We discern a multitude of trends sculpting the market landscape.

We discern a multitude of trends sculpting the market landscape.

Hemant Khurana, Managing Director, Mortars and Homes Business, Saint-Gobain India

 

How is the company taking a key role in the waterproofing and wall solutions market?

Saint-Gobain Weber is a market leader in tile fixing solutions and other mortars. We have an unmatched range of tile adhesives and grouts that provide superior performance, highest levels of durability, and ease of application. We are now enhancing our presence in the building construction space by introducing an innovative range of waterproofing solutions, meticulously tailored to address a myriad of needs, ranging from basements, podiums, balconies and beyond. Saint-Gobain has become a worldwide leader in waterproofing through acquisition of GCP, Chryso, and several other leading brands. The recent integration of Choksey's esteemed waterproofing products and sealants further amplifies our standing, placing us prominently at the forefront of the market in India.

In our wall solutions segment, our offerings are comprehensive and robust, encompassing a wide spectrum of products including bonding agents, masonry mortars, gap fillers, crack fillers, plaster bonding agents, and plasters. This holistic offering ensures that our customers receive complete solutions for all aspects of wall maintenance and enhancement, providing peace of mind and long-term durability.

Driven by a relentless pursuit of innovation, our product range in tile fixing, waterproofing, and wall solutions is meticulously crafted to ensure top-tier performance and efficiency at every stage of the construction process, solidifying our position as the preferred choice for all construction chemical needs.

What are the latest products and solutions from the company?

The company's latest product offerings are tailored to enhance the ease of application for installers and overall operational efficiency, without compromising on the desired outcomes. Among these offerings, the newly launched weberset monohiflex in the tile adhesive range shines as a single-component, high-performance adhesive. Similarly, our latest grout product, PU1KEZY, is engineered to provide simplicity and readiness in its application, offering a user-friendly solution.

Additionally, the introduction of Weber Waterseal 121 and 221 in the waterproofing range is positioned as guardians of a home's vulnerable areas. These cutting-edge products offer unparalleled protection against the risks of water damage. They not only assure reliability but also boast a user-friendly application, aligning with our commitment to delivering top-notch solutions for the safeguarding of structures.

What are the innovations in your solutions considering the changing needs of the customers?

In response to India's burgeoning economy and heightened construction activities, Saint-Gobain Weber is keenly attuned to the evolving landscape. Recognizing the diminishing relevance of one-size-fits-all solutions, the company is actively developing customized products to address specific structural requirements.

Additionally, Saint-Gobain Weber is proactively addressing the market shift towards larger tile sizes and heightened aesthetic demands within the tile adhesive sector. Collaborating closely with Saint-Gobain Research India (SGR India), the company is driving innovation in both the tile adhesive and waterproofing sectors to deliver high-performance solutions that meet these dynamic demands. Prioritizing innovation to cater to the evolving needs of customers in the construction industry, we are continuously enhancing our solutions with a focus on environmental responsibility and sustainability. Leveraging strategically located manufacturing facilities, the company ensures responsive service and efficient application of its products. Supported by global research laboratories and a dedicated R&D center in India, Saint-Gobain Weber tailors solutions to local requirements, offering cutting-edge products that uphold their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.

How do you look at the overall market scenario for your product segment? What will be trending in the coming years?

Saint-Gobain India stands at a strategic vantage point to harness the anticipated growth in the Indian housing, commercial, and infrastructure sectors. As we look into the future, we discern a multitude of trends sculpting the market landscape, chief among them being the intensified focus on sustainability driven by resource scarcity as well as need to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

For us, sustainability is second nature, as it lies at the core of our business. We actively engage in initiatives aimed at promoting green building materials, reducing carbon dioxide emissions, and supporting construction waste reduction. Sustainable construction also involves caring for the health and safety of construction site workers, as well as the well-being of end users. Our products are designed to do the same. Overall, there is a notable shift in real estate developers preferring products and solutions that embody the latest advancements in technology, leverage cutting-edge materials, and embrace innovative construction methodologies. We stand ready for it.

What are your future plans in terms of product and market expansions?

Saint-Gobain Weber India is strategically advancing its market footprint on two fronts – expanding the market for existing products and enhancing our range of innovative solutions. On the first front, we are expanding our geographical presence by going wider and deeper across the country. We are expanding our distribution and training applicators extensively on using the right methods and tools. On the second front, we are enhancing range significantly to include waterproofing, stone care products, wall solutions, and refurbishment solutions. We are investing to expand our manufacturing footprint and augmenting our supply chain capabilities across the country. The recent inauguration of the state-of-the-art manufacturing facility at Jhagadia which produces a range of solutions from tile adhesives to waterproofing and investment in Choksey Chemicals are solid testimonies to our commitment in building a leading position in construction chemicals and mortars in India.