BCIL celebrates 50 years of existence

Having seen and put behind it many ups and downs, Bagalkot Cement Industries Ltd. (BCIL), one of the oldest cement factories in the State, is all set to celebrate 50 years of existence.

The factory, which now has a ‘heritage tag' to its credit, was established in 1955. It turned 50 in 2005, but the factory management is now getting ready to celebrate the milestone in the next few months.

Ups and downs

The industry was taken over by the current management — Kanoria group — in 1972. Despite facing problems from submergence of mines, removal of meter gauge line and other technical problems, the management undertook expansion and modernisation of the plant and revived the operations in full swing in 2007.

New process

According to sources in the factory, the new dry process has replaced the obsolete wet process.

The capacity of the factory was increased to 3.3 lakh tonnes per annum in 1982.

Though many new brands have entered the market, the factory has maintained its stronghold owing to its strong marketing network and quality products.

“There are a total of 16 cement factories in the State producing around 11 million tonnes of cement every year,” sources said.

Products

The company markets OPC (ordinary portland cement) 43 grade and PSC (portland slag cement). Both are well-accepted by large and small customers, and public and private sector projects.

The BCIL premises here boast of thick forests that are home to the peacock.

The factory has a well-maintained garden and the company has planted more than 10,000 saplings in the last three years.

Social activities

The company is also responsible for the livelihood of over a thousand families.

It runs a school in the town and the Shiva temple on its land hosts an annual jathra, sources said.

The company is also taking up installation of water pump sets, bus shelters and welfare activities in and around Bagalkot.