest environment-friendly powder coating facilities. Additionally, we continue to explore newer alloys and product innovations that align with our core strengths and market demands. By staying agile, responsive, and customer-centric, we can achieve sustained growth and maintain our leadership position in the aluminium extrusion industry.

11. How do you envision Jindal Aluminium’s role in shaping the future of the aluminium extrusion industry in India?

Our role extends beyond being a leading manufacturer; we strive to be a strategic partner and enabler for our customers and the industry. By continuously pushing the boundaries of what is possible, we are revolutionising the application of Aluminium extrusion across sectors such as construction, automotive, renewable energy, and more. We are committed to driving sustainability and environmental consciousness, leveraging our expertise to develop energy-efficient solutions and contribute to India’s renewable energy goals. Our focus on engineered Aluminium products that involve design innovation and customisation ensure that we deliver products that meet the evolving needs of our customers & the evolving industry segments.