In the heart of India’s thriving manufacturing landscape lies a company that has consistently aligned itself with the vision of Make in India. SBL Energy Limited, a second-generation family-run enterprise, has carved a niche in the explosives sector, catering to both civilian and military needs. Mr. Divyansh Choudhari, the President of SBL Energy Limited, shared insights into the company’s journey, its contributions to India’s self-reliance, and its plans for the future.
SBL Energy was founded in the early 2000s by three visionary brothers, who transitioned from business consultancy to the explosive manufacturing sector. Mr. Divyansh Choudhari proudly highlights the company’s humble beginnings and its steady evolution over the last two decades.
“We started with cartridge explosives in 1998, recognizing the growing demand for a reliable domestic supplier. Back then, India was heavily reliant on imports for explosives, particularly in the military and mining sectors. Today, SBL Energy has not only reduced this dependency but also become a net exporter of explosives to over 15 countries,” shared Mr. Choudhari.
SBL Energy’s commitment to indigenous manufacturing aligns perfectly with the objectives of the Make in India initiative. With five strategically located manufacturing facilities across India, the company continues to expand its footprint and technological capabilities.
Driving Change Through Local Manufacturing
Discussing the impact of the Make in India initiative, Mr. Choudhari emphasizes its role in fostering local manufacturing and reducing reliance on imports. “Our focus has always been on developing infrastructure, leveraging India’s young talent pool, and making India self-reliant in key product categories like initiation systems, high explosives, and TNT for military applications.”
In 2024, SBL Energy Limited marked a significant milestone with the inauguration of its TNT plant, a critical asset for both military and mining sectors. The company has also pledged a ₹500 crore investment in the defense segment, cementing its commitment to contributing to India’s global standing in the explosive manufacturing domain.
SBL Energy Ltd ventured into exports just two years ago and has already established a presence in regions like Africa, Southeast Asia, and Central Asia. “We’ve seen remarkable year-on-year growth in exports. What started at zero percent has grown to 10 percent, and we aim to increase it to 25 percent in the next three years,” said Mr. Choudhari.
The company is also making substantial investments in industrial explosives and expanding its manufacturing capabilities to meet both domestic and international demands.
Message from the President
Mr. Choudhari urges the manufacturing community to prioritize innovation and quality. “Investing in technology and processes is not just about enhancing efficiency; it’s about strengthening India’s position as a global leader. Together, we can make India a hub for cutting-edge manufacturing and drive the country’s growth story forward.”
With its unwavering focus on excellence and a strong commitment to the Make in India vision, SBL Energy Limited is truly an inspiration for the manufacturing sector. The company stands as a testament to India’s capabilities in achieving self-reliance and contributing to the global market.
