Finolex Industries Ltd is a PVC pipes and fittings manufacturing major and one of the largest PVC resin manufacturers in India. Finolex Industries which started off as a modest PVC pipes manufacturer went for a backward integration project to manufacture PVC resin only to ensure an uninterrupted supply of high quality inputs. Saurabh Dhanorkar, Managing Director, Finolex Industries Ltd shares his views on the bright future of pipes and fittings products and the major innovations happening in this area.
Bright futureSpeaking on the current pricing scenario, Dhanorkar says, “With the reduction in prices of oil and other commodities the pricing of finished products like PVC pipes and fittings has become very attractive for the buyers.  We are therefore witnessing a surge in demand for the company’s products.  We expect a double digit growth in demand for pipes and fittings in the coming years.”
Pipes and fittings for buildings sector Focusing on the types of pipes and fitting products that are best for buildings sector in India, Dhanorkar says, “SWR Type B for sanitation and ASTM Schedule 80 for potable water supply are best for buildings sector in India. This is due to the fact that U-PVC has smooth inner surface which allows greater flow of water than an identical size of conventional piping. The Hazen-Willam’s constant for flow for PVC-U is around 150, which is higher than that for conventional materials. The head loss of any proposed PVC pipeline can be readily calculated. PVC is also unaffected by attacks of fungi and most concentrations of acids, alkalis, organic chemicals, oils and fats. This resistance to corrosion by most chemicals makes PVC-U pipes indispensable for contemporary applications, especially in the buildings industry.”
Quality – major buying factorStressing on the major factors a buyer should consider before making a decision of procuring pipes and fittings products, Dhanorkar says, “Quality is the most important factor a buyer should consider before making a decision of procuring pipes and fittings products. Most pipes are concealed and leakages caused can severely damage the building or the structure on the outside. Quality is only ensured by a reputed brand that has decades of building trust with its customers and stakeholders.”
Growing awareness to buy quality pipesThe buyers are increasingly becoming very quality conscious while choosing the pipes and fittings.  Dhanorkar says, “Since pipes are either laid underground or are installed behind the walls there was very little importance attached to the quality of pipes.  However, this is changing because buyers have recognised that a leaking pipeline – whether in agriculture or in buildings – can cause havoc to the surroundings and also result into very heavy losses.”
Over the years, the jointing methods of pipes have undergone transformation, first with introduction of Selfit pipes and then with Rubber ring jointing.  The new generation of pipelines can give uninterrupted performance for decades. PVC pipes have various advantages over traditional pipes such as moderate cost, ease of installation, long service life, and corrosion resistance.  In such applications as potable water and sewer and drainage, PVC pipes are increasingly being specified by consumers looking to reduce maintenance and replacement costs.  This makes PVC pipes an undisputed first choice of buyers.
Pipes and fittings from FinolexFinolex pipes have a distinct advantage of having its own captive production of key raw material PVC resin.
Commenting on why a buyer should go for pipes and fittings offered by Finolex, Dhanorkar says, “Having a customer centric approach and adapting to changing preference and need is very important for the right product design and development and we actively follow the same.”   
——————-Quality is the most important factor a buyer should consider before making a decision of procuring pipes and fittings products.
Saurabh Dhanorkar, Managing Director, Finolex Industries Ltd