(FE)
State-owned aluminium major Nalco has firmed up plans to set up a new technology division. The idea is to develop indigenous technologies for making equipment that will cater to the domestic aluminium industry, which is projected to treble the production capacity to 12 million tonne per annum (mtpa) by 2031-32. The Nalco board has already cleared the proposal and has sought the approval of the mines ministry, its nodal ministry. The plan is to initially collaborate with foreign suppliers to develop technology and expertise; and later tying up with domestic fabricators to manufacture equipment that will largely be India-specific. Depending on the demand scenario, a call will be taken on the size of the manufacturing unit.
Nalco proposes to bring the new division that aims at indigenisation of technology and equipment specific to the domestic aluminium sector under the supervision of its projects and technical director. An executive director, with the exclusive charge, will lead a group of 10-15 engineers to be inducted from both within and outside the country.
