Discovering the Best Cement in India

Cement is a crucial building material for construction projects, but with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. This comprehensive guide explores the best cement in India. Let's break down the key factors to consider when selecting cement for your projects, ensuring you make informed decisions with ease.

What is Cement?

Cement is a crucial ingredient in construction, especially for making concrete used in structures like buildings, roads, and bridges.

Cement is the glue that holds everything together. Typically, it is a fine powder made from a mixture of limestone, clay, and other minerals that are heated at high temperatures to form a hard substance when mixed with water. Furthermore, cement is the primary component in concrete and mortar, upon which a building or structure's structural integrity and longevity rely.

Factors to Consider When Buying Cement

While price is important, other factors must be weighed to make an informed decision. Here are key factors to consider when buying cement for house construction:

Grade

Cement is available in different grades, notably Grades 43 and 53. Grade 53 cement typically sets faster, making it suitable for projects requiring high early strength, such as RCC and high-rise buildings. Conversely, Grade 43 cement offers greater resistance to micro-cracking, making it preferable for plastering, flooring, and brick masonry applications.

Smoothness

The texture of the cement powder can indicate its quality. Smooth, fine powder without granular lumps is a sign of good quality. Hard lumps, on the other hand, suggest moisture infiltration, which can affect the cement's performance and strength.

Manufacturing Date

It's essential to check the manufacturing date on cement bags. Avoid purchasing bags with only a short time remaining before expiration, as the strength of cement diminishes over time. Lumps may form due to prolonged storage, compromising the cement's quality and negatively impacting construction work.

Label

The information provided on cement bag labels offers valuable insights into their quality and suitability for construction. Look for details such as cement type, brand logo, weight, manufacturing date, ISI mark, and license number. This ensures that the cement meets the necessary quality standards established by regulatory authorities.

List of 10 Best Cement in India

1. UltraTech Cement

UltraTech Cement, a flagship brand of the Aditya Birla Group, stands out as one of India's premier cement manufacturers. UltraTech operates across five countries and boasts nearly 21 integrated facilities, 7-8 bulk terminals, and over 26 grinding units. Holding ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and OHSAS 18001 certifications, UltraTech produces 60 million tonnes of cement annually from its state-of-the-art Vikram Cement Works.

Features:

• Possesses the capability to manufacture 60 million tons of cement.
• It operates from Vikram Cement Works, which is recognised as one of the largest cement plants in Asia.
• Employs approximately 12,000 individuals representing 35 different nationalities.
• It is renowned for its quality and innovation,

Establishment: 1987

Headquarter: Mumbai

Market Share: 31%

Market Capacity: Rs. 191,604 Cr.

Production Capacity: 116.8 MTPA (Metric Tonnes Per Annum)

2. Shree Cement

Shree Cement, a rapidly expanding cement company in India, was established in 1979 by the esteemed Bangur family from Kolkata. With its first cement plant launched in 1985, Shree Cement has swiftly risen to become one of India's top five cement producers, boasting an impressive installed capacity of 40.4 MTPA domestically and 44.4 MTPA globally.

Shree Cement has achieved remarkable financial success over the past decade, solidifying its position as one of the best cement companies in India. It operates across multiple states, including Bihar, Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.

Features:

• Costs approx Rs. 280 per bag of cement.
• Shree Cement continues to deliver excellence in both product quality and affordability.

Establishment: 1979

Headquarter: Kolkata

Market share: 10%

Market Cap: Rs. 101,191 Cr.

Production capacity: 40.4 MTPA

3. Birla Cement

Birla Cement operates over ten cement factories across the country. With the acquisition of Reliance Cement Company and adherence to ISO 9001:2000 standards, Birla Cement continues to uphold its reputation for excellence in manufacturing and marketing.

Features:

• A conglomerate under the MP Birla Group, renowned in India.
• Provides an extensive array of cement options.
• Quality products and a widespread distribution network

Establishment: 1919

Headquarter: Kolkata

Market Share: 5%

Market Cap: Rs. 9,087 Cr.

Production Capacity: 15.5 MTPA

4. Ambuja Cement

Ambuja Cement is one of the best cement in India and operates in over 80 countries. Established by Mr. Suresh Kumar Neotia and with operations spanning across states like West Bengal, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Gujarat, Ambuja Cement is recognised for its cutting-edge products.

Features:

• The company offers innovative products like Roof Special Cool Walls and Ambuja Compocem.
• It is renowned for its sustainable and eco-friendly production practices.
• With nearly 2200 operational sites in India, it maintains a widespread presence domestically.

Establishment: 1983

Headquarter: Mumbai

Market Share: 21%

Market Cap: Rs. 67,770 Cr.

Production Capacity: 29.65 MTPA

5. JK Cement

JK Cement, a prominent player in the cement sector, has been a leading name since its establishment in 1975. With its first manufacturing plant set up in Rajasthan, the company has grown into a multinational entity operating in over 40 countries.

Features:

• Pioneered the establishment of the waste heat recovery power plant, setting a precedent in the industry.
• The brand upholds its reputation for quality and reliability in the industry by offering a diverse range of products, such as JK White Cement, JK Super Strong Cement, and JK WallMaxx.
• Boasting a network of 4000 cement dealers nationwide, JK Cement is renowned for its innovative approach, including the implementation of a waste heat recovery power plant.

