SIAM Cement BIGBLOC Construction Pvt. Ltd. Launches India Operations; Joint Venture inaugurates commercial production of its First plant in India at Kheda in Gujarat
Invested around ₹65 crores in Kheda unit with 2.5 lakh cubic metres per annum capacity
Ahmedabad, June 10, 2024: SIAM Cement BIGBLOC Construction Technologies Pvt. Ltd., a joint venture between Gujarat-based BIGBLOC Construction Pvt. Ltd. and, our parent company, Thailand’s SCG International, has launched its India operations with the commercial production of its first plant in Kheda, Gujarat. With the vision of launching a next-generation walling solution for the Indian market, the joint venture has invested around ₹65 crores in setting up a 2.5 lakh cubic metre per annum capacity project including India’s first AAC Wall Plant at Kheda district near Ahmedabad (Gujarat). The joint venture company will manufacture AAC Blocks and market its products under ‘ZMARTBUILD WALL By NXTBLOC’.
The plant was inaugurated in the August presence of H.E. Ms Pattarat Hongtong, Ambassador of Thailand to India, a Guest of Honour, Mr Balvantsinh Rajput, Minister Industries, MSME, Government of Gujarat, Chief Guest along with senior officials from SCG International, BIGBLOC Construction on 10 June 2024.
BIGBLOC Construction Pvt. Ltd. entered into a strategic joint venture with us to set up a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility for AAC Walls and AAC Blocks in Kheda District, near Ahmedabad (Gujarat). BIGBLOC Construction Pvt. Ltd. holds 52% of the joint venture company while 48% remains with us. This is our first investment in India. Established in 1913, we are one of the largest cement and building material companies in Thailand and Southeast Asia with a presence in various verticals like Cement, Construction Materials, Packaging, Chemicals & many others. SCG holds a presence in more than 22 countries along with multiple joint ventures with many international companies.
Mr Naresh Saboo, Managing Director of BIGBLOC Construction Pvt. Ltd. said, “This joint venture goes beyond a simple business alliance, fostering a bond between countries and cultures. Construction at the plant began in September 2023, and within a year, production started, setting a remarkable record in India’s AAC industry. Moving forward, SCG and BIGBLOC will work together on all building material solutions to strengthen the supply chain in India, leverage each other’s capabilities, and provide exceptional solutions to the construction industry. With approval from both the joint venture’s parties, the project can expand to 5 lakh cubic metres per year in the second phase.”
Sustainable and non-toxic building construction material, AAC blocks and AAC Walls are lightweight, soundproof, and fire resistant. They offer superior build quality, and are eco-friendly and economical too, compared to traditional bricks.
The joint venture plant in Kheda, Gujarat will also have India’s first AAC Wall Plant. The company will launch a wide range of large format AAC Wall products of 8-12 feet of 2 feet width with a thickness of 3-8 inches for the Indian markets. The plant will generate 250 employment opportunities and at full capacity, the plant is expected to generate revenues of around ₹100 crores per annum. We aim to share techno-commercial knowledge, promote mutual growth & cooperation in the construction industry and bring new-age building materials to Indian markets.
Mr Abhijit Datta, Head of International Business & Managing Director of SCG International Pvt. Ltd. said, “This collaboration combines SCG’s century-long expertise and advanced technologies with BIGBLOC’s deep understanding of the local market. We are poised to make a significant impact on India’s construction industry by delivering cost-efficient and sustainable construction solutions. We proudly introduce ‘ZMARTBUILD WALL by NXTBLOC’ – the next generation of world-class walling solutions. This ground-breaking venture is not just about setting new standards; it’s about redefining the construction landscape in India, one wall at a time.”
Incorporated in 2015, BIGBLOC Construction Pvt. Ltd. is one of the largest and only listed companies in the AAC Block Space, BIGIBLOC operates three AAC Block plants: one in the Umbergaon district in Valsad, another in Wada, Maharashtra, and the third one in the Kapadvanj in the Ked district, in Gujarat. The new facility in Kheda is the company’s fourth plant. It is uniquely equipped to manufacture both AAC Blocks and the innovative AAC Wall, also known as the ZMARTBUILD WALL. With this Joint Venture, the capacity has increased to 1.3 million CBM/annum. It is among the very few companies in the AAC industry to generate carbon credits.
Having explored the Indian market, we partnered with BIGBLOC Construction Pvt. Ltd. and selected Gujarat as the first location, given the positive work culture, investment-friendly environment and other favourable factors.