“We are in the process of completing our revolutionary implementation of Industry 4.0 as performance chemicals are highly volatile in nature and need thorough monitoring and overviews.”
One of the oldest chemical manufacturing companies in India, Waldies Co. Ltd., was established in 1858. Today, the company is a leading manufacturer of lead oxides and lead leased PVC stabilisers. Over the years, it has launched new brands and products for various industries. In an interview with Wire & Cable India magazine, Mr. Anil Sharma, Global Vice President, Waldies Compound Ltd. talks about the company’s recent performance, product portfolio, new developments, and his outlook on cable compounds.
Wire & Cable India: Could you shed some light on the recent performances of Waldies?
Global Vice President, Waldies Compound Ltd.
Anil Sharma: Waldies has been doing well in the past few quarters. Despite the known price volatility in the recent past, we were able to penetrate into the new markets through better strategies in response to price elasticity.
We have created and upgraded our channel partners and consumers pan India in the past two years in spite of COVID affecting global growth. We have posted better than expected numbers in the fiscal year 2022, thanks to our channel partners and a very loyal customer base.
WCI: Waldies has been catering to the segment of the wire & cable industry for more than half a century. Give us a brief summary of the developments that have recently taken place on the product and process front?
AS: You have rightly pointed out. It is important for us at Waldies to redevelop our strategies and upgrade our manufacturing systems. Since its inception in 1858, Waldies has throughout been a market leader in the speciality chemical spectrum from energy to the PVC industry.
It would never have been possible to sustain in the changing markets if we didn’t improvise in time. We have integrated manufacturing systems for some of our high-performance products including a low-pressure dewatering system for core stabilisers to improve performances, and new automation of process parameters like temperatures, times, and reactions; these are some of the recent developments we have introduced.
WCI: In its previous interview with WCI, Waldies revealed its plans to have a commercial launch of Virichem, a new brand for eco-friendly stabilisers, what has been the progress?
AS: We already introduced zinc-based stabilisers for hard and soft PVC applications. This is doing well in the market, results are satisfactory. The demand for Virichem products is surging significantly.
Mr. Deepak Ojha, our Managing Director, did speak to you and talked about our vision; however, the third wave of Omicron altered our course a little on a commercial launch. We are planning to do it later during the year.
On the product front, zinc & mix-metal stabilisers are some of the ranges we have been working on for the time being. Indian economy is expected to grow at around 9 percent and looking at the past trend, cable segments grow twice as the gross average.
WCI: What are your corporate targets for FY-2022/23? How are you making your presence stronger in the domestic and global markets?
AS: We are currently catering to a good chunk of the market in the flexible application through our flagship TBLS, DBLS, DBLP & DBL Phosphite. We intend to increase our share of our Virichem calcium zinc-based products this year, with revenue growth of over 40 percent in FY23 owning up to the market acceptance of our Virichem & Ducatus range of products. On the exports front, we are not looking to focus more there as the global markets are more volatile than ever.
WCI: Throw some light on technologies you have introduced or applied in the recent past. Also, share your outlook on the wire and cable industry and your target for the coming years?
AS: We are in the process of completing our revolutionary implementation of Industry 4.0 as performance chemicals are highly volatile in nature and need thorough monitoring and overviews.
On the product front, zinc & mix-metal stabilisers are some of the ranges we have been working on for the time being. Indian economy is expected to grow at around 9 percent and looking at the past trend, cable segments grow twice as the gross average. Moreover, with the increase in the intent of the ruling dispensation for new infrastructure projects and an increase in public expenditure, the cable and wire industries’ future reflects magnificent broadening.
WCI: Tell us about your product portfolio along with its key strength and applications. Are there any new additions in your product range in recent times?
AS: Waldies, since its inception, has always been the top choice of procurement for most industries. The prime justification for this is our adherence to quality norms for all our products. Among our 50+ range of speciality products and their respective variants, we are serving the nation proficiently.
The newest addition to our existing product line is the arrival of our range SPR. SPR is our performance suffix used for a wide range of already successful products. SPR has been developed by the means of precisely computing several data points and collating them with the binding properties of PVC. Thus, the performance of SPR products is exceptional.
In the last year alone, we have added customer bases from PVC floorings, doors, profiles, pipes, and other hosts of allied industries for our product range. We currently have over 50 specialised products for all the major industrial applications across energy, ceramics, glass, construction and etc.
We intend to increase our share of our Virichem calcium zinc-based products this year, with revenue growth of over 40 percent in FY23 owning up to the market acceptance of our Virichem & Ducatus range of products.
WCI: What is your idea of participating in CWF 2022? Do you plan to introduce new at the exhibition?
AS: We are participating with world-renowned CWF to strengthen our presence in the industrial segment. We plan to present our diverse segmental product range through your prestigious event which attracts millions.
Cable & Wire Fair has a strong appeal in the segments where we are well placed. Further, a convention of this stature after almost 2 long years of unprecedented hiatus is an additional key element for our participation.
It’s our company’s philosophy to be a part of the industry even during the tough times. The need of the hour now is that a company like Waldies supports the team of CWF as they take this courageous step in hosting the event.
Introducing new at the exhibition is Waldies’ Prospect 2025. Our vision for the next few years, our history, legacy, innovation, and another integral part of our company will be put on full display.
Waldies believes in perspicuity, and much to the curiosity of the industry, we will open our gates to welcome all the visitors to interact with India’s oldest and finest speciality chemical manufacturer.
