Deepak Nitrite
Deepak Nitrite Limited is an Indian multinational chemical manufacturing company headquartered in Vadodara, Gujarat, specializing in the production of advanced chemical intermediates and phenolic products for diverse industrial applications worldwide.[1] Founded on June 6, 1970, by Shri C. K. Mehta as part of the Deepak Group, the company has grown into a key player in the chemical sector, operating through two primary business segments: Advanced Intermediates and Phenolics.[2][3] The Advanced Intermediates segment focuses on manufacturing over 100 specialty chemical products using advanced processes such as nitration, hydrogenation, diazotization, alkylation, oxidation, and chlorination, serving more than 56 applications across industries like agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, and dyes.[2] These products are produced at five manufacturing facilities spread across three Indian states, supporting a global footprint in over 50 countries with partnerships including 50 Fortune 500 companies and exports accounting for 16% of revenue.[2] The Phenolics segment, a more recent expansion, produces essential downstream chemicals including phenol (200 KTPA capacity), acetone (120 KTPA), and iso-propyl alcohol (30-60 KTPA), primarily from its state-of-the-art facility in Dahej, Gujarat.[4] This ₹1,700 crore investment, the largest in the private sector since 2016, emphasizes sustainability with IoT-enabled operations, low emissions, and high yields, catering to growing domestic demand (8-10% YoY for phenol and acetone) while promoting import substitution.[4] In fiscal year 2024-25, Deepak Nitrite achieved consolidated revenue of approximately ₹8,366 crore, reflecting robust growth and serving over 1,500 customers globally under the leadership of Chairman and Managing Director Shri Deepak C. Mehta and CEO Shri Maulik Mehta.[2][3] The company's commitment to responsible manufacturing, innovation, and environmental stewardship positions it as a vital contributor to India's chemical industry.[2][4]History
Founding and Early Development
Deepak Nitrite Limited was incorporated on June 6, 1970, as a private limited company in Vadodara, Gujarat, by Chimanlal Khimchand Mehta, a first-generation entrepreneur with expertise in chemical trading and manufacturing.[5][6] The venture was established to produce chemical intermediates, capitalizing on Mehta's prior experience in the sector to address growing demand in India's nascent industrial landscape.[7] In 1971, the company launched its initial public offering (IPO), which was oversubscribed 20 times, reflecting strong investor confidence in its potential despite the absence of operational manufacturing at the time.[6][7] This successful listing on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) marked Deepak Nitrite's entry into public markets and provided essential capital for expansion.[8] The company's first manufacturing operations commenced in 1972 with the commissioning of sodium nitrite and sodium nitrate plants at Nandesari, near Vadodara, Gujarat.[6] These facilities focused on producing basic chemicals like sodium nitrite, which found early applications in dyes, pharmaceuticals, and rubber industries, establishing Deepak Nitrite as a key supplier in these sectors.[9][10] By 1984, Deepak Nitrite expanded its portfolio through the acquisition of Sahyadri Dyestuffs & Chemicals unit from Mafatlal Industries, enabling entry into dyestuffs and related chemical production. This move diversified its early operations beyond inorganic nitrates, strengthening its position in the specialty chemicals market during the 1980s.[10]Major Expansions and Acquisitions
In 1995, Deepak Nitrite commissioned a full-fledged hydrogenation plant at Taloja, Maharashtra, which enabled the production of advanced intermediates such as aniline and derivatives from nitro compounds like nitrochlorobenzene.[11] This facility marked a key step in diversifying beyond basic nitroaromatics, enhancing the company's capabilities in value-added chemical synthesis. The company pursued further growth through a brownfield expansion at its Nandesari facility in Gujarat, commissioned in June 2013, which increased production capacity for inorganic salts and supported expansion in fine and speciality chemicals.[12][13] This project boosted overall output at the site, contributing to the company's turnover surpassing ₹1,000 crore that year and strengthening its position in chemical intermediates.[10] A significant strategic shift occurred in 2014 when Deepak Nitrite approved a ₹1,400 crore investment to enter the phenolics segment, aiming to become India's largest phenol-acetone manufacturer.