NCL Group: Ahead of the times. Since 1984.
The Rise of NCL Group
India’s Economic Boom and a Budding Entrepreneur:
The 1980s marked a turning point for India, witnessing a surge in consumer demand and a flourishing entrepreneurial spirit. Mr. K. Ramachandra Raju, like many others, emerged from a traditional background to forge a new path. He ventured into the manufacturing sector, a trend particularly prominent in Andhra Pradesh. where modest ventures blossomed into significant industrial groups.
Nagarjuna Cements and Beyond: A Vision for Building Materials
Mr. Raju’s pioneering spirit led him to establish Nagarjuna Cements, a mini cement plant. However, his vision extended beyond just cement- Recognizing that construction requires more than a single component; he embarked on a journey to transform NCL Group into a multi-product building materials leader.
This vision began taking shape in the early 1990s with the establishment of a plant producing cement-bonded panicle boards, a versatile material for partitions: roofs: and panels. This initiative: undertaken in collaboration with Bison Werke, a German leader in panicle board technology: marked the first step towards NCL Group’s diversification.
Mr. Raju's Legacy: Innovation and Diversification
Mr. Ramachandra Raju’s entrepreneurial journey wasn’t limited to NCL Group, he played a pioneering role in India’s mini-cement industry. Before establishing Nagarjuna Cements, he started Deccan Nitrates Ltd., a company that extracted valuable materials from nuclear waste, demonstrating a novel approach to pollution control and resource management.
Recognizing the government’s call for increased cement production, Mr. Raju was among the first to establish a mini cement plant in 1979. This venture, Nagarjuna Cements Ltd., proved to be a resounding success, declaring a significant dividend within its first year.
Mr. Raju’s relentless pursuit of innovation led to the introduction of numerous building materials under the NCL Group. From Bison Panels to pre-painted steel profiles, paints, and UPVC windows, his vision and leadership have driven the group’s remarkable growth and diversification within the building materials sector.
