Competitive Strengths and Strategies | Paradeep Phosphates Limited

Strong Value Chain

We have a strong value chain comprising backward integrated manufacturing processes, advanced production facilities, captive power facilities, and a vast distribution network of farmers and retailers. Our long-term supply contracts allow us to source key raw materials at competitive prices. For instance, we procure phosphate rock from our promoter, OCP Group, and use it to manufacture phosphoric acid in-house at Paradeep plant, resulting in significantly higher margins as compared to our competitors. Additionally, we utilise waste and by-products generated from our manufacturing process such as phospho-gypsum which is used as a soil conditioner and also sold to cement companies. Two of our captive power units at Paradeep have also been designed to run on excess steam generated from our sulphuric acid production plant.

Logistical Advantage

Both our facilities are strategically located near the port. At Paradeep, we own a captive berth with 14 metres draft with loading and unloading facilities. A closed 3.4 km long conveyor belt and a 3.1 km long pipeline directly transport solid and liquid raw materials to our facility, saving us on last-mile transportation costs. Our Goa facility is located near Mormugao port where we have a dedicated railway siding as well as loading and loading facilities. Both plants also have large storage facilities — a major market advantage as it protects us from short-term disruptions in supply and price volatility.

Diversified Product Portfolio

We have a large product portfolio of complex fertilizers and agrochemicals. With the acquisition of our Goa facility in June 2022, we have further diversified our offerings. Our Goa facility is engaged in the manufacturing, distribution and sales of various fertilizers such as DAP, several grades of NPK and urea. In India, NPK-19 is exclusively produced at our Goa facility, giving us a natural market advantage in this segment. We also sell excess ammonia, sulphuric acid and phosphoric acid for industrial consumption, which both enhances our revenue and maximises our operational efficiency.

Robust Distribution Network

Our products are marketed and distributed through a strong sales network comprising 21 regional marketing offices and 510 stock points across 16 states. Through a network of 5,322 dealers and 72,925 retailers, we cater to more than 8 million farmers across India. Since both our facilities are near the port, we have access to a network of railways, waterways and highways, allowing us to efficiently serve markets all over India. Our Goa facility, in particular, caters to states with a high fertilizer demand, namely Maharashtra, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Telangana that together account for 44.2% of the total phosphate sales in India.

Advanced Manufacturing Capabilities

We have two manufacturing units at Paradeep and Goa, both of which are strategically located near the port. Both facilities have a combined DAP and NPK production capacity of 2.6 MMTPA. We also have a large production capacity of intermediate chemicals. At Paradeep plant, the total annual installed production capacity is 1.39 million MT for sulphuric acid and 0.3 million MT for phosphoric acid which we plan to expand to 0.5 million MT by 2024. Our facility in Goa has a manufacturing capacity of 0.40 million MT for urea and 0.23 million MT for ammonia, and is one of the few fertilizer plants in India with co-located manufacturing facilities for both phosphatic and urea fertilizers. This improves our operational efficiency and leadership position among dealers and farmers.

Our Growth Strategy

Strengthening market leadership through new installations and offerings

Becoming more profitable through increased backward integration

Expanding distribution channels to increase reach

Growing inorganically through acquisitions