[14] In 2015, it promoted subsidiary Deepak Phenolics Limited to execute this greenfield project at Dahej, Gujarat, with an initial capital outlay of approximately ₹1,200 crore for a 200,000 MTPA phenol and 120,000 MTPA acetone plant.[15][16] This move diversified the company's portfolio into downstream petrochemicals, with commercial production commencing in 2019.[12] Recent milestones include multiple Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) signed with the Government of Gujarat, starting with a ₹5,000 crore agreement in May 2023 for expansions in speciality chemicals, phenol, acetone, and bisphenol-A, followed by an additional ₹9,000 crore MoU in January 2024, totaling ₹14,000 crore over five years.[17][18] In March 2024, subsidiary Deepak Chem Tech Limited commissioned a fluorination plant at Dahej, marking entry into fluorination technology for advanced chemical applications.[19] In November 2024, Deepak Chem Tech Limited signed an agreement with affiliates of Trinseo PLC to acquire polycarbonate production assets and technology license from Stade, Germany, for $52.5 million (approximately ₹440 crore), with plans to relocate and establish a 165,000 metric tons per annum polycarbonate resin plant at Dahej, entailing a total investment of ₹5,000 crore.[20][21] In April 2025, the board of Deepak Chem Tech approved a ₹3,500 crore investment to expand capacities at Dahej with new facilities for 300,000 tons per annum (KTA) of phenol, 185 KTA of acetone, and 100 KTA of isopropyl alcohol (IPA), increasing total capacities to 630 KTA phenol, 385 KTA acetone, and 180 KTA IPA.[22][23] In October 2025, Deepak Nitrite inaugurated the Deepak Research & Development Centre (DRDC) 2.0, a 5-acre state-of-the-art facility at Savli, Vadodara, with an investment of approximately ₹100 crore, aimed at advancing innovations in specialty chemicals and sustainable technologies.[24] These initiatives underscore Deepak Nitrite's focus on capacity enhancement and technological diversification.[17]Business Operations
Manufacturing Facilities
Deepak Nitrite operates five manufacturing facilities across three Indian states—Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Telangana—specializing in the production of advanced intermediates and phenolics through specialized chemical processes. These sites collectively support the manufacture of over 100 products, leveraging expertise in nitration, hydrogenation, diazotization, oxidation, chlorination, and alkylation to ensure efficient, multi-product operations. The facilities emphasize scalable production capacities and process integration to meet diverse industrial demands while adhering to stringent safety and environmental protocols.[25][2] The primary facility at Nandesari in Gujarat serves as a multi-product hub for advanced intermediates, including nitrite and nitroaromatic compounds, with dedicated capacities for nitration, hydrogenation, and diazotization processes. Established as the company's foundational site, it underwent significant expansion in 2013 to enhance production versatility and includes the Deepak Research and Development Centre (DRDC) for innovation support. This location also features a pilot plant and Mechanical Vapour Recompression technology for water recovery, contributing to operational efficiency.[25][26] In Dahej, Gujarat, the facility—operated through the Deepak Phenolics subsidiary—focuses on phenolics production, utilizing cumene-based processes to yield phenol and acetone, with commercial output commencing in November 2018. It boasts an annual phenol capacity of 330,000 metric tonnes, alongside 80,000 metric tonnes per annum (MTPA) of isopropyl alcohol (IPA), supported by a 250,000 tonnes per annum (KTPA) propylene unit and an 11 KTPA hydrogen plant. Recent expansions, including a fluorination plant commissioned in March 2024 and a nitric acid unit, with the concentrated nitric acid plant commissioned in 2025 and the weak nitric acid unit commissioned in Q2 FY 2025-26, aim at import substitution and backward integration, with planned investments of over ₹14,000 crore under a memorandum of understanding with the Gujarat government. In September 2025, a new hydrogenation plant was commissioned at Dahej, with capacity to support specialty chemicals production, at a cost of approximately ₹115 crore.[27] The site includes a 29 MW captive power plant and a 20 tonnes per hour (TPH) multi-fuel boiler for self-sufficiency.