Gujarat Manaksia Coated Metals Scales Up Alu Zinc Line
Manaksia Coated Metals & Industries has commissioned a major technology upgrade of its Continuous Galvanising Line (CGL) at its Kutch facility, transitioning to Aluminium-Zinc (Alu-Zinc) coated steel and expanding annual capacity by 36 per cent to 180,000 metric tonnes. The strategic shift signals the company’s bet on higher-value, corrosion-resistant steel products that are gaining traction across construction, industrial and export markets.Â
The upgraded line replaces conventional galvanised steel processes with advanced Alu-Zinc coating technology, an alloy combining aluminium and zinc that delivers significantly enhanced durability and service life compared with traditional galvanised steel. Industry analysts note that this product segment is increasingly preferred for roofing, cladding and infrastructure components in both residential and commercial construction due to its superior corrosion resistance and ability to command premium pricing. Beyond a simple capacity boost, the project has improved operational efficiency through higher line speeds, reduced coating costs per metric tonne and better energy performance. These improvements come at a time when coated steel producers are vying for share in segments where quality and life-cycle costs matter to builders and infrastructure planners. Enhanced productivity and product quality are critical factors as the construction ecosystem increasingly demands durable materials that contribute to long-term asset resilience.Â
The transition to Alu-Zinc production does more than increase output. It represents a deliberate shift in Manaksia’s product mix toward higher-margin offerings. The company expects the technology upgrade to support medium-term EBITDA growth by capturing demand for specialised coatings from sectors such as pre-engineered buildings, industrial sheds and long-span roofing systems, where material longevity directly affects total cost of ownership. Manaksia’s investment also aligns with broader market trends: coated steel with improved corrosion resistance is increasingly being specified in infrastructure projects subject to aggressive environmental conditions, such as coastal regions and industrial zones. Urban planners and builders emphasise that material performance over decades, not just initial cost, is critical to sustainable infrastructure delivery. This upgrade positions the company to address that shift.Â
Export markets remain a focus for Manaksia, which has previously signed memorandums of understanding for significant supply volumes to European clients, leveraging its coated product portfolio. These agreements hinge in part on the ability to deliver premium-grade steel that meets stringent quality standards — a capability enhanced by the Alu-Zinc line. Financial markets have responded positively to the upgrade news. Shares in Manaksia Coated Metals have shown modest appreciation following the commissioning announcement, reflecting investor confidence in the company’s strategic pivot toward specialised, value-added products that are less sensitive to commodity-price cycles.Â
Looking ahead, challenges remain. Global steel markets are cyclical and input costs such as energy and zinc prices can affect margins. However, by moving up the value chain and expanding capacity for premium products, Manaksia is positioning itself to benefit from India’s urban expansion and sustained infrastructure investment — trends that underpin long-term demand for high-performance building materials.