DCM Shriram Chemicals’ manufacturing site at Jhagadia in Gujarat’s Bharuch district has earned recognition from the World Economic Forum’s Global Lighthouse Network (GLN) with the prestigious Distinction in Productivity award. The achievement places the facility among only 16 industrial sites worldwide selected for the network in 2026.
Recognition for Manufacturing Excellence
The World Economic Forum established the Global Lighthouse Network to identify manufacturing facilities and value chains that successfully adopt and scale Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies. These sites demonstrate measurable improvements in productivity, sustainability, agility and operational excellence.
With this latest recognition, the Jhagadia facility joins an elite community of 238 manufacturing sites globally that continue to set new benchmarks for industrial transformation.
Distinction in Productivity Award
The Global Lighthouse Network grants the Distinction in Productivity award to manufacturing facilities that deliver exceptional improvements in cost efficiency and quality through technology-led transformation. These sites typically enhance asset utilisation, strengthen workforce capabilities and optimise resource consumption.
As India’s largest caustic soda plant site, Jhagadia operates in an energy-intensive sector where power costs account for a significant portion of operating expenses. To address these challenges, the facility deployed 45 advanced digital and analytics solutions, including AI-enabled process controls and a GenAI-enabled maintenance manager.
As per the company press release, these initiatives helped the site achieve an 11-percentage-point improvement in EBITDA. In addition, the facility reduced power costs by 32%, lowered material costs by 15% and cut CO₂ emissions by 14%.
Leadership Perspective
Commenting on the recognition, Ajay S. Shriram, Chairman and Senior Managing Director, DCM Shriram Ltd., and Vikram S. Shriram, Vice Chairman and Managing Director, DCM Shriram Ltd., said:
“We are honoured to receive this recognition from the World Economic Forum. It reflects DCM Shriram’s long-standing commitment to building world-class manufacturing businesses driven by technology, innovation and operational excellence. The recognition of our Jhagadia Chemicals site demonstrates how focused investments in digital transformation, combined with the dedication of our people, can deliver significant improvements in productivity, competitiveness and sustainability.”
They further added:
“At DCM Shriram, we believe technology is a key enabler of responsible and future-ready growth. This achievement reinforces our approach of combining advanced digital capabilities with strong operational discipline to create lasting value for our customers, employees, shareholders and communities. We are proud that our Chemicals business has joined a select group of global manufacturing leaders recognised by the Global Lighthouse Network.”
Project BLESSED Drives Transformation
Notably, the recognition stems from Project BLESSED (Becoming a Lighthouse through Exemplary Safety Systems & Excellence in Digitalization), a strategic transformation programme launched in July 2024.
Through this initiative, DCM Shriram accelerated digitalisation, strengthened safety systems and enhanced operational excellence. The programme focused on adopting advanced technologies, enabling data-driven decision-making and empowering employees across operations.
Strengthening India’s Industrial Leadership
The recognition further reinforces DCM Shriram’s commitment to advancing technology-led manufacturing. Moreover, it highlights India’s growing position as a global hub for industrial innovation, operational excellence and sustainable industrial growth.
About DCM Shriram Chemicals
DCM Shriram Chemicals is part of DCM Shriram Limited, a diversified conglomerate with revenues of ₹14,264 crore. It is India’s second-largest chlor-alkali manufacturer, with advanced facilities in Bharuch, Gujarat, and Kota, Rajasthan.
The company produces key chemicals such as caustic soda, chlorine, aluminium chloride, epoxy resins, epichlorohydrin, hydrogen and hydrochloric acid, which support industries like textiles, pharmaceuticals, water treatment and chemicals.
It continues to strengthen its manufacturing base through technology-led transformation, operational excellence, safety and sustainability.
