This PPT prepared by Dr.E.Sreenivasan, is about the past and the present activities of the R&D Division of THE WESTERN INDIA PLYWOODS LTD,KANNUR,KERALA

1. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENTRESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
ININ
THE WESTERN INDIA PLYWOODSTHE WESTERN INDIA PLYWOODS
LTDLTD
-AN OVERVIEW-AN OVERVIEW
Dr.E.SREENIVASANDr.E.SREENIVASAN
Technical Manager, R&DTechnical Manager, R&D
THE WESTERN INDIA PLYWOODS LTDTHE WESTERN INDIA PLYWOODS LTD
BALIAPATAM,BALIAPATAM,
KANNUR-670010KANNUR-670010
Ph:8289865990Ph:8289865990
E-Mail: dr.sreeniettammal@gmail.comE-Mail: dr.sreeniettammal@gmail.com

2. THE WESTERN INDIA PLYWOODSTHE WESTERN INDIA PLYWOODS
LTDLTD

3. OUR RESPECTFUL HOMAGEOUR RESPECTFUL HOMAGE
A.K.KADERKUTTY P.K.MOHAMEDA.K.KADERKUTTY P.K.MOHAMED
Founder Managing DirectorFounder Managing Director Former Managing DirectorFormer Managing Director

4. COMPANY PROFILECOMPANY PROFILE

5. ORIGINORIGIN
Established in 1942, the company started manufactureEstablished in 1942, the company started manufacture
of sawn timber and plywood on a modest scale with aof sawn timber and plywood on a modest scale with a
few indigenous and lent-leased machinery . Due to thefew indigenous and lent-leased machinery . Due to the
progressive outlook and relentless efforts of WIP’sprogressive outlook and relentless efforts of WIP’s
founder Managing Director Shri. A. K. Kaderkutty, afounder Managing Director Shri. A. K. Kaderkutty, a
doyen of the wood based panel industry in India, thedoyen of the wood based panel industry in India, the
company made steady progress over the years andcompany made steady progress over the years and
business expanded to its present stature and is todaybusiness expanded to its present stature and is today
one of the biggest wood based industrial integratedone of the biggest wood based industrial integrated
complexes in the country and also in South-East Asiacomplexes in the country and also in South-East Asia
with an employee strength of 1200.with an employee strength of 1200.

6. GROWTHGROWTH
 The Company diversified from Tea Chests and CommercialThe Company diversified from Tea Chests and Commercial
Plywood to Decorative Plywood, Blockboards, Flushdoors,Plywood to Decorative Plywood, Blockboards, Flushdoors,
Shuttering and Marine Plywood, Aircraft Plywood, etc.Shuttering and Marine Plywood, Aircraft Plywood, etc.
 The Company planned and executed the hardboard plant betweenThe Company planned and executed the hardboard plant between
the years 1956 and 1958 with an initial installed capacity of 12.5the years 1956 and 1958 with an initial installed capacity of 12.5
tones of hardboard per day.tones of hardboard per day.
 The Company also installed its own synthetic resin unit in 1959The Company also installed its own synthetic resin unit in 1959
with a capacity of 200 tones per annum, which graduallywith a capacity of 200 tones per annum, which gradually
increased to 2400 tones per annum, by 1975.increased to 2400 tones per annum, by 1975.
 An Industrial License was obtained in 1974 for manufacture ofAn Industrial License was obtained in 1974 for manufacture of
Densified Wood with a capacity of 2000 M.T. per annum. In 1974Densified Wood with a capacity of 2000 M.T. per annum. In 1974
a plant for manufacture of Furniture was added.a plant for manufacture of Furniture was added.
 A Reverse Osmosis based Desalination plant, the first in KeralaA Reverse Osmosis based Desalination plant, the first in Kerala
with the most modern technology to purify brackish ground waterwith the most modern technology to purify brackish ground water
and sea water, having a capacity of 300 cum per day wasand sea water, having a capacity of 300 cum per day was
successfully commissioned in the year 1996.successfully commissioned in the year 1996.

