Himadri Speciality Chemical is preparing to significantly increase its capital expenditure as it targets a larger role in India’s battery materials supply chain and expands into high-value carbon products. The company plans to invest around ₹1,300 crore over the next year, followed by another investment cycle of approximately ₹1,500 crore in the subsequent year, according to Business Standard.
Himadri Expands Battery Materials Portfolio
At the core of Himadri’s strategy is an expansion into lithium-ion battery materials. The Kolkata-based company aims to move beyond its traditional carbon business and establish a more integrated platform covering key cathode and anode materials. Chairman, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Anurag Choudhary said the company is also developing what it describes as India’s first commercial carbon nanotube facility, with an initial investment of ₹70 crore. Himadri has already committed ₹1,125 crore towards its lithium iron phosphate (LFP) project, ₹170 crore towards super-specialty carbon black and ₹70 crore towards its carbon nanotube facility. The company plans to make these investments in phases rather than through a single large-scale expansion.
Company Targets ₹30,000 Crore Battery Chemicals Revenue
Himadri has set an ambitious target of generating ₹30,000 crore in revenue from battery chemicals over the next six years. To achieve this objective, the company plans to progressively expand its manufacturing capabilities and strengthen its position across the battery materials value chain. This approach will allow Himadri to scale investments in line with market demand while simultaneously developing capabilities in advanced battery and carbon materials.
Reducing Dependence on Imported Battery Materials
Himadri’s expansion comes as India seeks to build a stronger domestic battery materials ecosystem and reduce its dependence on imports. China currently dominates significant portions of the global battery materials supply chain. Consequently, battery manufacturers and policymakers worldwide are increasingly looking to diversify sourcing and develop local supply capabilities. Himadri aims to benefit from this shift by supplying domestic battery cell manufacturers while also targeting international customers seeking alternatives to China-based suppliers.
Carbon Products Add to Growth Strategy
Alongside battery materials, Himadri is expanding into select high-value carbon products, including super-specialty carbon black and carbon nanotubes. The move could strengthen the company’s position in advanced materials while creating additional growth opportunities beyond its traditional carbon product portfolio. As reported by etchemicals.in, as battery localisation gathers momentum in India, Himadri’s planned investments in LFP, carbon nanotubes and other advanced materials could position the company to play a larger role in the country’s emerging battery and energy storage supply chain.
