Innovation and development of products that keeps Amchem one step ahead

To begin with how would you describe the success story of Amchem Products in India? Your strategy for the Indian market?

Our company, Amchem Products Pvt. Ltd is the pioneer and industry leader in Solvent Free Polyurethane Coatings in India for infrastructural sector for the past 25+ years. These are thick film (1.0 – 2.0 mm) corrosion protection coatings designed to provide a service life of 40 years or more.  We serve Oil & Gas, Power, Water & Wastewater sectors and have to our credit the largest projects for Polyurethane Coatings in the world including 2.2 m X 86 Kms Singapore PUB Water Pipeline, 2.4 m X 120 Kms Karnataka Kolar project etc. Starting from technology acquired from a US company in the early 1990’s we have gone on to become international leaders at the forefront of this technology.

We do many concrete coating projects such as large seawater cooling towers in thermal power projects and wastewater treatment facilities. Therefore, we have a lot of expertise in coating concrete as well. Amchem is widely recognized as the best in the business.

Based on the technology developed for the industrial line, we ventured into the construction sector with Drythane^® as a custom-built solution for the waterproofing markets.

Our strategy for the Indian market is to provide worldwide ‘best in class’ products supported by technical assistance in application.

According to you, how important is the right use of construction chemicals in the overall construction project?

It is imperative to use the right construction chemicals in a project. For example, the best designed and executed apartment complex projects can get a great deal of negative customer feedback if waterproofing is not done properly. Bathroom leakages cause ugly staining and peeling off the plaster on external walls, rising damp will make boundary walls an eyesore which can never be fixed. Podium and planter leakage will cause flooding issues in basement parking. The best upmarket complexes can start looking ugly leading to dissatisfied customers and negative publicity.

Would like to know more on the technicalities of waterproofing chemicals designed to meet specific project, material or formulation and sustainability in the country?

Traditional waterproofing products are either multi-layer sheet applied ones with inherent leaks from joints or solvent borne thin film coatings. Our products are liquid applied using paint rollers, solvent free and applied to a thickness of 1.50 – 2.00 mm. They are extremely tough with high tensile strength and do not require any mechanical protection. You can use it on foundation rafts and lay the reinforcing steel over it without damage. Yet they are flexible and elastic with good crack spanning capacity. They bond so strongly to concrete that in pull off tests, the concrete breaks and not the bond. Drythane® is so inert that it can be continuously immersed in water for applications such as water tank lining and swimming pools. You can now make a roof garden without the fear of spoiling your home or office below.

All our products are solvent free which eliminate health hazard to operators and people in the vicinity as well as damage to the environment.

How significant has been the Indian market for you?

Very significant. There is a massive construction boom in the country which will continue despite temporary hiccups. Our economy is expected to grow significantly in the coming decades and the resultant prosperity will lead to a large market for construction products.

What major changes are you anticipating from the construction chemical market that will determine your future course of action? Your outlook on construction chemicals market of India?

Most customers are moving away from low quality, cheap products to high performance products. Sheet applied products are being replaced with liquid applied coatings to avoid joints and to have an intimate bond with the surface so that no liquid can intrude under the films. Thin film solvent borne, and single component Polyurethanes are being replaced by solvent free, thick film Polyurethane and hybrid Polyurea.

The market for heat reflective roof waterproofing is also expected to grow significantly. Urban cities have become large heat sinks and the newer heat reflective products will reduce this significantly. These products pay for themselves by way of lower electricity costs, so it is a win-win situation for everyone.  

Give us your opinion on the business principles and motives that you apply in difficult times to make it a steppingstone towards a strong rebound.

Innovation and development of products that fulfil the needs of the customer will always give you an edge over competition and help you thrive even in difficult situations. There will be a big rebound due to pent up demand and the natural growth trajectory of our economy. Once this happens, the most innovative companies with thrive.

What are your views on the changed consumer behavior and the recent trends in the industry during today’s situation? How will you describe your near future to move ahead competitively with these trends?

In view of the economic uncertainties arising out of the Covid pandemic, there has been a definite trend to hold and postpone expenditure in fresh facilities or upkeep of existing ones. The pandemic seems to be petering off in India and in my opinion, life should become normal in a couple of months. As I said, there will be a big rebound and we will be ready for that! Recovery of international sales will take a little longer and we expect this to start happening by fall of 2021.