Raghav Productivity Enhancers Ltd (RPEL), the world’s largest manufacturer of silica ramming mass, has entered into a strategic joint venture with TRL Krosaki Refractories Ltd.(TRL Krosaki) to establish a 350,000 metric tonnes per annum (MTPA) silica ramming mass manufacturing facility in Odisha. The project involves an initial investment of approximately ₹100 crore and is expected to strengthen RPEL’s manufacturing presence in eastern India while creating a supply network closer to key consumption centres.
The partnership combines RPEL’s patented manufacturing technology, established market presence and research and development capabilities with TRL Krosaki’s regional presence, quartzite resources in Odisha and global refractory expertise. TRL Krosaki is backed by Krosaki Harima Corporation, Japan, and Nippon Steel Corporation, Japan. RPEL currently has group manufacturing capacity of 534,000 MTPA and serves customers across 26 states in India and more than 40 countries.
“This strategic partnership marks an important milestone in RPEL’s growth journey and our transition towards a multi-location manufacturing platform. By combining our differentiated technology and market capabilities with TRLK’s raw material resources, regional presence and global industry expertise, we are creating a strong platform for sustainable growth. This partnership also takes us closer to our ambition of reaching 1 Mn MTPA capacity and approximately 30% domestic market share, while reinforcing our focus on quality and cost leadership,” said Sanjay Kabra, Chairman, Raghav Productivity Enhancers Ltd.
A key advantage of the joint venture will be long-term exclusive access to quartzite from TRL Krosaki’s mines. The arrangement is expected to strengthen raw material security and support consistent product quality. RPEL will receive a royalty for the use of its patented manufacturing technology. The Odisha location will also bring production closer to major consumption centres in East India, supporting shorter delivery timelines, improved supply-chain efficiency and lower landed costs for customers.
“This joint venture marks an important strategic milestone for TRL Krosaki, enabling us to unlock greater value from our mineral resources and create new avenues for growth. Our partnership with RPEL brings together complementary strengths in technology, manufacturing and raw-material access, strengthening our position in the silica ramming mass market. The project will also support industrial development in Jharsuguda and the surrounding region by creating employment, supporting local enterprises and contributing to long-term economic growth,” said Prasant Kumar Naik, Managing Director, TRL Krosaki Refractories Limited.
The new facility will strengthen RPEL’s manufacturing and supply-chain capabilities while providing a platform for deeper penetration into East India. It will also serve as an important step towards the company’s broader objective of expanding its manufacturing footprint to 1 Mn MTPA and strengthening its position in the global silica ramming mass market.
RPEL has pioneered fully automated silica ramming mass manufacturing using proprietary and patented technology and has established capabilities in product innovation and R&D. The company is listed on BSE (539837) and NSE (RPEL). TRL Krosaki, established in 1958 as a subsidiary of Tata Steel, is now a subsidiary of Krosaki Harima Corporation, Japan, and a step-down subsidiary of Nippon Steel Corporation. The company manufactures a wide range of refractory products and operates one of India’s largest quartzite mines. Krosaki Harima Corporation manages a global network of more than 20 manufacturing units across Asia, Europe and North America.
