SIAM Cement BigBloc Construction Technologies Pvt Ltd, a joint venture between Gujarat-based BigBloc Construction Ltd and Thailand’s SCG International Corporation Co, Ltd, has inaugurated its first plant in Kheda, Gujarat, marking SCG Group’s first investment in India. The plant, which has an annual capacity of 2.5 lakh m³, includes India’s first AAC Wall Plant and represents an investment of around Rs 65 crore.
The joint venture, where BigBloc Construction holds a 52 per cent stake and SCG International 48 per cent, aims to revolutionise the Indian construction industry with large format AAC Wall products marketed under the brand name ‘ZMARTBUILD WALL by NXTBLOC’. The plant is also set to produce AAC Blocks.
The inaugural event saw the presence of H E Pattarat Hongtong, Ambassador of Thailand to India, and Balvantsinh Rajput, Minister of Industries, MSME, Government of Gujarat, along with senior officials from both companies.
“This joint venture goes beyond a simple business alliance, fostering a bond between countries and cultures,” said Naresh Saboo, Managing Director, BigBloc Construction Ltd. “Construction at the plant began in September 2023, and within a year, production started, setting a remarkable record in India’s AAC industry. Moving forward, SCG and BigBloc will work together on all building material solutions to strengthen the supply chain in India, leverage each other’s capabilities, and provide exceptional solutions to the construction industry. With approval from both joint venture parties, the project has the potential to expand to 5 lakh m³ per year in the second phase.”
The sustainable and non-toxic AAC blocks and walls offer superior build quality, being lightweight, soundproof, and fire-resistant. The Kheda plant, capable of generating 250 jobs, is expected to generate annual revenues of around Rs 100 crore at full capacity.
“This collaboration combines SCG’s century-long expertise and advanced technologies with BigBloc’s deep understanding of the local market, we are poised to make a significant impact on India’s construction industry by delivering cost-efficient and sustainable construction solutions. We proudly introduce ‘ZMARTBUILD WALL by NXTBLOC’ – the next generation of world-class walling solutions. This ground-breaking venture is not just about setting new standards; it’s about redefining the construction landscape in India, one wall at a time,” stated Abhijit Datta, Head of International Business and Managing Director, SCG International.
The joint venture aims to share techno-commercial knowledge and introduce new age building materials to the Indian market, contributing to the growth and evolution of the construction industry in India.