Revitalising legacy: Nahan’s 77-year-old resin factory poised for modernisation

In a landmark move that underscores Himachal Pradesh’s commitment to industrial modernisation, the 77-year-old resin and turpentine factory in Nahan is set for a major upgrade. The Himachal Pradesh Forest Development Corporation (HPFDC) has announced a comprehensive plan to modernise the historic facility, boosting efficiency, production capacity and market outreach.

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HPFDC Vice Chairman Kehar Singh Khachi made this announcement during his recent inspection of the factory, emphasising the government’s vision of strengthening the state’’s industrial landscape. The Nahan factory, established in 1948, is one of the only two government-run resin and turpentine production units in Himachal Pradesh, alongside the Bilaspur factory. Despite its long-standing reputation for producing world-class and high-purity products, the facility has struggled to keep pace with rising demand due to its aging infrastructure.

The modernisation drive is expected to bring cutting-edge machinery and production techniques to the factory, ensuring maximum utilisation of raw materials and significantly boosting output. Khachi highlighted that under Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s leadership, the HPFDC has successfully transitioned from a loss-making enterprise to a profitable organisation after nearly four decades of financial challenges.

“Very soon, modern equipment will be installed here to maximse production and meet market demand,” Khachi stated, underscoring the government’s resolve to revamp the facility.

The HPFDC also plans to expand the market reach of Nahan’s renowned products, including high-quality phenyl and turpentine oil. Known for their exceptional purity, these products have traditionally been sought after by industries across the country. The corporation now aims to scale up its distribution, ensuring that government departments and private businesses procure these superior-quality products directly from the state-run factory.

The Nahan factory is a critical player in the resin and turpentine industry, processing raw resin into premium-quality pure resin (pacca biruza) and turpentine oil. Additionally, it manufactures ‘’Black Japan’’ (a specialised coating product) and phenyl, both of which have a strong demand in the domestic market.

Ved Prakash, General Manager of the Nahan factory, expressed confidence in the modernisation project, stating, “Our phenyl is widely used by the animal husbandry departments of Himachal and Haryana, and its exceptional quality even makes it suitable for treating animal wounds. Similarly, our turpentine oil, with its high alpha and beta content, is used in perfumes and medicines, making it a highly sought-after product.”

The HPFDC’s strategy includes tapping into new markets while strengthening local sales. Traditionally, the factory’s ISI-certified products were transported to distant markets in Mumbai, Kolkata and Gujarat. However, recognising the potential for local demand, the corporation recently set up a retail outlet along the Nahan-Shimla National Highway, making its products more accessible to customers at factory rates. This initiative has significantly boosted sales and profitability.

The financial turnaround of the Nahan resin and turpentine factory is a remarkable success story.