DuPont India's new unit targets construction business

DuPont India, the wholly owned subsidiary of US-based $27-billion EI du Pont de Nemours and Company, has launched a new business initiative called DuPont Building Innovations which will offer building services, products and innovations for the construction industry.

The company targets about $25 million in revenues from India by 2010 from the new business. India accounts for about 10 per cent of the company’s total revenue.

“We have identified building and construction segment in India as a key sector to drive our company’s strategic growth in this country,'' DuPont India executive director Jagdish Kumar told Hindustan Times.

The company has also launched products to provide a significantly improved concrete surface with a more dense skin, superior thermal performance and moisture resistance, besides services like waterproofing of water-retaining structures like pools.

“These products have been researched to meet India’s needs,” said Kumar.

The group is already operating in North America, Europe and Japan. India and China are the next growth engines in these initiatives, said Kumar, adding that the rapid growth in construction activity in India and the willingness of the industry to use superior material and technology had prompted the company to bring construction-related solutions here.

Kumar said DuPont's technology aims at making buildings safer, stronger and durable, with an eye on environmental sustainability. “In India, DuPont comes with made-for-India solutions that will add to buildings in the country these same values,” he said.

DuPont has also launched products that are being showcased under the new business initiative targeted at both residential and commercial interiors. These include baths, kitchens and glass laminating systems based on technology aimed at boosting safety, reducing noise levels and saving energy.

Dupont plans to train and work with channel partners who understand the complex set of products and services in the business, Kumar said.