7. LIST OF FIRSTS IN THE COUNTRYLIST OF FIRSTS IN THE COUNTRY
 First to make irradiated woodFirst to make irradiated wood
 First to make aircraft plywoodFirst to make aircraft plywood
 First to make synthetic resin adhesive bonded plywood using hotFirst to make synthetic resin adhesive bonded plywood using hot
pressing techniquespressing techniques
 First to make high pressure industrial laminatesFirst to make high pressure industrial laminates
 First to make quality hardboard way back in 1959-60First to make quality hardboard way back in 1959-60
 First to manufacture Di Allyl Phthalate moulding powderFirst to manufacture Di Allyl Phthalate moulding powder
 First to manufacture GI – Plywood – GI sandwich panel forFirst to manufacture GI – Plywood – GI sandwich panel for
anechoic chamberanechoic chamber
 First to make pre-finished plywoods and hardboards using UVFirst to make pre-finished plywoods and hardboards using UV
cured surface finishing techniques.cured surface finishing techniques.
 First to get ISO 9000 certification for hardboard and prefinishedFirst to get ISO 9000 certification for hardboard and prefinished
boardsboards

8. IN HOUSE R&D UNITIN HOUSE R&D UNIT

9. NEED OF R&DNEED OF R&D
In these days, R&D becomes increasingly important in order toIn these days, R&D becomes increasingly important in order to
overcome the unprecedented transition stage of currentovercome the unprecedented transition stage of current
technologies, social needs and to succeed in meeting thetechnologies, social needs and to succeed in meeting the
requirements for the need of the hour. The ability to predict marketrequirements for the need of the hour. The ability to predict market
needs, select and focus on research themes, keep relevantneeds, select and focus on research themes, keep relevant
divisions working together as a team, and operate with flexibilitydivisions working together as a team, and operate with flexibility
and speed is of the highest importance. Due to theseand speed is of the highest importance. Due to these
relationships, we can develop a comprehensive understanding ofrelationships, we can develop a comprehensive understanding of
advanced market needs and can provide products that are deadvanced market needs and can provide products that are de
facto standards of excellence in the market. As a responsiblefacto standards of excellence in the market. As a responsible
technology-oriented people, we should intend to providetechnology-oriented people, we should intend to provide
innovative products and leveraging solutions to enhance ourinnovative products and leveraging solutions to enhance our
national power by further developing pioneering technologies.national power by further developing pioneering technologies.

10. VISION AND MISSIONVISION AND MISSION
 VISION:VISION:
The Objective of the Research & Development Unit is to build orThe Objective of the Research & Development Unit is to build or
improve research capabilities of the organization and to innovate,improve research capabilities of the organization and to innovate,
create and develop key technologies.create and develop key technologies.
 MISSIOIN:MISSIOIN:
The mission of the Research & Development Unit is to support,The mission of the Research & Development Unit is to support,
encourage and develop the research activities for new knowledgeencourage and develop the research activities for new knowledge
and understanding.and understanding.

11. OBJECTIVESOBJECTIVES
 To promote and disseminate a culture of innovation, creativity andTo promote and disseminate a culture of innovation, creativity and
development in the field of wood science and technology.development in the field of wood science and technology.
 Develop new processes or products as per the needs of theDevelop new processes or products as per the needs of the
industry through Innovation and Research.industry through Innovation and Research.
 To determine present and future research needs, and to know wellTo determine present and future research needs, and to know well
about current and anticipated problems in the technology.about current and anticipated problems in the technology.

