Interview with Prof. K.S.S. Murthy - Aluminium Association of India Prof K.S.S.Murthy is a highly respected thought leader in the Aluminum industry and he is currently the Hon.General Secretary of Aluminium Association Of India (AAI), the largest aluminum sector association in India. Prof Murthy has done his Ph.D from Indian Institute of Science and also M.E. (Foundry Engineering) from the same institution. He is also a Fellow of the Institute of Indian Foundrymen. He is actively engaged in advising various Ministries, in the Government Of India and has been responsible for initiating several nationally important projects such as Aluminium Mission Plan, Technology Roadmap for Indian Aluminium Industry, Litebus project etc. He has the distinction of publishing over 250 papers, in leading international and national technical journals. AAI was found in 1981 and is registered under the Karnataka Societies Registration Act, it is recognized and supported by the various departments of Govt. of India with Ministry of Mines being the most prominent one. AAI works as a conduit between the Indian Aluminium Industry, end users, professionals, and the government on tactical and strategic issues that are growth enablers for the sector. During the course of a chat with the marketing team of Reed Exhibitions India, Prof Murthy shared his views on various issues, pertaining to the exhibition and the industry. Some excerpts are furnished below. Q.1 In India, consumption of Aluminium is growing at a rapid rate. What are the essential steps that the industry needs to take to leverage the growth opportunities? A - The Indian Aluminium industry is forging ahead with rapid expansion in both primary metal and downstream sectors. With the continuing trend of economic growth, the demand and consumption of Aluminium is expected to increase rapidly. Higher consumption levels in building & Infrastructure, automotive packaging, power, consumer durables and other industrial sectors will contribute towards increase in Consumption. Aluminium demand in India is anticipated to grow more than 5 times by 2030.
Q.2 What will be the key directions of growth for the aluminum industry in India in terms of application sectors over the coming years? A -The Indian aluminum industry holds strong growth prospects for the medium and long term, as aluminum capitalizes on new opportunities in building & Infrastructure, automotive packaging , other industrial & engineering sectors. Key directions for the Growth are Substantial transformation or change of direction Leadership, market expansion, Improving environmental efficiencies, Implementing technological advances Displaying a commitment to sustainable, forward thinking solutions. Overcoming the challenges of the political and business environments Building and Infrastructure By 2020, the construction sector in India is projected to emerge as the largest end use sector for Aluminium. The overall consumption by the sector is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 18-20%, to around 1700 kt by 2020 Transport Sector - The Automotive Industry in India is expected to grow 4-5 times from USD 34 bn to USD 150 bn by 2016. Power Sector - India: Higher usage than the rest of the World. Aluminium usage in the power sector will continue to be predominant. Packaging - Aluminium Can just arrive in India. Can Stock production and Can Lines in India will boost Can Consumption. Applications like usage in rigid food containers, cans for chemicals and insecticides, etc. will increase Aluminium consumption in the packaging sector.
Q3 What opportunities will the high infrastructure spend in India create for the aluminum sector? A -Indian aluminum industry focuses on research and development and have ample opportunities for growth in various application sectors. New products are developed bearing in mind the unique properties of aluminum - lightweight, recyclability and durability The new markets for aluminum are found Consumer durables, Railway wagons & Rail Coaches, Aviation, Solar panels, Electronics, and new types of material for Construction (roofing, window panels etc) to maintain sustainable development in the future.
Q4 How do you think events like Aluminum India can come to the help of the sector? A -Aluminium India event should become an event where technological issues and market strategies are discussed. Invite general public, so as to offer extensive exposition of aluminium products and applications and thereby create opportunity for increasing in Consumption of aluminum.
Q5. What are your expectations from the Aluminum India 2013 as a supporting partner? A -As the apex body representing the entire spectrum of Indian Aluminium Industry, with one of the main objectives of increasing aluminium production and consumption in the country, we expect Aluminium Indian 2013 to create public awareness about aluminium metal, its virtues, usefulness, applications, etc so that all the misgivings / misconceptions of aluminium are removed and more and more aluminium is used in different segments. We do sincerely believe that Aluminium India 2013 and later events by Reed Exhibitions India will impress upon the public at large to accept aluminium as an inevitable alternate light metal for substituting heavier metals such as Steel, Cast Iron etc. and thereby appreciate virtues of aluminium as Energy Saver.