DIC India inaugurates new factory in Gujarat

Manufacturer of printing inks, packaging and allied material DIC India, part of DIC group, has inaugurated its new toluene free plant Optima for liquid ink manufacturing at Saykha in Bharuch district, Gujarat.  

Spread across an area of 92,500sqm, the plant has the capacity to manufacture over 10,000 tons of TF, KF/NTNK (Toluene Free/ Ketone Free) liquid inks in two shifts in phase one. The plant will be further augmented to produce value added and specialty products for domestic and export markets. 

Set up with a total investment of INR 1100m (13.3m USD) for phase one the new plant will employ more than 100 associates with the aim to service the growing demand of toluene free and ketone free based inks in the country.  

Its other four plants are at Kolkata, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat (Ahmedabad), Karnataka.  

Established at the center of the chemical hub of India, the strategic location gives the company close access to the Northern and Western markets that drive majority of the demand in the segment.  

The plant has been designed to accommodate future expansion needs of the company. 

Paul Koek, regional managing director, DIC Asia Pacific said: ‘The Indian market is a priority market for DIC group and this new manufacturing facility has been established with the vision of catering to the new demand as well as usher in new growth prospects for us in the country. As a market leader in printing ink manufacturing, we are bringing more advancement in our manufacturing processes to augment our quality and customer service, meet the rising demand and maintain global standard at all our touch points. This facility, with a strong inbuilt design features which will expand sustainability footprint of DIC India will benefit customers, generate employment as well as solidify our over 75 years presence and leadership in India.’  

Manish Bhatia,MD and CEO at DIC India, said: ‘India is a strategic market for us and our long standing journey in the country is a testimony to the success we have achieved over the years. The market is witnessing increased demand for technological superior and specialty printing inks for packaging. The inauguration of the new facility is another stepping stone for the company’s future expansion plans here. The new plant set up has been constructed using leading technological features to modernize as well as to increase production efficiencies. This plant is a completely Toluene free plant for DIC India. We are optimistic that the manufacturing facility will help in catering to both domestic as well as international demand and expand our footprint in India.’  

Out of the plant’s 92,500 sqm, 45,000sqm has already been constructed under phase one. The area will be used for consolidation of different plants and products of DIC Indian operations. 

DIC is in the process of getting green certification for the site. The site also complies with international regulations. The company aims to achieve ISO and OSHAS certification post the stabilizing of production of the plant by the year 2023-34.