Chief secy urges carbon black players to invest in Bengal
Times of India | 23 October 2024
Kolkata: Bengal chief secretary Manoj Pant on Tuesday urged international players in the carbon black industry to invest in Bengal, where the demand for electric vehicle (EV) speciality components is on the rise.
In keeping with this demand, leading players in the carbon black industry are planning to set up new lines for EV speciality tyres and lithium-ion batteries.
Speaking at the Asia Pacific Carbon Black Conference, which included delegates from the US, UK, France, Spain, Japan and the UAE, among other countries, Pant said: “The future of theindustry looks bright with the increasing demand for specialised EV tyres and components. The principles ofreclaim, recycle and reuse are essential to boost our circular economy. I encourage everyone here to explore investment opportunities in Bengal, a state that offers immense potential.”
Anurag Choudhary, CMD & CEO of Himadri Speciality Chemical Ltd (HSCL), said: “We shelled out Rs 306 crore for the acquisition of Birla Tyres. Now, we are set to make a significant investment to revamp its Balasore manufacturing plant to start commercial operations by 2025.”
According to Amit Choudhary, executive director of HSCL, the Kolkata-based company will invest Rs 5,000 crore to build the country’s first commercial plant for LFP batteries for EVs, “intending to produce 2 lakh MTPA in next five or six years”.
Sanjeev Sood, group country head and board director chief of Birla Carbon, Aditya Birla Group, said: “We are working on the special carbon black needed for EV tyres and batteries.”