Dear Shareholder,
It is with great pride and a deep sense of purpose that I address you
as the Chairman of Orient Cement Ltd. (OCL), now a part of Ambuja Cements, the flagship
cement company of the diversified Adani Portfolio. The successful completion of this
acquisition marks a transformative moment in our journey. It is more than a strategic
consolidation; it represents the convergence of legacies, values and aspirations.
Like two streams converging to form a mightier river, this integration
combines our collective strengths to carve new pathways of growth, sustainability, and
innovation. As we stand at this powerful inflection point, we are prepared to build a
resilient and future-ready organisation that honours our heritage and propels us toward
even greater accomplishments.
Over the past decade and a half, OCL has emerged as a formidable player
in its focused markets. Our plants are strategically located and backed by highly
efficient, integrated infrastructure. Equipped with railway sidings, captive power plants,
renewable energy sources, Waste Heat Recovery Systems (WHRS), and Alternative Fuels and
Raw Materials (AFR) capabilities, OCL is well-positioned for operational excellence.
One of our most significant assets is a large, high-quality limestone
mining lease in Chittorgarh, Rajasthan. This strengthens our resource base and presents
the opportunity to add an additional 6 MTPA capacity in North Indiaa key strategic
market. The acquisition significantly enhances our presence in core markets and is
expected to increase our pan-India market share by approximately 2%, in alignment with our
long-term consolidation and growth strategy.
Integration and Synergies
With the acquisition now complete, we have initiated the process of
integrating OCL's operations with those of Adani Cement. A critical first step has
been the execution of a Master Supply Agreement and Master Service Agreement (together,
the MSA') with Ambuja and ACC. These agreements establish the framework for the
procurement and sale of raw materials and spare parts, as well as for the provision of
critical services.
Under the MSA, clinker and cement will be sourced in bulk from OCL and
marketed under the trusted Ambuja and ACC brands. This arrangement enhances our ability to
optimise capacity utilisation, strengthen financial performance, and unlock significant
value for all our stakeholdersshareholders, creditors, employees and governments
alike.
Some of the initiatives on de-bottlenecking and efficiency improvements
have already been rolled out which will help improve overall profitability of OCL in the
near future.
In addition, we now have access to the extensive infrastructure and
capabilities of the Adani Group. This includes synergies across energy, logistics, mining,
and digital technologies such as artificial intelligence. Through shared infrastructure,
unified cash management systems, common digital platforms, and access to Group-owned
energy and mining assets, we anticipate significant operational efficiencies, margin
expansion, and long-term value creation. Employees, vendors and dealers have also been
onboarded. Soon, cement under the Ambuja and ACC brands will start rolling out.
Sustainability: Our Guiding Principle
At Ambuja Cements, sustainability is not just a goalit is a core
philosophy. As we integrate into the Group, we are aligning closely with its ambitious
sustainability goals. We are committed to delivering responsible growth that benefits the
planet, uplifts communities, and upholds the highest standards of governance.
Our Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) priorities will
continue to shape every aspect of our operations. From reducing our carbon footprint to
enhancing community welfare and ensuring transparency and accountability, we are focused
on building a future-ready and responsible organisation. Our sustainability journey is a
continuous one, and we are determined to lead through innovation, collaboration and
commitment.
Cultural Transformation through RESQ
As we move forward, the values of RESQ - Reliability, Environment,
Safety, and Quality, will serve as the cultural and operational compass for OCL. These
values will be embedded in every decision we make, every process we refine, every product
we deliver, and every relationship we nurture.
RESQ is more than a philosophy; it is a promise. A promise to uphold
the highest standards, to act with responsibility, to ensure the well-being of our people
and our planet, and to deliver excellence at every touchpoint. It will guide us as we
strive for greater operational integrity, stakeholder trust, and sustainable outcomes.
Way Forward
India's robust economic trajectory, underpinned by a surge in
construction activities and infrastructure development, presents a strong opportunity for
the cement industry. The Government's enhanced capital allocation in the Union Budget
2025-26 and increased investments in flagship initiatives like Pradhan
Mantri Awas Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana will catalyse
cement demand. Strategic investments in transportation networks, urban infrastructure, and
commercial amenities are poised to drive long-term sectoral growth. We are strategically
positioned to capture this opportunity. Leveraging Group synergies. distribution network,
an enriched product portfolio, and enhanced technological capabilities, we are ready to
contribute meaningfully to India's infrastructure-led development. As part of the
Adani Group, we are also leveraging digital technologies and data intelligence to
transform our operations and enhance customer experience.
Through smart supply chain optimisation, AI-powered predictive
maintenance, and customer-centric platforms, we aim to stay ahead of industry trends and
drive efficiencies at scale.
Gratitude and Closing
On behalf of the Board of Directors, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to
all our stakeholders for your trust and support through the years. Your belief in our
journey has been our greatest strength. As we enter this exciting new phase, we do so with
a clear vision, renewed energy and bold ambition.
We are confident that this integration will unlock new opportunities,
accelerate our transformation, and deliver enduring value to all. The best is yet to come,
and together, we will build a stronger, brighter, and more sustainable tomorrow.
Regards, |
Mr. Vinod Bahety |
Chairman |