[25][23][28][22] The Taloja plant in Maharashtra specializes in hydrogenation processes for speciality chemicals, such as diphenylamine and other fine chemicals derived from nitromatics, with the hydrogenation unit commissioned in 1995 to bolster advanced intermediates output. Equipped with reverse osmosis systems for water management (40 kilolitres per day), it integrates nitration and diazotization capabilities to support high-value production. This facility contributes to the company's phenolics ecosystem through efficient downstream processing.[25][29][11] Additional facilities at Roha in Maharashtra and Hyderabad in Telangana complement the network: Roha handles advanced intermediates, phenolics, pesticide intermediates, and organic chemicals via similar core processes, including pilot plants for agrochemicals, dyes, and pharmaceuticals; while Hyderabad focuses on speciality chemicals with advanced recovery systems. Both sites enhance the overall portfolio through process expertise in oxidation and chlorination, ensuring diversified production across the five locations.[25][30] Sustainability is integral to all facilities, with a strong emphasis on responsible chemistry practices, including Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) systems, 60% water recovery via reverse osmosis at key sites like Dahej and Taloja, and recycling of 436,526 kilolitres of water annually. Waste management initiatives recycled 109,494 metric tonnes of materials in FY 2023-24, achieving 89% reuse rates, while hazardous waste is disposed per regulations through co-processing and authorized recyclers. All sites comply with Pollution Control Board norms, hold ISO 14001 certifications, and feature daily environmental monitoring, third-party audits, and renewable energy integration—such as 40 kilowatt-peak solar installations and biofuel usage—resulting in a 12.49% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. The company has earned the Responsible Care logo and high Together for Sustainability scores (e.g., 100% at Dahej, 95% at Hyderabad).[25][29][31]Business Segments
Deepak Nitrite operates through two primary business segments: Advanced Intermediates and Phenolics, which collectively drive its chemical manufacturing and supply chain integration.[2] The Advanced Intermediates segment focuses on the production of basic chemicals such as nitric acid and sodium nitrite, alongside fine and specialty chemicals including optical brightening agents.[2] This segment serves key industries like agrochemicals, dyes and pigments, and pharmaceuticals, providing essential raw materials for downstream applications.[2] Historically, it has formed the core of the company's revenue, contributing the majority of earnings prior to the expansion of newer divisions.[32] The Phenolics segment, managed through the wholly owned subsidiary Deepak Phenolics Limited, centers on the manufacture of cumene, phenol, and acetone, with additional products like isopropyl alcohol and ammonium sulfate.[33] This division aims to reduce India's reliance on imports for these critical intermediates while supplying downstream sectors such as engineering plastics, resins, and automotive components.[32] Commissioned in November 2018, the segment has experienced rapid growth, leveraging integrated production processes to enhance efficiency and market responsiveness.[32] The company's overall business model is export-oriented, with approximately 16% of revenue derived from shipments to over 50 countries, supported by partnerships with 50 Fortune 500 companies and service to more than 1,500 global customers.[2] These segments enable a diversified portfolio of over 100 products across 56+ applications, emphasizing value-added intermediates through expertise in processes like hydrogenation, nitration, and oxidation.[2] Strategically, Deepak Nitrite prioritizes diversification into performance products within both segments to capture growth in high-demand areas, alongside commitments to sustainable practices such as responsible production and reduced environmental impact.[2] This approach positions the company to address evolving industry needs while maintaining operational resilience.[34]Products
Advanced Intermediates
