Tata Steel plans a nearly 50% capacity expansion in India to defend its market share amid rapid growth, secure raw materials, and enter western markets. Most capex will fund from internal accruals, with new capacities aligning post-FY29 demand for profitability and balance sheet strength.
Tata Steel, India's second-largest steel producer with 26 million tonne annual capacity, outlines aggressive expansion to nearly 50% growth. This strategy counters intensifying competition in the booming domestic market, ensures iron ore security as key mine leases expire by FY30, and targets western India entry via partnerships like Lloyds Metals.
Core Expansion Details:
NINL Boost: Fast-tracks Neelachal Ispat Nigare (NINL) to add 4.8 million tonnes, reaching 6 million tonnes total, vital post-FY28 capacity crunch.
Raw Material Security: Acquires 50.01% in Thriveni Pellets and ties up with Lloyds Metals for Surjagarh mine (26 million tonnes/year potential), offsetting legacy mine auctions.
Funding Approach: Capex estimated at ₹70,000-75,000 crore, largely internal accruals to keep net debt stable at ₹87,000 crore levels.
Analysts see new plants contributing from FY29, matching demand surge for higher profitability. Shares remain in focus amid steel price weakness.
Sources: Economic Times, Pulse by Zerodha