Micro
Concrete Roofing Tiles - An Alternate Roofing Technology
Micro-concrete
roofing (MCR) technology meets the growing demand for
high quality roofing. MCR tiles are a cost-effective and
extremely versatile roofing material. MCR tiles can be
used on steel and wood under structure to make
attractive roofs on residences, farm houses, gazebos,
highway constructions (dhabas), verandahs
and pavilions. In areas with heavy rainfall, MCR tiles
are used extensively for cladding material offering both
waterproofing and aesthetic appeal. It has been used
extensively in cost effective housing schemes,
workplaces, restaurants and poultry farms.
Micro-concrete roofing tiles are ideally suited to
replace thatch and fired clay tiles in rural areas. The
Micro Concrete Roofing Technology in India has been
validated by the Building Materials and Technology
Promotion Council (BMTPC), Government of India
and is promoted by Development Alternatives and TARA
(Technology and Action for Rural Advancement).
Market potential
The current
market potential for MCR tiles is approximately 1.8
million sq mt of roofing every year countrywide. This
figure is based on a market study done by HOLTEC
Consulting Engineers, the premier advisory group in the
cement industry. After surveying many regions all over
the India they have concluded that there is a tremendous
potential for the proliferation of this technology in
almost all parts of the country.
 |
High
durability and aesthetic appeal of MCR tiles -
Cement based product |
|
Replacement
of thatch and clay tiles |
|
Decline
in production of burnt clay tile due to
increasing energy costs |
|
Economic
growth and increase in purchase power |
Over 200
private enterprise are operating in the districts of M.P.,
U.P., Bihar, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Punjab, and
Himachal Pradesh .
Technology Package
The MCR
technology package is the result of global research and
development work. In India, Development Alternatives has
developed the technology and is actively promoting it
since 1996, in association with the Swiss Center for
Development Co-operation in Technology Management (SKAT);
a Roofing Advisory Service (RAS) partner in the
international BASIN network.
The production equipment in India is marketed by TARA.
It includes:
|
A
vibrating table, operated by an electric motor
of rating 1/4 HP, 2800 rpm |
|
A
set of injection molded HIPS moulds, mounted on
wooden frames. |
|
A
complete set of accessories and quality control
equipment |
|
An
alignment tool for getting uniform shape of each
tile |
|
A
bending test equipment for monitoring the
strength of tiles. |
|
A
users manual |
Technology for the people
This technology is
ideally suited for small entrepreneurs
manufacturing cement jali’s, chajja’s or other
similar products used in building construction. Second
generation entrepreneurs producing concrete blocks,
prefabricated R.C.C. beams can also diversify into
roofing material business. Dealers of under-structure
material e.g. suppliers of balli, can take the advantage
of providing both tiles and under-structure material
form the same outlet, by producing MCR tiles as a
parallel business operation.
Cement dealers can take the advantage of dealer price of
cement judiciously and earn high return on value
addition. Complete turnkey job involving transportation
and installation on the roof, which is preferred by the
end user will fetch additional market and profits for
the service contract of the tune of Rs. 30/- Rs. 50/-
per sqm.
MCR as a micro
enterprise
An MCR workshop
needs compact infrastructure. A standard three table
operation can be started in a 60 sq.m. shed. Including
raw material storage, a curing tank and finished stock
yard, a site of about 1000 sq.m. is recommended. A 7.5
KVA power connection for electricity and 3000 ltrs of
potable water is required per day.
The MCR production system is modular. Entrepreneurs can
add additional vibrating tables. Each table will enhance
the monthly production by 6000 tiles. The tiles can be
manufactured at one location and can be easily
transported. In the case of large building projects, the
equipment can be moved for on-site manufacturing of
tiles.
MCR Business
Viability
With initial investment of just 1.17 lakhs which will
include own contribution of 0.4 lakhs, an entrepreneur
can earn profit of Rs. 0.74 lakhs in the very first year
increasing upto Rs. 2.6 lakhs by the end of the fifth
year.
Low break even point, moderate DSCR and high return on
investment makes the MCR Tile enterprise an attractive
business venture that will be given credit easily by
local lead banks, government institutions and private
sources.
Existing network
of MCR enterprises in India
Vishwakarma Industries - Chandigarh
Vishwakarma
Industries has pioneered the use of MCR tiles for
cladding in upmarket bungalows since 1997
COMTRUST - Kerala
COMTRUST a
leading producers of fired clay tiles in Kerala for last
150 years has diversified into MCR tiles.
TBRT - a franchising system – Bhopal & Dehradun
TBRT - a joint
venture between TARA and BKF (a Dutch Institution) has
started franchise operations under TARAcrete brand name
in Bhopal and Dehradun. It plans to expand its
operations to 1600 franchises by the year 2003.
TARAcrete
Building Products -- Jhansi
TARAcrete
Building Products, established in 1996 is catering to
both rural and urban markets in Jhansi and Tikamgarh
district.
|
