Butwal, August 18:

Nepal is on the way to attaining self-sufficiency in galvanised iron (GI) pipe production. Till 15 years ago, it was fully dependent on India for GI pipes import.

When Hulas Company started producing GI pipes, it met 15 per cent of the market demand. Later, when Sun Fittings Pvt Ltd of Butwal started producing GI pipes, local production was able to meet 50 per cent of the local demand. Sun Fittings brought GI pipes and fittings under Sun and Moon brands. With successful marketing in Pokhara and Kathmandu, the company is set to expand the market to other parts of the country with the production of light but durable pipes and fittings.

At a press conference about the company’s products, chairman Ajay Man Shrestha said the company has been producing pipe fittings in the range of 0.5 to 6 inches. The company produces 720 tonnes of pipe fittings, including bows, T-sockets, union crosses and nipple plugs, annually.