Diplast to set up unit in Himachal

Mohali-based Diplast Plastics Ltd, manufacturer of rigid PVC, PPR pipes fittings, water storage tanks, dust bins, etc. is coming up with a unit near Kala Amb in Himachal Pradesh with a project cost of Rs 2-3 crore.

The unit is likely to be operational in six months and will have a production capacity of 300 tonnes per month.

Also, as part of the diversification plan, the company has forayed into organic farming and will launch retail stores for its organic products (fruits and vegetables) under the brand name "Diplast VegeFresh" in Chandigarh, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Haryana soon. It will also launch Hydrotech farming in India and is looking for marketing partners.

Company Director Ashok K Gupta said: "The traditional GI pipes are being replaced by PPR pipes, and also there is immense demand of PVC pipes, storage tanks, etc. And in order to meet the demand, we are setting up a unit in Kala Amb."

Currently, the production capacity of the firm is 400 tonnes per month and it has a 60 per cent market share in Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Chandigarh.

Commenting upon the diversification plan, he said: "We have started cultivation of vegetables and fruits on 50 acres under contract farming. And in order to market the product, we will launch four exclusive retail stores under brand name Diplast Vegefresh in Punjab and Chandigarh. Also, we will tie up with local existing stores for sale and showcasing of our organic products. So by the end of this fiscal, we will have around 10-12 retail stores across Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Himachal Pradesh."

In the last financial year, the turnover of the company was Rs 40 crore and this year it is expecting to touch Rs 50 crore. Also, with its foray into organic farming, the company is hoping to touch Rs 100 crore as 2008-09 turnover.

The firm will also launch a technique of soil culture, "Hydro Tech Farming," in the country, which is very popular in Japan and Singapore.

Gupta said, "At present, people living in apartments are unable to grow fruits and vegetables because of non-availability of land."

"In the new method no soil will be required and the growth will take place in water. This method ensures healthy plants with fast growth without disease and pesticides. We are looking for marketing partners to market our product across India," he added.

Basically, Hydro Tech Farming is a technology for growing plants in nutrient solution that supply all nutrient elements needed for optimum growth of the plant with or without the use of inert medium.