Coromandel International Ltd, a leading fertiliser and agri-input company, has entered into an agreement with Veolia Water Technologies and Solutions to expand its seawater desalination capacity from 6 million litres per day (MLD) to 9 MLD at its Visakhapatnam facility. The company had commissioned its initial 6 MLD plant in 2023 as part of its efforts to reduce dependence on conventional freshwater sources and strengthen operational sustainability. The new project marks a significant step in scaling up that initiative.
The expansion will be executed under a Build-Own-Operate (BOO) model. Coromandel will provide the necessary infrastructure support, while Veolia will be responsible for water treatment technology, equipment, and plant operations. The agreement was formalised by S Sankarasubramanian, Managing Director of Coromandel International, and Gopal Madabhushi, Senior Vice President at Veolia.
Once the upgraded plant becomes operational, it is expected to supply 60–70% of the total water requirement for Coromandel’s Visakhapatnam facility—significantly easing reliance on municipal or surface water sources. “This expansion reinforces our commitment to sustainable and responsible manufacturing. It also reflects our continued focus on environmental stewardship and efficient resource utilisation,” said S Sankarasubramanian, Managing Director, Coromandel International.
The desalination upgrade is part of Coromandel’s broader sustainability roadmap, which aims to integrate environmentally responsible infrastructure into its long-term business strategy. Coromandel International is one of India’s foremost agriculture-focused companies, operating across multiple categories including fertilizers, crop protection, specialty nutrients, organic solutions, and biological products. It is the second-largest producer and distributor of phosphatic fertilizers in India. The company serves domestic and international markets with its extensive portfolio of crop care solutions and value-added nutrients like water-soluble fertilizers and micronutrients, including innovative nano formulations.
The company also has a strong presence in organic fertilizers and plant-based bio products. Its rural retail footprint spans more than 900 outlets across Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, supporting approximately 3 million farmers with agricultural inputs, soil testing, mechanization services, and expert advice. Coromandel operates 18 manufacturing plants throughout the country and is supported by seven dedicated research and development centers, with a strong focus on innovation, regulatory compliance, and product development.
Founded over 120 years ago, the Murugappa Group is a diversified business conglomerate with a turnover of ₹77,881 crore (INR 778 billion). The group is active in multiple sectors including agriculture, engineering, financial services, and beyond. Its listed entities include Carborundum Universal, CG Power & Industrial Solutions, Cholamandalam Investment & Finance, Coromandel International, EID Parry, Shanthi Gears, Tube Investments of India, Wendt India, and Cholamandalam Financial Holdings.
The group also owns a portfolio of iconic brands such as Ajax, Hercules, BSA, Montra, Parry’s, Gromor, and Chola. Its products and services range from abrasives, ceramics, electric vehicles, and bicycles to fertilizers, sugar, tea, and insurance. With a workforce of over 83,500, the group is guided by core values of integrity, quality, responsibility, respect, and passion.