Establishment: 1975

Headquarters: Rajasthan, India

Market Share: 19%

Market Cap: Rs. 221.29 Cr.

Production Capacity: 30 MTPA

6. JSW Cement

Headquartered in Mumbai, JSW Cement operates three cement production plants located in Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh. Entering the market in 2009, the company focused on delivering sustainable, eco-friendly solutions. Under the leadership of Managing Director Sajjan Jindal, it has solidified its position as one of the top cement brands in India as of 2023.

Features:

• Renowned for offering three varieties of cement - Ordinary, Portland, and Portland Slag cement - JSW Cement is widely recognised for its high-quality construction materials in India.
• Recognised as a top-tier and reliable brand in India, particularly in the western region.
• Available at an attractive price of Rs. 330 per bag.

Establishment: 2009

Headquarter: Mumbai

Market Cap: Rs. 191,543 Cr.

Production Capacity: 17 MTPA

7. ACC Cement

Formerly known as the Associate Cement Company, ACC Cement stands as one of the oldest and foremost manufacturers of cement and ready-mix concrete. It was Established in 1936, with its headquarters in Mumbai. ACC Cement operates 17 cement manufacturing units and over 90 ready-mix concrete plants. In 2005, ACC Cement joined the Holcim Group of Switzerland. Later, in 2015, Holcim and Lafarge merged to create LafargeHolcim, solidifying their position as the global leader in building materials and solutions.

Features:

• The Gold and Silver Range of ACC Cement is designed to offer superior quality for specialised applications and environments while being highly suitable for general construction.
• ACC cement is rich in high-quality products, innovative solutions, and best-suited business practices.

Establishment: 1936

Headquarter: Mumbai

Market share: 12%

Market Cap: Rs. 38,081 Cr.

Production capacity: 33.4 MTPA

8. Ramco Cement

Formerly known as Madras Cement, this brand was established in 1961 and is headquartered in Chennai. As a top choice for plastering in India, it provides premixed dry mortar essential for construction projects.

Features:

• The company is listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange and demonstrates a strong commitment to corporate and social responsibility.
• The production capacity is 16.45 million tons per annum.
• Caters only to the domestic market.
• Equipped with the number of quality controls as per the modern system.
• Widely regarded as one of India's top cement brands, it offers products priced under Rs. 285 per 50 kg bag.

Establishment: 1961

Headquarters: Chennai, India

Market share: 4%

Market Cap: Rs. 219.73 Cr.

Production Capacity: 21 MTPA

9. Dalmia Bharat Cement

Established in 1939 by Jaidayal Dalmia, Dalmia Cement is a pioneering cement company headquartered in Delhi and is part of the esteemed Dalmia Group. Committed to sustainability, they are the first company to join the RE100 initiative, aiming to transition to 100% renewable energy by 2030.

Features:

• It offers various cement products under three main brand names: Dalmia Cement, Konark Cement, and Dalmia DSP Cement.
• Recognised as a leader in the industry, its products are widely utilised in various applications, including oil wells, railway sleepers, and airstrips.
• Dalmia Cement holds the distinction of being the largest producer of Portland Slag Cement in India.
• It operates a manufacturing capacity of 26.4 million tonnes per annum.

Establishment: 1939

Headquarters: New Delhi, India

Market share: 8%

Market Cap: Rs. 405.19 Cr.

Production Capacity: 41.1 MTPA

10. The India Cement

Founded in 1946 by Shri S N N Sankaralinga Iyer and Sri T S Narayanaswami, India Cements has witnessed significant expansion over the years. Presently, India Cements boasts a total capacity of 15.5 million tonnes per annum, with eight integrated cement plants spread across Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Rajasthan, along with two grinding units, located in Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra. It has been used under many prestigious projects like Hyderabad Airport and much more.

Features:

• India Cement is known to use eco-friendly practices and provide sustainable solutions.
• Its Coromandel King PPC Cement is among the best-selling products that embraces durability, low permeability, and strength.

Establishment: 1946

Headquarter: Chennai

Market share: 5%

Market Cap: Rs. 6,047 Cr.

Production capacity: 15.5 MTPA

Qualities of A Good Cement

• Offers strength to masonry: Good cement ensures that masonry, such as walls and foundations, remains strong and durable.
• Stiffens or hardens before time: It stiffens or hardens efficiently, allowing construction work to progress at a suitable pace.
• Possesses high-quality plasticity: The cement possesses excellent plasticity, making it easy to mold and shape into desired forms during construction.
• Fine moisture-resistant: It has fine moisture-resistant properties, ensuring that the structure remains intact and unaffected by water damage over time.

Conclusion

What is Cement?

Cement is a binding substance commonly used in construction to unite other materials. It is usually produced as a fine powder through the heating of limestone, clay, and other minerals at high temperatures.

Factors to consider when buying cement

• Grade
• Smoothness
• Manufacturing date
• Label

List of 10 Best Cement in India

• UltraTech Cement
• Shree Cement
• Birla Cement
• Ambuja Cement
• J.K. Cement
• JSW Cement
• ACC Cement
• Ramco Cement
• Dalmia Bharat Cement
• The India Cement

Qualities of good cement

• Offers strength to masonry
• Stiffens or hardens before time
• Possesses high-quality plasticity
• Fine moisture-resistant