We have started manufacturing composite pipes upto 4-inch. Perhaps KiTEC is the only company in the world that produces 3.5- and 4-inch size
-Avinash R. Laddha, Managing Director, KiTEC Industries India Ltd.
 In the year 1996, KiTEC revolutionised the plumbing industry with the introduction of easy to install pipes for plumbing and many other applications that combines best properties of traditional metallic and plastic pipes. KiTEC offers advanced range of multilayer composite pipes systems in various sizes. Now the company is working on a new range of jointing system to meet the industry demand.
In an interview with Neha Wagle, Avinash R. Laddha, Managing Director, KiTEC Industries India shared some points on the new range of products and the roadmap for his company.
Recent performance The pipes and pipe fittings industry is going through a difficult phase especially due to slower growth in construction industry during the past 2-3 years. KiTEC, the manufacturer and supplier of multilayer composite pipes in India since past 18 years, has also faced the heat. Acknowledging this, Mr Laddha said, “Pipes and pipe fittings industry is not performing well and KiTEC is not an exception because there is little awareness for plumbing fraternity in the industry and consequently less awareness for technical products.” However, KiTEC has been able to maintain its growth momentum, he adds.
Modi government’s promise of “Achhe Din” raised the expectations of the India Inc. including the pipes and pipe fittings industry with regards to economic reforms and large-scale project execution. However, Mr Laddha believes the government has not been able to meet the expectations in its first one year. Expressing his disappointment he said, “There is no sign that shows there is going to be growth. It’s all in talk, but nowhere seen or felt!”
New range of productsIn its efforts to introduce newer technology and newer products, KiTEC introduced PVC – SWR pipes for the first time in the world using carbon black as UV stabiliser to give long life in exposed sunlight installations.
Talking about the latest product development, Mr Laddha speaks about the new range of products being introduced in the company. “We have started manufacturing composite pipes upto 4-inch. Perhaps KiTEC is the only company in the world that produces 3.5- and 4-inch size. No other company in the world has facility to manufacture this range of composite pipe and jointing system.” Mr Laddha claims.
KiTEC’s pipe fittings range includes• Brass Compression• Composite Compression• Brass Crimp• Composite Crimp.
RoadmapAt this crucial juncture, KiTEC would like to concentrate on product development through research and development rather than chalking out aggressive capacity addition plan. “At the moment, our focus is on technology to develop more in the jointing system. Since last four years we are working on jointing system,” Mr Laddha adds.
In the world many companies have come out with push-fit jointing system in composite pipe technology. Mr Laddha ends up sharing the roadmap saying, “I am afraid as those are with technical flaws, composite pipe itself could have a problem. We are trying to see how we can develop full proof quick to join system before we introduce innovative jointing in the market.”