With approx 325 manufacturers, India is marching ahead but with some rough patches. When we analyse the profitability of these manufacturing companies, trade sources say that hardly 75- 80 houses are in profit during FY 25 reports. The next 80 producers have somehow managed last year.
Indian High Pressure Decorative Laminate (HPL) sector is in pioneer position in world markets in terms of capacity, quality, innovation and design. Last month, the we saw the presence of 16 Indian Laminates companies showcasing their innovation in Germany, which is the largest in terms of area covered in the show in this category.
With approx 325 manufacturers, India is marching ahead but with some rough patches. When we analyse the profitability of these manufacturing companies, trade sources say that hardly 75- 80 houses are in profit during FY 25 reports. The next 80 producers have somehow managed last year. Means around 50% of laminate industry are running on the hope of better days. Many seniors in trade feel that last year was the toughest year for HPL segment because a number of units were compelled to exit or slowing else shut the production.
The scenario is a result of huge capacity addition and over supply of materials that tends toward price war. The producers have been trying to reduce thicknesses of materials to manage the prices but now they have reached bottom and its not working now, hence there is a right time to come together for the industry to scale up prices of materials.
There is a fact that the plant operational cost, market expenses, stock and inventory etc has gone drastically high, almost 10 to 15%, hence there is high time to keenly evaluate the prices of laminates for survival. Already few of the leading players have increased prices but why not the smaller ones. That's where the reason is. In fact making lower thickness materials for survival is somehow no more sustainable for this sector and all shall evaluate. What Mr Pragat has been repeatedly telling since a couple of years is now here and staring to laminate industry. Hence a joint call by industry is must for survival and sustaining.
Welcome to the June issue! This issue covers a number of news reports on BIS, Plywood, MDF, Laminate, ACP, Doors, WPC, Timber and other surface decor panels. The financial results, announcements, new launches etc has also been covered. The Interaction with Nishant Agarwal (Austin Plywood) and Mehul Agarwal (Dorby) has also been published. The glimpse of interzum, Germany along with new launches in Hardware, Surface Decor Panels are featured. The market report, technical update, dealers meets etc are one of the highlights of this issue, which you must enjoy reading and take insight to make your business prosperous.
Have a nice time!
Rajeev Parashar
Editor
[Published in Ply Reporter's June 2025 Print Issue]