The Advanced Intermediates segment of Deepak Nitrite focuses on nitrogen-based chemicals, offering over 100 products that serve as building blocks for downstream industries.[2] This segment, which generated approximately ₹2,527 crore in revenue during fiscal year 2024-25, emphasizes high-purity intermediates produced through specialized chemical engineering.[2][3] Key products in this category include sodium nitrite and sodium nitrate, which are fundamental for applications in dyes, rubber chemicals, and food preservation as curing agents.[35] Deepak Nitrite holds about 80% of the Indian market share for sodium nitrite, positioning it as a leading global producer.[36] Nitric acid, another core offering, is utilized in the manufacture of fertilizers, explosives, and nylon precursors.[37] Specialized nitro compounds such as nitro toluidine—Deepak Nitrite's largest standalone product—support pigment and dye production, where the nitro group is attached to toluidine molecules in various isomers.[38] Nitrochlorobenzene isomers, including 4-nitrochlorobenzene, are key for agrochemicals and pharmaceuticals, with Deepak Nitrite recognized as a major player in this market.[39] Aniline and its derivatives, such as toluidines and xylidines, enable synthesis in agrochemicals, dyes, and pharmaceuticals.[35] Diphenylamine derivatives, like 4-methoxy-2-methyl diphenylamine, function as antioxidants in rubber processing.[40] Production in this segment relies on unique processes tailored to nitro and amine chemistries. Nitration introduces nitro groups to aromatic compounds, forming products like nitro toluidine and nitrochlorobenzene through reaction with nitric acid mixtures.[2] Diazotization converts primary aromatic amines, such as aniline derivatives, into diazonium salts for azo dye intermediates, often involving sodium nitrite in acidic conditions.[41] Basic chemical synthesis handles inorganic salts like sodium nitrite via absorption of nitrous gases from ammonia oxidation, while hydrogenation reduces nitro groups to amines.[2] These processes, including oxidation, alkylation, and chlorination, ensure scalability and compliance with environmental standards.[2] Applications span colorants (dyes and pigments via azo coupling and nitration derivatives), rubber chemicals (antioxidants from diphenylamine), explosives (nitric acid and nitrates), and pharmaceuticals/agrochemicals (intermediates like nitrochlorobenzene and anilines), supporting over 56 global uses.[2] The segment maintains a domestic focus in India while expanding exports, contributing 16% of revenue from 50+ countries and serving 1,500+ customers, including 50 Fortune 500 partners, through adherence to international quality norms.[2]Phenolics
Deepak Nitrite's phenolics segment primarily focuses on the production of aromatic chemicals derived from the cumene process, serving as essential building blocks for various industrial applications. The key products include cumene as the primary feedstock, phenol, and acetone, with production centered at the Dahej facility in Gujarat, India. This segment was commissioned in 2018 with an initial investment exceeding ₹1,400 crore, marking a significant step in import substitution for India's petrochemical needs.[42][43][32] The manufacturing process employs the cumene peroxidation method, where cumene is oxidized to cumene hydroperoxide and subsequently cleaved to yield phenol and acetone as co-products. Current production capacities stand at 345,000 tonnes per annum (TPA) for phenol and 210,000 TPA for acetone, following debottlenecking initiatives that enhanced output beyond the original 200,000 TPA and 120,000 TPA, respectively; cumene capacity supports this at approximately 260,000 tonnes annually for captive use, with further expansions in progress.[3] These scales position Deepak Nitrite to meet a substantial portion of domestic demand, capturing over 50% of India's phenol market share amid growing imports previously dominated by foreign suppliers.[22][32][38] Phenol finds widespread use in the production of phenolic resins for laminates, coatings, and adhesives, as well as in bisphenol-A for engineering plastics like polycarbonate, and in pharmaceuticals as an intermediate. Acetone serves as a solvent in various chemical processes and as a raw material for methyl methacrylate, used in acrylic sheets and coatings. The segment's growth is driven by India's expanding downstream industries, with annual demand for phenol and acetone rising 8-10% year-over-year; recent investments, including a ₹3,500 crore project approved in April 2025 for an additional 300,000 TPA phenol, 185,000 TPA acetone, and downstream integration into polycarbonate resins, aim to further strengthen value chain participation and reduce import reliance.[4][23]Leadership and Governance
Key Executives
