The Business Bytes
THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR, MAY 22, 2025
The industrial landscape of Odisha took a significant step forward today with the groundbreaking ceremony for Indian Metals and Ferro Alloys Ltd. (IMFA)’s new state-of-the-art plant at the Kalinga Nagar Industrial Complex. Odisha’s Chief Minister, Mohan Charan Majhi, performed the ceremonial rituals, marking the beginning of a major expansion initiative that is set to strengthen the state’s industrial prowess.
The ceremony was attended by several key figures, including Industries Minister Sampad Chandra Swain, Co-operation Minister Pradeep Bal Samanta, Jajpur MP Rabindra Narayan Behera, MLAs Akash Das Nayak and Amar Nayak, and senior IMFA officials. This momentous occasion underscores the ongoing industrial transformation in Odisha, a region long recognized for its contribution to India’s economic growth.
Spread across a sprawling 124.26 acres, the Kalinga Nagar facility is set to produce 100,000 metric tonnes of high-quality ferro chrome annually. The first phase of the plant is expected to be completed by the first quarter of FY2026-27. Upon completion, this new addition will significantly boost IMFA’s overall production capacity, bringing it to a total of 3,84,000 metric tonnes per year. This expansion will further solidify IMFA’s position as India’s leading producer of value-added ferro chrome, a key material used in the manufacturing of stainless steel.
Subhrakant Panda, Managing Director of IMFA, emphasized the long-term impact of this new facility. “We remain deeply committed to Odisha’s development. This facility will not only elevate the state’s industrial credentials but also support IMFA’s growth through sustainable and advanced practices,” Panda said, highlighting the company’s dedication to cutting-edge technology and environmentally responsible manufacturing.
In a bold step toward sustainability, IMFA has entered into a joint venture with JSW Green Energy to supply 110 MW of hybrid renewable energy to power the smelting process at the Kalinga Nagar plant. This partnership reflects IMFA’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and contributing to India’s ambitious goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.
The use of renewable energy in the smelting process is not only an important leap for IMFA but also a significant contribution to the global green energy transition. With this initiative, the company is setting a benchmark for the Indian ferro alloys sector in terms of environmental responsibility.
Founded in 1961 by the late Dr. Bansidhar Panda, IMFA has grown to become a key player in the global ferro alloys industry. The company, headquartered in Bhubaneswar, operates fully integrated production facilities in Therubali and Choudwar, with a combined installed furnace capacity of 190 MVA. IMFA’s operations are ISO 9001 certified, underscoring its adherence to international quality standards and its continued focus on innovation.
The Kalinga Nagar expansion is a testament to IMFA’s ongoing commitment to both technological advancement and sustainable development. As India’s industrial landscape continues to evolve, initiatives like these are vital in positioning Odisha as a leading hub for industrial growth, while simultaneously contributing to the nation’s broader goals for a greener, more sustainable future.
Indian Metals & Ferro Alloys Ltd. (IMFA) is India’s largest producer of value-added ferro chrome, with a significant installed furnace capacity and a comprehensive network of captive chromite mines and power generation units. The company is committed to delivering excellence through its operations, which are aligned with international standards, as well as its commitment to environmental stewardship and community development.
