The second Building and Construction Expo 2018 kicked off in Bhrikutimandap, on Thursday. The expo is being touted as the place to be for anyone interested in construction works.

The organisers are expecting 200,000 visitors during the expo. Around 60 stalls will be providing information regarding different construction materials, said Ananda Subedi, president of Youth Community for Nepalese Contractors.

Bindhu Hardware and Sanitary (BHS), Shankar Group and AI Metal Craft are some of the companies participating in the expo.

Ridhi Sidhi cement from Shankar Group is expected to launch in the domestic market in two weeks, according to the company. Their new plant—which uses advanced robotic technology—is capable of producing around 3,000 tonnes of OPC cement a day and plans to introduce PPC cement in the future, said the company.

Shankar Group is also showcasing other products such as iron and steel bars and cement at the expo. The company introduced Rhino 500 D grade steel bar in the market and boasts that the steel bars have more ductility and is flexible during an earthquake. Their D grade steel bars are being used in mega construction projects across Nepal.

Subedi also highlighted Jagdamba Steels, which produces 1,500 tonnes of TMT steel bars every day. The company holds half of the market share in Nepal with dealers all over the country. Jagdamba also produces 44mm steel bars.

A visitor at the expo said that the importance of strong construction was highlighted after the devastating earthquake of 2015. He added that construction expos were necessary to provide a bridge for companies and consumers to meet.

AI Metal Craft is showing off their UPVC roofing made using German technology at the expo. The company has a monthly production capacity of 350,000 square feet, Khem Raj Baral, general manager at AI Metal Craft.

“The demand for UPVC roofing is high as our all production is being supplied to market,” he said. UPVC roofing features hot and cold control, is sound proof, eco friendly, light weight and reusable. It also does not rust. The company has network dealers across the country.  Most of the demand for UPVC roofing come from party palaces, resorts, schools, housing companies including private homes, he said.

Baral said that UPVC roofing comes with a performance warranty of 30 years and the company provides colour warranty for 10 years. The company has been importing raw materials from China, Vietnam, Thailand and India. The company is planning to expand its production capacity, he said. UPVC is available in blue, green, black and red.

Similarly, BHS has been showcasing smart commode and jaccuzi through their stalls. The demand for high end bathroom products has been increasing in the Nepali market, he said. The bathroom products are imported from China, India and Thailand. He expects to make business of more than Rs6 million from high end products.   

Smart commode operates through a remote system and features temperature setting, UV ray system to kill germs and bacteria automatically once every 24 hours and hygienic wash, said Umesh Kumar Khatri, sales manager at BHS.

BHS is selling the commode at a discounted price of Rs105,000 when it normally retails for Rs180,000.