XTECH is a known name for the people of the Northeast for producing earthquake-resistant steel. A flagship KD Iron & Steel Co., one of the top TMT bar manufacturers in North East India based at IIDC, Moranjona industrial area in Rangia, Assam, XTECH TMT steel and rebar is the leading TMT bar supplier in North East India with its wide range of dealer networks across the region. The company has high-tech plants with an annual production capacity of over 1.5 lakh tons that produce high-quality TMT bars ranging from 6mm to 32mm dimensions in Fe-500/500D grades. With the mission to deliver outstanding quality, value, service, and reliability, the company is focused on continuous development and improvement through innovation, investment and in new technology, and building capabilities of its employees and partners.

Business Northeast brings forth an exclusive interview with the one and only Mr. Dilip Goenka, Managing Director of XTECH to know about his vision and expectations with his entity.

1. XTECH, has pioneered in many sectors within Assam and Northeast, from integrated manufacturing processes, to direct rolling of TMT bars from molten steel billet, producing earthquake resistant bars to build the first block mill in the entire Northeast. How would you define the scenario before 2011, which inspired/encouraged you to step into this sector and come up with such kind of expertise?

In 2009, when we started working on the TMT bar project, we felt that most of the TMT bars were coming from Durgapur (West Bengal) and most of them are not compliant with the requirement of Seismic Zone-V. At that time locally some small units were operating without adequate infrastructure to produce quality steel. So, we have observed that since the entire North East Region is in the Seismic Zone-V, the kind of steel used in the structure is not designed according to the requirement of the region. Therefore, we have decided to manufacture steel that is earthquake resistant.

2. Now that XTECH TMT is 10 years old, how do you see the scenario of such industries changing in Assam?

XTECH evaluates a brand that gives the feel of safety, quality, and consistency. It has also encouraged other local entrepreneurs to set up Regional Brands like SRD in Food, Bhagwati Sai in the Aluminium section, and also various Cement brands in the region.

Truly speaking it has given belief to the local industrialists that if XTECH can do, we can also do it.

3. How did the change in the market space, due to the pandemic, affect your company?

The covid-19 pandemic came suddenly and no one was prepared to face it and when the Hon’ble Prime Minister allowed a nationwide lockdown on 25th March 2020, things looked very bad. With the support of the XTECH family, customers and well-wishers we have faced the Covid-19 challenges successfully and despite various lockdowns, we have been able to maintain a healthy bottom line.

Pandemic has given an opportunity to look inside the organization to make optimum utilization of resources and also increase our efficiency level, etc. We are happy to say that the company has retained all the employees.

4. In the last 10 years, how has the Government helped XTECH in reaching its potential?

XTECH is a product of various schemes framed by the Government of India (GOI) and Government of Assam (GOA) and its success has proved that the GOI and GOA policies were in the right direction and they need to continue with the policies for further development of the region.

5. Can you tell us XTECH’s last year’s turnover? How much do you spend on CSR? What work is done by XTECH under CSR?

XTECH’s last year Turnover was Rs 234 Cr, we have contributed Rs 21 Lakhs to CM Relief Fund for fighting the Covid-19 pandemic. Apart from this, we have contributed to the local development of adjoining villages and also given food to the needy during the pandemic.

6. What is next in the pipeline for XTECH TMT? Further plans of pioneering in something new for the state?

XTECH is going to produce Coated Steel Rebars, as North East Region has a very high water column and most of the Civil Works required filling, so the rate of Corrosion of Normal Steel bar in the below earth section is very high.

Apart from this, we are in the process of establishing the first End of Life Vehicle (ELV) Scrapping center in Rangia. This will be the first facility outside Delhi (NCR) in the entire country.

7. What is the vision for your business expansion in Assam and the Northeast?

I See, Assam, North East, and Bhutan have a single block for Economic development. We have already set up a 2,00,000 MT steel plant with the Royal Government of Bhutan for the production of MS Billet and soon we will start our Rebar plant also.

The Hon'ble Prime Minister has called for a circular economy based on waste. i.e. “Wealth from Waste” in this line we are working on the idea of using different products like Lead (from Battery), Fuel Oil (from MSW), etc.

8. Would you like to say a few words of encouragement for our future entrepreneurs?

For Future Entrepreneurs, I suggest developing faith in their abilities, and only these self-beliefs and hard work are the keys to success.