Speciality Papers on expansion path

 The company will also start manufacturing soft crepe and napkin tissues. SPL has initiated implementation of quality control systems to conform to requirements of ISO 9001/ ISO 14001 and ISO 18001.

 It was in the process of adding two new manufacturing machines, one with capacity of 50 tonnes per day for industrial, speciality and security grade paper, and another with capacity of 20 tonnes per day for speciality grade MG papers like passport paper, cheque paper, impressed stamp base paper and postal stamp base paper.

 Both lines will be commissioned by May 2004. The company said the market for its products was large and included electric winding, packaging, chocolate, cigarette packing, jewellery and food wrapping segments.

 The Indian paper industry has installed capacity of around 6.5 million tonnes. Paper prices have been moving up in recent months following rising domestic demand and rise in global pulp and paper prices. In the domestic market, margins have improved since April 2003.

 Per capita consumption, at only 5 kg annually, was expected to increase to 7 kg by 2010, indicating a growth rate of 10-12 5 per cent per annum.

 SPL has been investing in modernisation of machinery and in-house generator sets over the last few years.

 Part of the Rs. 130 crore Reliable Group, SPL manufactured base paper for carbon, computer stationary and MG posters and tissue papers for packaging industries.