DIC India inaugurates liquid inks factory in Gujarat

Ink and coating manufacturing specialist DIC India has inaugurated a new toluene-free plant named Optima, which will produce liquid inks. The Saykha-based plant in Gujarat's Bharuch district is DIC India's fifth in India.

Built at the cost of Rs 110-crore, the phase-1 Optima plant occupies 45,000 sqm of the 92,500 sqm plot. It will be able to manufacture over 10,000 tonnes of toluene-free (TF)/ ketone-free (KF/NTNK) liquid inks in two shifts. DIC will further augment the plant to produce value-added and speciality products for domestic and export markets. DIC India plans to utilise the remaining area to consolidate different plants and different types of products in its operation.

The new plant will provide direct employment to more than 100 associates to cater to the growing demand for TF- and KF/NTNK-based inks in the country.

"As a market leader in printing ink manufacturing, we are bringing more advancement in our manufacturing processes to augment our quality and customer service, meet the rising demand and maintain global standards at all our touch points," said Paul Koek, regional MD, DIC Asia Pacific. "For DIC, the Indian market is a priority market for DIC group, and this new manufacturing facility has been established with the vision of catering to the new demand as well as ushering in new growth prospects for us in the country."

Koek added, "Built with strong design features, this facility will expand the sustainability footprint of DIC India, will benefit customers, generate employment as well as solidify our over 75 years presence and leadership in India."

With this new plant, DIC India will now have an expanded footprint in India. Its other four plants are in Kolkata, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat (Ahmedabad), and Karnataka.

The Optima plant has the capacity to manufacture over 10,000 tonnes of toluene-free liquid inks in two shifts in Phase-I

Established at the centre of the chemical hub of India, the strategic location gives DIC close access to the northern and western markets that drive the majority of the demand in the segment. The plant boasts a bulk line manufacturing facility supplying standard and speciality TF, KF/NTNK inks.

Bhatia added, “The inauguration of the new facility is another stepping stone for the company's future expansion plans. The new plant set-up is constructed using leading technological features to modernise and increase production efficiencies. This plant is a completely toluene-free plant for DIC India. We are optimistic that the manufacturing facility will help cater to both domestic and international demand and expand our footprint in India."

DIC India is in the process of getting green certification for the site. "This will probably be the first plant in India to achieve this accreditation. The company also aims to achieve ISO and OSHAS certification after stabilising production of the Optima plant by 2023-34. The plant will support our customers' sustainability compliance," Bhatia signed off.