SVIL to start marble plant in Katni

Surya Vinayak Industries Ltd (SVIL) is likely to start its marble-cutting, -processing and -polishing plant in Katni this November.

The company has planned to invest more than Rs 400 crore in the project. However, the investment is likely to touch Rs 450 crore.

"The work is under progress at Katni mines. The company has introduced a new technology known as 'integrated mining and processing technology' for marble manufacturing. The technology is also known as impregnation block technology to repair cracks of the entire marble block. The technology is popular in Germany and Italy," a government source said.

However, the company officials could not be contacted. SVIL mines have reportedly signed a deal with GEOSpA, Italy, the inventor of the technology, for using the same technology at its mines at Gudri in Katni.

"The company will invest Rs 200 crore in mining and Rs 200 crore in processing and polishing. SVIL will be able to export blocks of marble by using the new technology," the source added. With the new facility, the company may launch new brands of marble.

The Katni area is known for its marble rocks, which are similar in design and pattern to Italian marble rocks.

SVIL is an IS0 9001:2000 company, a pure sandalwood oil manufacturer, and has a gross annual turnover of Rs 500 crore. The company makes the 'Lambency' range of sandalwood-based cosmetics.

The Audyogik Kendra Vikas Nigam, Jabalpur, an arm of the Madhya Pradesh State Industries Development Corporation, is also developing a stone park in Katni.

So far, in the district, 52 units have been given mining lease for dolomite ground marble. Of these 25-30 units are to be established in Stone Park. Situated 67 km from Jabalpur, Katni is known for its limestone- and cement-producing units.