India's Nocil starts up rubber chemicals plant, approves €12m expansion

Mumbai, India — India’s Nocil Ltd has commissioned a new rubber chemicals facility in Dahej, in eastern India, as part of a INR2.5 billion (€23 million) investment programme, while separately approving a further INR1.3 billion expansion at the same site.

The newly commissioned plant will produce anti-degradants under the Pilnox TDQ/TMQ range, used to enhance tire durability, performance and safety, as well as in non-tire applications, said Nocil 8 April.

The company said the expansion strengthens its ability to meet growing demand in India and overseas, while reinforcing its position in the segment.

“The facility has been designed with a clear focus on safety and sustainability, embedding energy-efficient processes, responsible resource use, and operational discipline at every level,” said managing director Anand VS.

The company added that the new plant is in line with its long-term approach to building a “more self-reliant rubber chemicals value chain in India.”

The commissioning followed a recent Nocil decision to approve an additional capital expenditure of INR1.3 billion for capacity additions in rubber chemical products.

The project is expected to be completed by the first half of FY2028 and will be funded largely through internal accruals, said Nocil in a 16 March stock exchange filing.

According to the filing, Nocil currently has an installed capacity of 115 kilotonnes per annum of rubber chemicals, with utilisation at around 70%.

The proposed investment, it noted, involves “expansion of some of its peak utilisation products of the rubber chemical portfolio.”

“The expansion is at Dahej, Gujarat (through a brownfield investment) for setting up a comprehensive integrated facility (including backward integration of its input) in the speciality portion of the rubber chemicals business,” it said.

The investment is expected to support revenue growth, operational efficiency and “improved market positioning” over the medium to long term.