How does UltraTech's product portfolio compare to global competitors?

UltraTech Cement's product portfolio is comprehensive and positions it strongly both in India and globally when compared to major international competitors. Key points of comparison include:

• Diverse Product Range: UltraTech offers a broad set of products including grey cement, ready-mix concrete (RMC), white cement (marketed under Birla White), and a variety of scientifically formulated building products such as wall care putty and other specialty concretes. This extensive portfolio provides solutions for general construction needs as well as specialized architectural and decorative purposes, similar to global leaders who also diversify beyond basic cement into value-added products and concrete solutions.

• Ready-Mix Concrete Leadership: UltraTech is not only India’s largest grey cement manufacturer but also leads the ready-mix concrete segment with over 395 plants across 155 cities. This scale in RMC is comparable to major global competitors who have similarly expanded into concrete solutions, providing integrated building material offerings beyond cement alone.

• Manufacturing and Distribution Scale: UltraTech boasts over 150 million tonnes per annum capacity in grey cement, extensive manufacturing units, grinding plants, and a vast distribution network of more than 140,000 channel partners and 2900+ building solution stores in India and abroad (UAE, Bahrain, Sri Lanka). This scale and distribution network enable operational efficiencies and wide market reach on par with global cement giants like LafargeHolcim and HeidelbergCement.

• Focus on Value-Added and Innovative Building Products: UltraTech emphasizes value-added building products and specialty concretes tailored to meet modern construction needs, mirroring strategies of global peers that focus on innovation and product differentiation to meet diverse customer requirements.

• Cost Competitiveness and Raw Material Advantage: Unlike some global peers, UltraTech has a relative cost advantage due to superior access to high-quality limestone quarries and long-term leases on raw materials, supporting lower production costs and pricing competitiveness. Although fuel costs have been historically higher, UltraTech is shifting to more cost-effective coal-based power, aiming to neutralize this disadvantage.

• Sustainability and Green Initiatives: UltraTech is proactive in sustainability, issuing dollar-based sustainability-linked bonds and working toward decarbonization aligned with global climate goals. This is increasingly a standard expectation for global cement companies, positioning UltraTech alongside environmentally conscious industry leaders.

In summary, UltraTech Cement’s portfolio compares favorably with global competitors through its extensive product mix—covering basic and specialty cements, ready-mix concrete, and innovative building solutions—with enormous production capacity and a strong distribution network. Its cost advantages in raw materials and sustainability focus further strengthen its competitive stance relative to major global cement producers.

SOURCE:-MINT,ECONOMIC TIMES