Eveready commissions alkaline battery plant in Jammu

Eveready Industries India Ltd. has commissioned an alkaline battery manufacturing facility at the SIDCO Industrial Complex in Samba, Jammu, marking the country’s only functioning unit of its kind. The facility was inaugurated by Manoj Sinha, Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, in the presence of Mohit Burman, Chairman of Eveready.

The greenfield project involves an investment of about Rs 200 crore and is aimed at strengthening domestic manufacturing capacity in line with the government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative. The company stated that the facility will support expansion of its alkaline battery segment while reducing dependence on imports.

The plant has an installed capacity of around 456 million units annually, with a peak production capability of about 360 million alkaline batteries. It is expected to cater to rising demand driven by increased use of high-drain electronic devices. Eveready, which holds over 52% share in the dry cell battery market, currently has nearly 20% share in the alkaline segment and plans to scale this further. The unit will also support white-label manufacturing and exports.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Anirban Banerjee said the commissioning of the plant represents a key milestone for both the company and India’s battery manufacturing ecosystem. He noted that growing demand for high-performance devices is driving the need for advanced battery technologies, and the facility will support development of durable and higher-value products.

Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Bibek Agarwala stated that the project will improve operational efficiency through scale benefits and lower import dependence. He added that the facility positions the company to capture growth in the alkaline battery segment while strengthening its presence in higher-value categories.

The plant incorporates sustainability features, including a 1 MW rooftop solar installation, a rainwater harvesting system with a capacity of 275 kilolitres per day, and a zero-liquid-discharge design.

The project is also expected to contribute to regional economic development through job creation and support for local industrial activity.

Photo credit: Eveready Industries India Ltd.