12. SPECIFIC AREAS OF INTERESTSPECIFIC AREAS OF INTEREST
 Development of wood panel products,
 Wood preservation,
 Synthetic resin adhesives and
 Wood waste utilization

13. INFRASTRUCTUREINFRASTRUCTURE
 Year of establishment: 1972Year of establishment: 1972
 Land and Building area earmarked for R&D activities:Land and Building area earmarked for R&D activities:
6700 sq. ft6700 sq. ft
 Laboratory facilities:Laboratory facilities:
 UV-VIS & IR Spectrophotometers, Waters HPLC,UV-VIS & IR Spectrophotometers, Waters HPLC,
Weather-o-meter, Vertical Fluorescence Microscope,Weather-o-meter, Vertical Fluorescence Microscope,
Universal Testing Machines, Optical Microscope, HighUniversal Testing Machines, Optical Microscope, High
Voltage Electrical Tester, Humidity Chamber, etcVoltage Electrical Tester, Humidity Chamber, etc
 Pilot plant facilities:Pilot plant facilities:
 Bench UV coater, Bench UV curing machineBench UV coater, Bench UV curing machine

14. MAJOR EQUIPMENTSMAJOR EQUIPMENTS
 Weather-O-MeterWeather-O-Meter
 UV-Vis SpectrophotometerUV-Vis Spectrophotometer
 Breakdown Voltage testerBreakdown Voltage tester
(150KV & 120 KV)(150KV & 120 KV)
 Universal Testing Machine ( 2Universal Testing Machine ( 2
tonnes)tonnes)
 Universal Testing MachineUniversal Testing Machine
(20 tonnes)(20 tonnes)
 Cooling CentrifugeCooling Centrifuge
 MicrotomeMicrotome
 Abrasion TesterAbrasion Tester
 Muffle furnaceMuffle furnace
 Fluorescence MicroscopeFluorescence Microscope
 Horizontal AutoclaveHorizontal Autoclave
 Laminar Airflow ChamberLaminar Airflow Chamber
 Toxicity Testing ChamberToxicity Testing Chamber
 Smoke Density TestingSmoke Density Testing
ChamberChamber
 Limiting Oxygen Index TesterLimiting Oxygen Index Tester
 PH MeterPH Meter
 Conductivity MeterConductivity Meter
 Gloss meterGloss meter
 Digital Moisture MeterDigital Moisture Meter
 Digital Ultrasonic CleanerDigital Ultrasonic Cleaner
 Optical MicroscopeOptical Microscope
 Electronic BalanceElectronic Balance

15. QUALITY CONTROL LABQUALITY CONTROL LAB

16. CHEMICAL TESTING LABCHEMICAL TESTING LAB

17. BIOCONVERSION LABBIOCONVERSION LAB

18. LIBRARYLIBRARY
The well-stockedThe well-stocked
library is one of thelibrary is one of the
best in wood-workingbest in wood-working
industry.industry.
With over 6000 titles,With over 6000 titles,
it is a point ofit is a point of
scholastic pilgrimagescholastic pilgrimage
for professionals andfor professionals and
academics.academics.

19. MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTSMAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS

20. DIALLYL PHTHALATE(D.A.P)DIALLYL PHTHALATE(D.A.P)
 Process / product modified by the R&D DivisionProcess / product modified by the R&D Division
include Diallyl phthalate (D.A.P) Mouldinginclude Diallyl phthalate (D.A.P) Moulding
powder and Fibreglass Reinforced Plasticpowder and Fibreglass Reinforced Plastic
Sheet Moulding Compounds (S.M.C) whichSheet Moulding Compounds (S.M.C) which
find use in the manufacture of sophisticatedfind use in the manufacture of sophisticated
products required in highly specializedproducts required in highly specialized
electrical and electronics applications.electrical and electronics applications.

21. Wood polymer composites by irradiationWood polymer composites by irradiation
 Conversion of non-durable species of timber likeConversion of non-durable species of timber like
Holigarna arnottianaHoligarna arnottiana (Cheru),(Cheru), LophopetalumLophopetalum
wightianumwightianum (Banati) etc. into stable and durable wood(Banati) etc. into stable and durable wood
polymer composites by irradiation with gamma rayspolymer composites by irradiation with gamma rays
represents a landmark in the conservation of woodrepresents a landmark in the conservation of wood
resources achieved by WIP's R&D Division. With theresources achieved by WIP's R&D Division. With the
active assistance of Bhaba Atomic Research Centre,active assistance of Bhaba Atomic Research Centre,
Trombay, a Gamma ray irradiation source of adequateTrombay, a Gamma ray irradiation source of adequate
strength was established for the first time in India, instrength was established for the first time in India, in
WIP's research division.WIP's research division.

