American multinational The Lubrizol Corporation on Saturday introduced Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride (CPVC) pipes in the market. Unlike other similar products that are imported into the country, Lubrizol Corporation´s products are manufactured locally. Marvel FlowGuard CPVC pipe is produced by Marvel Techno Plast - sole licensee in Nepal - and has a manufacturing plant in Hattimuda, Morang, said Timothy Earl Madden, managing director of South Asia for Lubrizol Advanced Materials India. Kriti Bhuju of Republica talked with Timothy Earl Madden to find more about the company and its plans in Nepal.
Tell us something about the company.
Lubrizol was established in 1928 in the United States and has ownership of Berkshire Hathway Company that invented Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride (CPVC). The company manufactures various types of chemicals required for lubricants, pipes and fittings and cosmetic among others.
Why did you plan to establish a manufacturing plant in Nepal and how much did you invest?
As many new projects in the construction sector is coming up in Nepal and it is in real need of CPVC pipes that can be installed easily we ventured into the Nepali market. We have invested around US $ 3 million (around Rs 270 million) to establish the factory in Nepal.
Why should Nepali customers choose Marvel FlowGuard CPVC pipes when there are other CPVC pipes available in the market?
Our product is different than other as we import raw materials from Lubrizol which is same in all countries. This means that the quality of our product is of international standard and we have received NSF International-- a certification which proves that it has no risk to public health and the environment. Besides our products are easy to install and saves time and energy, environment friendly, fire resistant, corrosion free, can be used for both hot and cold water and has high tensile strength.
What is the production capacity of the plant in Nepal and what is your target sale?
The factory established at Hatimuda in Morang in 140,000 square feet area has the capacity of producing 3,000 kg per hour. Initially we are producing 150 tons in a month and we target to increase our volume to 5,000 tons within 2 to 3 years.
What is the marketing strategy for Nepal in order to compete with other existing products?
We have already provided training to around 500 plumbers. We are planning to provide training to retailers as well and will also carry out mass awareness program to educate about the benefits of using our products.
In what size are the products available in Nepal? Are there any other products in the pipeline?
Currently, we have introduced the pipes from 0.5 inch to 2 inches and in near future we will have pipes up to 6 inches. The other products that we are planning to introduce in the Nepali market are composite pipes, industrial applications and fire sprinkler pipes known as blaze masters.
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