Himadri Speciality Chemical Ltd is preparing to deploy approximately ₹1,300 crore in capital expenditure over the next year, as the speciality chemicals maker accelerates investments in lithium-ion battery materials, carbon-based advanced materials and other high-value products. According to reports from Business Standard, CMD and CEO Anurag Choudhary outlined the company's ambitious expansion strategy during an exclusive conversation. The Kolkata-headquartered company is also preparing another investment cycle of around ₹1,500 crore in the following year, positioning itself as a comprehensive battery materials supplier.
The company has outlined specific capex allocations across key battery materials projects. As reported by Business Standard, ₹1,125 crore is earmarked for the lithium iron phosphate (LFP) project, ₹170 crore for super speciality carbon black, and ₹70 crore for a carbon nanotube project. Choudhary stated that the company is targeting ₹30,000 crore in revenue from battery chemicals over the next six years through a series of investments rolled out in phases. The strategy positions Himadri as a raw-material component hub for lithium-ion cells, with capabilities spanning both cathode and anode materials.
On the cathode side, Himadri is setting up an LFP plant with an initial 2,000-tonne-per-annum capacity, followed by a 40,000-tonne-per-annum facility. According to Business Standard, the company is ultimately looking at capacity equivalent to around 100 GWh in five years. Choudhary emphasized the strategic importance, noting that 100% of LFP capacity currently exists only in China, making Himadri's initiative pioneering in the global market. The company is developing capabilities in synthetic graphite, natural graphite and silicon-carbon materials on the anode side, positioning itself as a one-stop shop for battery manufacturers.
Himadri is establishing India's first commercial carbon nanotube manufacturing plant with an initial investment of ₹70 crore, targeting commissioning in Q4FY27. As reported by Business Standard, the company will start with a 200-tonne plant in West Bengal and plans larger expansion subsequently. Choudhary described carbon nanotubes as a high-potential material due to their combination of strength, conductivity and light weight. The company is also stepping up focus on silicon-carbon materials, developing its own technology and evaluating potential locations in Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal for manufacturing.
The company completed the acquisition of a 100% stake in Odisha's Balasore-based Birla Tyres Limited, making it a wholly owned subsidiary effective April 2025. According to Business Standard, the tyre unit, which resumed production in May last year, is now running at 100 tonnes of production per day and has recorded a top line of ₹126 crore in Q1FY27. Himadri is evaluating additional investments and capacity expansions across several states, with Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal emerging as key locations for future growth, with West Bengal increasingly moving to the top of consideration for new capacity.
