Amit Paper Consultants Sees Strong Overseas Demand with Paper Mill Projects in Kenya, Congo, Ghana, and Angola

Amit Paper Consultants Sees Strong Overseas Demand with Paper Mill Projects in Kenya, Congo, Ghana, and Angola

- Export Markets Strong While Indian Paper Market Faces Overcapacity: Conversation with Amit Paper Consultants & Engineers
- We are also discussing a 200-ton project in Angola.

The Pulp and Paper Times had a conversation with Mr. Hareram Pandit, Founder & Director of Amit Paper Consultants and Engineers (Paper Mill Machinery Suppliers & Plant Consultants). Established in 2013, Amit Paper is engaged in manufacturing and wholesale trading of Paper Machine Press Roll, Paper Making Plant, and related equipment. Under the supervision of Mr. Pandit Hareram, the company has achieved significant growth. Amit Paper Consultants & Engineering is driven by a team of experienced technologists and architects with an auspicious track record and strong reputation in the paper machinery sector. The discussion below is presented in a Q&A format.

The Pulp and Paper Times

Q: How do you see the current paper market scenario?

In the paper market, the situation has been slightly better in the last two to six months. However, when we look at exports, our business is running very well in overseas countries. There is no shortage in those markets. We are working in many African countries as well as in the Gulf region. In Africa alone, we are active in around 11 countries, including West Africa, and we are also supplying in Gulf markets. Companies there are working with good margins. For example, mills that earlier had 10-ton machines have expanded to 100-ton capacity, and those with one machine have installed additional machines. Many new players have also entered the market.

Q: Are you currently working on any international projects?

Yes, we currently have three projects running. In Kenya, within one year we increased the client’s production capacity by 40 tons, and our work with them is continuing. Through another project discussion, we secured a 50-ton project in Congo, and the machine is already dispatched. Its erection will start in February. Through the Congo connection, we also secured a project in Ghana. The dispatch will begin in December and installation is expected to start in March. We are also discussing a 200-ton project in Angola. The client had earlier installed a 100-ton mill with us but now wants to expand to 200 tons. They have sent us technical details, and discussions are currently ongoing.

Q: If the export market is doing well, why is the Indian paper market facing challenges?

The main reason is overcapacity. Suppose the consumption in the market is 10 tons but mills install machines of 100 tons capacity. Then the extra 90 tons has to go somewhere. Between 2018 and 2022, many new paper mills came up in India. Then the waste paper market went down, especially during COVID, which affected imports. Prices increased and consumption reduced. Also, the digital market is growing, so some sectors are focusing more on digital platforms rather than paper. This has slightly reduced consumption in India. However, this situation is not the same in foreign markets.

Q: When do you expect normalization in the Indian paper market?

In my opinion, the Indian market will become active and stabilize within about two years.

Q: Apart from paper machinery, do you also supply packaging or allied machines?

Our machines mainly go into packaging plants because the paper produced is used for packaging applications. We also work on virgin-based projects. For example, one of our clients produces notebook paper and decorative paper using cotton. They supply these products to nine countries.

Q: Could you tell us about the types of machinery and products you deal in?

We supply machinery ranging from 5 tons to 400 tons capacity. We work with different types of paper such as tissue paper, including napkin tissue and toilet tissue, which can be made from virgin or recycled fiber. We also work with CR paper, single-wire, double-wire, triple-wire, and four-wire machines. Other grades include coated duplex board, MG poster paper, and anti-printing paper. Anti-printing paper includes recycled grades like 52 GSM writing paper used by school children. Higher grades can be produced using a mix of virgin and waste paper, and some projects also run completely on virgin fiber, such as bundle paper.

Q: How do you see the role of technology and AI in the paper industry?

The transformation has started but it will take time. AI and digital solutions may become more common after around ten years. Right now, not every company can invest in such systems because they require large investments. Many mills do not have the financial resources to adopt expensive solutions immediately. Banks also check the background of companies before providing funds, so investment decisions depend on financial strength.

Q: What makes your company stand out in the market?

Our work is different because we focus on quality and customized solutions. For example, if a mill has higher power consumption, water consumption, or chemical usage, we conduct a survey and modify the system to improve efficiency. That is the type of work we specialize in.

Q: Why should a new paper mill choose your company for machinery and consultancy?

When someone chooses Amit Paper, they get complete solutions at one place. We have around 100 types of sources and services. From land planning and building design to machinery procurement, installation, commissioning, and even helping the client sell paper in the market, we handle the entire process and then hand over the plant.

Q: What services do you cover under consultancy?

Our consultancy team surveys around 14–15 operational aspects such as water consumption, electricity usage, fuel, manpower, and chemical consumption. After the survey, we submit a detailed report to the client. If the report is agreed upon, we proceed with implementation. For example, in Kenya, a mill that was running at 60 tons for 12 years was increased to more than 100 tons within one year through our intervention.

Q: What about retrofitting and modification in existing mills?

Yes, we also do retrofitting and machine adjustments to improve existing infrastructure and increase productivity.

Q: How do you ensure quality and post-sales service?

We are very active in services even after the sale. Some components are manufactured in our workshop, while others are sourced from external suppliers. We carefully monitor these processes. After the machine is built, we conduct third-party inspections and invite the client to check the machine. We also provide raw material details and full certification.

Q: How do you compete with European machinery suppliers?

Some machinery is fully manufactured in India, but certain components may be sourced from Europe or China when required. We also provide consultancy internationally and have worked in Europe as well, including projects in Spain.

Q: How large is your current client base?

On average, we have more than 50 clients. Even today, visitors from different countries continue to meet us. For example, a delegation from Iran recently visited us and is currently in discussion regarding potential projects.

Through this discussion, Mr. Hareram Pandit highlighted that while the Indian paper market is currently facing challenges due to overcapacity and changing consumption patterns, export markets—especially in Africa and the Gulf—continue to provide strong opportunities for growth in the global paper machinery sector.
 

Published at : Jun 16, 2026 06:24 AM (IST)

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