The primary challenge being addressed by the Industrial Paints and Coatings segment is corrosion management, particularly affecting the marine, Navy, and infrastructure sectors, leading to significant asset deterioration and loss. To safeguard substrates in these challenging conditions, Advance Paints, established in 1945 in Mumbai, began operations with the production of general-purpose paints and synthetic enamels.
Over time, it shifted focus to high-performance coatings for the industrial sector, emphasizing the transportation industry (Indian Railways) and the marine sector (the Indian Navy). The company has also expanded its expertise to include specialized coatings such as intumescent fire-retardant coatings, sound-dampening coatings, self-cleaning coatings, camouflage coatings, and others.
"Over the past years, we have progressed from basic oil-based coatings to synthetic enamels, epoxy, and polyurethane systems, and now to highly advanced coatings such as modified epoxy coatings and silicon coatings. Having been in this industry for over 75 years, we have been part of this evolution, observing and contributing to the shift towards increasingly sophisticated, high-performance coatings that exceed the durability and performance of traditional coatings and contain functional properties", says Aayush Parikh, Vice President (Business Development), Advance Paints.
Building Resilience
Advance Paints provides a diverse product range, including solutions for the oil and gas sector like Chemical Resistant coatings, High Build Mastic coatings, Epoxy reinforced Glass Flake coatings, Polyurethane topcoats, and others. It collaborates closely with clients, assessing project requirements, lifecycle expectations, and environmental factors. In a recent partnership with L&T for the Indian Army, the company developed a modified primer system and a fluoropolymer-based topcoat to meet the 25-year durability requirement exceeding the 8-10-year lifespan of standard coatings.
Quality control is at the core of Advance Paints' operations. To ensure product durability, the company conducts extensive, long-term tests in an in-house laboratory, replicating real-world conditions over several months. During manufacturing, each product is subjected to comprehensive quality checks, including periodic durability testing, to confirm adherence to the highest standards. The Quality Control team maintains final authority, with no product leaving the factory without their formal approval.
This rigorous approach assures clients of the lasting protection and reliability that define Advance Paints' offerings. Third-party and international lab tests further validate reliability. As a testament to this, they tested their Food Grade Epoxy Paint and received UK WRAS (Water Regulation Approvals Scheme) approval, certifying it safe for potable water contact.
Advance Paints has achieved significant milestones, notably its four-decade-long association with Indian Railways, which includes supplies for the prestigious Vande Bharat project, and its three-decade relationship with the Indian Navy, underscoring rigorous product certifications and reliability. Their focus on quality, robust R&D, and life cycle cost efficiency, rather than per-unit pricing, positions them competitively as the market shifts toward longer-lasting infrastructure solutions.
The company emphasizes continuous learning at all organizational levels, with annual training schedules tailored to each role, from management to production. Regular reviews ensure adherence to these programs. Additionally, team members gain industry exposure through conferences, such as NACE's Corcon event, where the company presents research papers. This commitment to growth has fostered a loyal workforce, with many employees rising through the ranks over decades due to consistent training.
Finally, Advance Paints is developing a nanotechnology-based product line offering enhanced durability with lower dry film thickness (DFT). In response to evolving environmental regulations, they're also expanding their portfolio with low- VOC, high-solids, and water-based solutions, aiding clients with eco-friendly options for infrastructure and export projects. Led by Dr Jagdish Dalal, its R&D team focuses on nanotechnology innovations and maintains a strategic partnership with DRDO, providing customized solutions for defense projects. This commitment to sustainability and innovation ensures that the company remains responsive to evolving customer needs and industry standards.
