Tamilnadu Petroproducts Ltd - Stock Valuation and Financial Performance

Tamilnadu Petroproducts Limited (TPL), a corporate star, was established in the year 1984 with the objective of setting up a 50,000 MTA Linear Alkyl Benzene (LAB) project. TPL has since imprinted winning hallmarks successively over the years in corporate India and the petrochemical industry in particular. Over more than a decade, TPL grew in strength, thinking differently, harnessing the resources by laying a fundamental platform for financial strength and responding to customers innovatively by bringing in new products and services.

Conceived in the early 80s, the genesis of Linear Alkyl Benzene (LAB) project by Tamilnadu Petroproducts Limited (TPL) could be traced back to the promoter's vision to propel the growth of environmental friendly and bio-degradable detergents in India serving as an import substitution product. The emerging economic environment in India offered a very high potential for newer petrochemical business, especially in the area of business focussed on consumer requirements in the country. TPL as part of its initial pre-project activities, worked towards identifying suitable location, obtaining necessary governmental clearances, sourcing of right technology, typing up of feedstock and other raw materials and further executing necessary technology / feedstock agreements. TPL commissioned the LAB Project successfully in April 1988 in a record 22 months from the time of financial closure. In 1989 a Modern Define Unit, the first of its kind in Asia with UOP know-how was installed to improve the quality to adhere to global standards.

In the year 1990, a 15,000 MTPA Heavy Normal Paraffin unit was commissioned to cater to the requirements of Chlorinated Paraffin Wax (CPW) manufacturers. CPW finds extensive application in synthesizing plasticisers.

After a couple of years time in 1992, TPL's LAB Plant was the first in the world to implement Advanced Process Control in association with M/s. Setpoint, USA., increasing the LAB capacity level to 85,000 MTPA. TPL's LAB plant has since evolved itself as a role model plant in the LAB industry.

During the year 1995, TPL diversified into manufacture of Epichlorohydrin (ECH), a key raw material for producing Epoxy Resins. Further during year 2000, TPL as part of consolidation of ECH business acquired a 150 MTPD Caustic Soda / Chlorine a plant which uses the latest Membrane, cell process. In line with the changes required to envision and remain with the time, TPL has committed itself to adopting the state of the art technology. During the year 2001, TPL achieved a capacity of 100,000 MTPA of LAB and further is in an advanced stage of enhance the LAB capacity to 120,000 MTPA in the year 2003-04. The vision to grow and maintain leadership in this business is a silver lining to its business philosophy.

TPL has surged ahead with laurels for a challenging & promising future, carrying the business commitment of the promoters, M/s. SPIC Limited, who have diverse interest in fertilizers, petrochemicals and other services and Tamilnadu Industrial Development Corporation Limited (TIDCO), a state government enterprise, with prime interest in promoting industries in the state of Tamil Nadu. SPIC its boasts of a turnover close to $800 million and has been the principal force in TPL achieving corporate leadership in detergent business.

The LAB plant is located in the Manali Industrial Belt, 25 km away from Chennai City. The various infrastructure facility at Manali, the advantages of a Metropolitan city, hi-tech communication interface and cosmopolitan culture, synergise with the vision of promoters business plans.

TPL continues to march ahead excellent track record and its achievements in a short time frame stand out distinctly, propelled by continuous upgradation of technology, quality human resource and utmost customer satisfaction.

Product range of the company includes:

• Linear Alkyl Benzene- Grades : SL-352 and SL-402
• Heavy Alkylate (LAB Byproduct)
• Epichlorohydrin
• Caustic Soda / Chlorine / Hydrochloric Acid / Ammonium Chloride / Sodium Hypo chlorite

The company has joint venture agreements with:

• Henkel SPIC India Limited (HSIL)
• Petro Araldite Private Limited (PAPL)
• SPIC Electric Power Corporation (Private) Limited (SEPC)
• Vopak Sical Terminal Limited