Mott MacDonald has been appointed by Hi-Tech Carbon, a part of Aditya Birla Nuvo Limited, to provide detailed engineering services for an upgrade of an existing carbon black plant in Renukoot, Uttar Pradesh in North India.

Mott MacDonald’s team will provide detailed engineering designs for upgrading the site and its equipment as well as technical guidance for procurement and tender reviews. In addition, the team will assist with inspections and supervision of construction. The modifications will enable the use of excess steam generated by the carbon black plant process to be re-used. This is being introduced to enhance energy efficiency and falls in line with Aditya Birlo Nuvo’s aims to be the most respected, green, global advanced fillers business.

Vinod Shah, Mott MacDonald’s Divisional Manager said, “We are very pleased that we have been selected for this project which is being executed from our Kolkata Office. Our staff in our Mumbai office are also providing engineering designs for Carbon Black projects in Egypt and Patalganga in India and this demonstrates our specialist industry knowledge which we will employ in delivering a world class solution for Hi-Tech Carbon.”

He added, “The main challenges will be working in relatively confined spaces and working across several interfaces to achieve a harmonious process and system.”

The plant upgrade has a capital value of 3.3 million Indian Rupees which is around $USD 69,900* and is due to be completed towards the end of 2009.

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Notes to editors: * based on 11 June 2009 currency converter figures.