22. Rubber wood treatmentRubber wood treatment
 Developed a unique, cost effective and highlyDeveloped a unique, cost effective and highly
efficient rubber wood treatment process whichefficient rubber wood treatment process which
enhances not only the durability but also theenhances not only the durability but also the
strength of the treated wood.strength of the treated wood.

23. HardboardHardboard
 Developed weather proof and fire retardant gradesDeveloped weather proof and fire retardant grades
of Hardboard. Developed through wholly independentof Hardboard. Developed through wholly independent
research, these products promise an end to the use ofresearch, these products promise an end to the use of
commercial hardwood in common exterior applications.commercial hardwood in common exterior applications.

24. Metal-faced plywoodMetal-faced plywood
Developed a technology for producing metalDeveloped a technology for producing metal
faced plywood.1200 GI faced plywood panelsfaced plywood.1200 GI faced plywood panels
were produced and supplied to ISRO,were produced and supplied to ISRO,
Bangalore for use in Anechoic Chambers asBangalore for use in Anechoic Chambers as
electromagnetic shield based on in houseelectromagnetic shield based on in house
technology.technology.

25. WOOD WASTE MANAGEMENTWOOD WASTE MANAGEMENT
PROJECTSPROJECTS

26. Vermicomposting of chip wash residueVermicomposting of chip wash residue
Developed a technologyDeveloped a technology
for vermicomposting offor vermicomposting of
chip wash residue, achip wash residue, a
lignocellulosic wastelignocellulosic waste
from the hardboard unit.from the hardboard unit.
The organic manureThe organic manure
produced from thisproduced from this
activity is a mixture ofactivity is a mixture of
castings of earthwormscastings of earthworms
containing aerobicallycontaining aerobically
composted organiccomposted organic
matter.matter.

27. COMPOSTING BY EFFECTIVECOMPOSTING BY EFFECTIVE
MICROORGANISMSMICROORGANISMS
Developed a technologyDeveloped a technology
for composting of woodfor composting of wood
wastes including chipwastes including chip
wash residue and boilerwash residue and boiler
ash from the hardboardash from the hardboard
and plywood units, usingand plywood units, using
microbial consortium.microbial consortium.
The organic manureThe organic manure
produced from thisproduced from this
aerobic activity is calledaerobic activity is called
compost.compost.

28. VEGETABLE DEVELOPMENT PROJECTVEGETABLE DEVELOPMENT PROJECT
FUNDED BY AGRICULTURE DEPT.,GOVT.OF KERALAFUNDED BY AGRICULTURE DEPT.,GOVT.OF KERALA
Organic cultivation ofOrganic cultivation of
vegetables in a landvegetables in a land
area of 50 cents inarea of 50 cents in
the campus usingthe campus using
vermicompostvermicompost
produced from woodproduced from wood
wastes during 2013-wastes during 2013-
20142014

29. AWARDSAWARDS
Received the bestReceived the best
private institutionprivate institution
award (district level)award (district level)
from Agriculturefrom Agriculture
dept., Govt. of Keraladept., Govt. of Kerala
for the vegetablefor the vegetable
development projectdevelopment project
undertaken duringundertaken during
2013-20142013-2014

30. PATENTSPATENTS
1.Radiation induced polymerization of DAP,1.Radiation induced polymerization of DAP,
MMA & PEMMA & PE
2.Radiation induced polymerization of DAP &2.Radiation induced polymerization of DAP &
MMAMMA
3.A process for manufacture of wood polymer3.A process for manufacture of wood polymer
composites by gamma irradiationcomposites by gamma irradiation
4.Manufacture of ABS plastics4.Manufacture of ABS plastics
5.Manufacture of SAN plastics5.Manufacture of SAN plastics

