



Paint makers see opportunity in industrial segment as competition intensifies in decorative
₹9,000 crore to become the country’s fourth-largest paint company, sees stronger growth potential in industrial coatings than in the decorative segment, Parth Jindal managing director of JSW Paints and chairman of JSW Dulux, the erstwhile AkzoNobel India, told Mint.“We have global R&D capabilities after we acquired Akzo Nobel and particularly in the absence of Birla Opus in the industrial paints space we see less competition,” Jindal said. He added that a potential shift towards electric vehicles (EVs), driven by the West Asia conflict, could further boost demand.The conflict has already started influencing the EV market.
Since the war began at the end of February, crude oil prices have hit new records, and EV makers such as Vietnam’s VinFast and homegrown Ola Electric have offered discounts to wean consumers away from internal combustion engine vehicles. Analysts say the energy crisis could push fence-sitters towards EVs.JSW Paints’ acquisition also gives it a stronger industrial paints platform.
Under the deal, the Dutch parent will retain the powder coating business of AkzoNobel India and continue as the technology supplier for industrial paints.Berger Paints, a larger peer, is weighing a similar shift. The company is particularly focused on opportunities arising from EV-driven demand.“If the EV segment grows, we will focus more on that business and build on our existing presence.
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