SCG International and BigBloc Start JV Operations for First Plant of AAC Wall in India Under the Brand 'ZMARTBUILD WALL by NXTBLOC'

SIAM Cement BigBloc Construction Technologies Pvt Ltd, a joint venture between Gujarat-based BigBloc Construction Ltd and Thailand's SCG International Corporation Co., Ltd., (SCG International) has launched its India operations with the commercial production of its first plant in Kheda, Gujarat. With the vision of launching next-generation walling solution for the Indian market, the joint venture has invested around Rs. 65 crore in setting up a 2.5 lakh cubic meter per annum capacity project including India's first AAC Wall Plant at Kheda district near Ahmedabad (Gujarat). The AAC Wall will be marketed under the brand name 'ZMARTBUILD WALL by NXTBLOC'. The joint venture company will also manufacture AAC Blocks. The plant was inaugurated in the august presence of H.E. Ms. Pattarat Hongtong, Ambassador of Thailand to India, a Guest of Honour, Mr. Balvantsinh Rajput, Minister Industries, MSME, Government of Gujarat, Chief Guest along with senior officials from SCG International, BigBloc Construction.

In FY 2021-22, BigBloc Construction entered into a strategic Joint Venture with SCG International from Thailand for setting up state-of-the-art manufacturing facility for AAC Walls and AAC Blocks in Kheda District, near Ahmedabad (Gujarat). BigBloc Construction holds 52% in the joint venture company while 48% with SCG International. This is SCG Group's first investment in India.

Mr. Naresh Saboo, Managing Director, BigBloc Construction Ltd said, "This joint venture goes beyond a simple business alliance, fostering a bond between countries and cultures. Construction at the plant began in September 2023, and within a year, production started, setting a remarkable record in India's AAC industry. Moving forward, SCG and BigBloc will work together on all building material solutions to strengthen the supply chain in India, leverage each other's capabilities, and provide exceptional solutions to the construction industry. With approval from both joint venture parties, the project has the potential to expand to 5 lakh cubic meter per year in the second phase."

Green and non-toxic building construction material, AAC blocks and AAC Walls are lightweight, soundproof, and fire resistant, offer superior build quality, eco-friendly and economical too compared to traditional bricks. The joint venture plant in Kheda, Gujarat will also have India's first AAC Wall Plant. Company will launch wide range of large format AAC Wall products of 8-12 feet of 2 feet width with thickness of 3-8 inches for the Indian markets. The plant will generate 250 employment opportunities and at full capacity the plant is expected to generate revenues of around Rs. 100 crore per annum. The joint venture also aims to share techno-commercial knowledge, promote mutual growth & cooperation in the construction industry and bring new age building materials to Indian markets.

Mr. Abhijit Datta, Head of International Business and Managing Director of SCG International said, "This collaboration combines SCG's century-long expertise and advanced technologies with BigBloc's deep understanding of the local market, we are poised to make a significant impact on India's construction industry by delivering cost-efficient and sustainable construction solutions. We proudly introduce 'ZMARTBUILD WALL by NXTBLOC' - the next generation of world-class walling solutions. This ground-breaking venture is not just about setting new standards; it's about redefining the construction landscape in India, one wall at a time."

SCG International Corporation Co., Ltd. (SCG International) is a prominent leader in international trading and supply chain solutions. SCG International started operating in India through its wholly owned subsidiary, SCG International India since 2018 focusing on Building Materials, Packaging Business, and Sourcing of Ceramic, Industrial Supply. This venture is the first Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in India. Having spent some time exploring the Indian market, SCG International decided to partner with BigBloc Construction and selected Gujarat as the first location for SCG investment, giving the positive work culture, investment friendly environment and other favourable factors.

Incorporated in 2015, BigBloc Construction Ltd is one of the largest and only listed company in the AAC Block Space with an installed capacity of 10.75 lakh cubic meters per annum. Company's manufacturing plants are located in Umargaon (Vapi) and Kapadvanj (Ahmedabad) in Gujarat and Wada (Palghar) in Maharashtra. It is among very few company in AAC industry to generate carbon credits.

BigBloc Construction Limited is India's leading AAC block manufacturing company. The Company markets its products under the brand name 'NXTBLOC'. The company has executed over 2,000 projects so far and has another 1,500 plus in the pipeline. The company's clients include Lodha, Adani Realty, IndiaBulls Real Estate, Prestige, Piramal, Oberoi Realty, Shirke Group, Shapoorji Pallonji Group, Raheja, PSP Projects, L&T, and Sunteck, Sethia Infrastructure Pvt Ltd, Dosti Group, Purvankara Ltd among others. For FY2023-24, company reported revenue from operations of Rs. 243.2 crore (Y-o-Y growth 21.55%), EBITDA at Rs. 56.15 crore (Y-o-Y growth 12.29%) and PAT of Rs. 30.69 crore (Y-o-Y growth 1.83%).

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