31. INDUSTRY-ACADEMIC PARTICIPATIONINDUSTRY-ACADEMIC PARTICIPATION
Kannur UniversityKannur University inin
association withassociation with The WesternThe Western
India Plywoods LtdIndia Plywoods Ltd startedstarted
M.Sc. course in WoodM.Sc. course in Wood
Science and TechnologyScience and Technology inin
2007 as part of the industry-2007 as part of the industry-
academic participationacademic participation
programme.programme.
 WIPL provides the laboratoryWIPL provides the laboratory
facilities and expert guidancefacilities and expert guidance
required for handling therequired for handling the
practical sessions, industrialpractical sessions, industrial
training and project works.training and project works.

32. PRODUCTION UNITSPRODUCTION UNITS
MANAGED BY R&D TEAMMANAGED BY R&D TEAM

33. RESIN PLANTRESIN PLANT

34. RESIN-IMPREGNATED PAPER PLANTRESIN-IMPREGNATED PAPER PLANT

35. DAP UNITDAP UNIT

36. PAINT UNITPAINT UNIT

37. VERMICOMPOSTING UNITVERMICOMPOSTING UNIT

38. PRESENT ACTIVITIES
 UV curable Coatings: Development of new
formulations that have improved toughness and
scratch/abrasion resistance, application of micronised
and nano fillers for improving the performance, studies
on various monomers/oligomers etc. constitute key
areas of current
interests.
 Waterborne Polyurethane (PU) dispersion based
coatings for finishing wood furniture as well as flooring.
 Improved PF resins, Wood-polymer composites
 Wood waste management by bioconversion methods.
 Non conventional raw materials for pulping.
 Cost effective wood preservation

39. ON GOING PROJECTSON GOING PROJECTS
 Studies on identifying non-conventional raw-materialsStudies on identifying non-conventional raw-materials
for thermo mechanical pulpingfor thermo mechanical pulping
 Studies on termite resistance of wood and wood basedStudies on termite resistance of wood and wood based
panels treated with common fire retardantspanels treated with common fire retardants
 Studies on the use of tannin and tree bark extracts inStudies on the use of tannin and tree bark extracts in
phenol-formaldehyde resin preparationphenol-formaldehyde resin preparation
 Dimensional stability of wooden flooring boardsDimensional stability of wooden flooring boards
 Bioconversion of wood residues into useful productsBioconversion of wood residues into useful products

40. RECENT PUBLICATIONSRECENT PUBLICATIONS
 E.Sreenivasan (2013): Bioconversion of industrial wood wastesE.Sreenivasan (2013): Bioconversion of industrial wood wastes
into vermicompost by utilizing African Night Crawlers (into vermicompost by utilizing African Night Crawlers (EudrilusEudrilus
eugeniae).eugeniae). Int.J.Adv. Engg.Tech,IV/III/Jul-Sept.2013/19-20Int.J.Adv. Engg.Tech,IV/III/Jul-Sept.2013/19-20
 E.Sreenivasan (2013): Evaluation of Effective MicroorganismsE.Sreenivasan (2013): Evaluation of Effective Microorganisms
Technology in industrial wood waste management. Int.J.Adv.Technology in industrial wood waste management. Int.J.Adv.
Engg.Tech, IV/III/Jul-Sept.2013/21-22Engg.Tech, IV/III/Jul-Sept.2013/21-22
 Bindu.K.P, Jayasree.N.R, Sreenivasan.E (2013): Control,
Automation and Monitoring Of Hardboard Production Process
Using PLC-SCADA System. Int.J.Adv.Res.Electr.Electro.Instr.
Eng. Vol. 2, Issue 7,p.3281-3286

41. THANK YOUTHANK YOU