Deepak C. Mehta serves as the Chairman and Managing Director of Deepak Nitrite Limited, having assumed leadership through family succession from his father, the company's founder. A science graduate from the University of Bombay, he brings over 40 years of experience in the chemical industry, guiding the company's strategic vision with a focus on diversification and growth. Under his oversight, Deepak Nitrite has expanded into the phenolics segment, including the commissioning of India's largest phenol-acetone plant in Dahej, Gujarat, in 2020, which enhanced production capacities for key downstream products.[44][45] Mehta has also championed sustainability initiatives, integrating eco-friendly practices across operations as outlined in the company's annual sustainability reports.[31] Maulik Deepak Mehta, son of Deepak C. Mehta, holds the positions of Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director, appointed in June 2020. Educated with a BBA from the University of Liverpool, a Master's in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from Columbia University, and an MBA from Harvard Business School, he has approximately 10 years of experience in business development and previously served as Product Head. He leads day-to-day operations, emphasizing growth in the advanced intermediates segment through capacity enhancements and international partnerships that bolster export capabilities. His contributions have been pivotal in the company's expansions during the 2010s, including strategic investments that positioned Deepak Nitrite as a key player in specialty chemicals.[44][46][19] Among other key executives, Sanjay Upadhyay acts as Director of Finance and Group Chief Financial Officer, with expertise in finance and accounting. An Associate Member of the Institute of Cost Accountants of India and a Fellow Member of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India, he completed an Advanced Management Program at Wharton School and has been with the company since 1994, overseeing financial strategy and performance. Girish Satarkar serves as Executive Director, bringing chemical engineering expertise with a B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Textile Chemistry from the Institute of Chemical Technology (formerly UDCT). With 35 years in the chemical industry, including 16 in leadership roles, he focuses on basic intermediates and operational efficiencies as President of the Basic Intermediates segment.[44][47][48] Deepak Nitrite's leadership reflects third-generation family involvement, with Maulik Mehta continuing the entrepreneurial legacy established by founder Chimanlal K. Mehta in 1970, while preserving the innovative ethos that has driven the company's evolution from a basic chemicals trader to a diversified manufacturer.[6][49]Board of Directors
The Board of Directors of Deepak Nitrite Limited consists of a balanced composition including promoter directors from the Mehta family, executive directors, non-executive directors, and independent directors, in compliance with SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, which mandate at least one-third independent directors for companies with a non-executive chairman and at least half for others.[3] As of November 2025, the board comprises 12 members: four executive directors (33%), two non-executive non-independent directors (17%), and six independent directors (50%), reflecting a strong emphasis on independent oversight.[3][50]| Category | Name | Position | Key Expertise/Affiliation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Promoter/Executive | Shri Deepak C. Mehta (DIN: 00028377) | Chairman & Managing Director | Strategic leadership in chemicals and group expansion |
| Promoter/Executive | Shri Maulik D. Mehta (DIN: 05227290) | Executive Director & CEO | Operations and growth strategy in advanced intermediates |
| Executive | Shri Sanjay Upadhyay (DIN: 01776546) | Director (Finance) & Group CFO | Financial management and compliance |
| Executive | Shri Girish Satarkar (DIN: 00340116) | Executive Director | Manufacturing and project execution |
| Promoter/Non-Executive | Shri Ajay C. Mehta (DIN: 00028405) | Non-Executive Director | Family business oversight |
| Promoter/Non-Executive | Shri Meghav Mehta (DIN: 05229853) | Non-Executive Director | Strategic advisory |
| Independent | Shri Dileep Choksi (DIN: 00016322) | Independent Director | Finance, audit, and corporate governance |
| Independent | Shri Punit Lalbhai (DIN: 05125502) | Independent Director | Chemical industry leadership (former Atul Ltd.) |
| Independent | Shri Vipul Shah (DIN: 00174680) | Independent Director | Finance and risk management |
| Independent | Ms. Bhumika Batra (DIN: 03502004) | Independent Director | Regulatory and legal affairs (Bar Council member) |
| Independent | Dr. Arvind Nath Agrawal (DIN: 00193566) | Independent Director | Technical and sustainability expertise |
| Independent | Shri Mahesh Ramchand Chhabria (DIN: 00166049) | Independent Director | Business strategy and chemicals sector |