In an exclusive interaction with Paper Mart, Mr. Hareram Pandit, Director of Amit Paper Consultants and Engineers, shares valuable insights into the company’s expanding global presence and future growth strategy. With a strong focus on sustainability, export markets, and capacity expansion, he expressed confidence in the paper industry’s long-term prospects and outlined his organization’s vision to double its business in the coming years. During Paperex 2025, the company also showcased several ongoing and upcoming paper plant projects, including significant developments across African markets such as Angola, Kenya, Congo, and Ghana.
Paper Mart: How has Paperex 2025 been for you, and what are you showcasing at the exhibition?
Hareram Pandit: Paperex 2025 has been an excellent experience for us. The exhibition has been very well organised, and the quality of visitors and overall footfall have been highly encouraging.
At Paperex, we are showcasing our ongoing as well as upcoming paper plant projects, with a strong focus on international markets. We are actively engaging with both existing clients and new prospects to discuss project developments and customised solutions.
One of the key highlights is our new project in Angola, where we are currently working on 100 TPD and 200 TPD paper plant configurations. These projects are under active discussion and are being optimised based on specific client requirements, raw material availability, and product mix.
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PM: Can you tell us about your ongoing international projects?
HP: We are currently executing multiple international projects, primarily across Africa and other emerging markets. Our project in Kenya with the DMC Group has been successfully completed and is now operating smoothly.
In Congo, one project is approximately 50% completed, with the remaining work progressing as planned. In Ghana, we have recently initiated a new project, and the machine manufacturing phase has already commenced, with dispatch scheduled in the next stage.
Additionally, we recently upgraded the paper plant capacity in Sri Lanka from 40 TPD to 80 TPD, which was completed successfully last week. We are also involved in projects in Iran.
Overall, our projects in Ghana, Congo, Kenya, Angola, and Sri Lanka are progressing well, reflecting our strong execution capability and international project management expertise.
PM: Why is your company focusing more on the African market?
HP: Our increased focus on the African market is primarily driven by strong client references and proven project performance in the region. When consistent quality and timely execution are delivered, it naturally leads to repeat business and strong referrals.
African markets show significant growth potential, especially in packaging and recycled paper segments. Clients in these regions are keen to invest, collaborate closely, and adopt efficient technologies. This trust, continuity, and long-term partnership approach are the key reasons for our expanding presence in Africa.
Our focus on Africa is largely driven by strong client references and proven project success in the region. When work quality is good, it naturally generates repeat business and referrals.
PM: Can you share details about your collaboration with Microfab?
HP: Yes, we have an active collaboration with Microfab, from whom we source specific components and receive technical support. The quality delivered through this partnership has been consistently excellent, and we have received very positive feedback from our clients.
Currently, we are also working together on a larger 200 TPD project, where Microfab’s technical inputs complement our engineering, manufacturing, and project execution strengths.
PM: How do sustainability trends, such as eco-friendly and packaging paper, impact your business?
HP: Sustainability is becoming a critical focus area in the paper industry. As discussed during the inaugural session at Paperex, sustainable and eco-friendly packaging paper represents a major growth segment.
We are already aligned with this industry shift and see strong opportunities in projects focused on recycled fiber usage, reduced water consumption, and energy-efficient paper machines.
Any project aimed at sustainable paper production aligns well with our long-term strategy, and we are keen to actively support and develop such initiatives.
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PM: How do you see the paper industry evolving over the next 5–10 years?
HP: While the industry may face short-term challenges, the long-term outlook remains positive. We are actively engaged in both domestic and export markets, with exports offering particularly strong growth opportunities.
Over the next 5–10 years, demand for packaging, recycled paper, and sustainable paper products is expected to increase steadily.
From our organisation’s perspective, we are confident of doubling our business in the coming years, driven by international projects, sustainable paper demand, and continued investments in paper manufacturing capacity.
One of the highlights is a new project from Angola, where we are working on 100 TPD and 200 TPD paper plants.
