Kerala plywood industry, one of the important manufacturing hubs for plywood in the country is going to be equipped with modern plywood machineries and new presses. As per the sources from machinery supplying sector the Kerala based plywood industry are installing modern boilers, which is lesser polluting, big dryers, and multi day-light presses of which are above 12.
Manufacturers located in Perumbavoor and Aluwa area are installing new presses by replacing old, adding more day-lights from 7 to 12, 10 to 15 etc. The capacity expansions on full swing are being reported, and many producers are looking to improve their products quality also. Industry sources say that more capacity expansion are reported from existing manufacturing units, who are either adding presses, increasing day-light or setting up new plants at bigger area. State government is also reportedly supporting the industry for expansion with liberalizing norms for new investments.
Kunnathan Group, MD. Mr Ibrahim from says that there is good demand of plywood, which has been attracting many industry players to expand their capacity but there is challenges of raw materials availability in the state. The timber prices are increasing presently, although the plants are running its 50 percent capacity, hence once the capacity utilization improves the timber prices will go up further. He suggests industry to consider raw materials availability before planning for expansion.