APL Apollo: Driving a New Wave of Creativity in Architecture

APL Apollo, with its world-class facilities, widely spread 3-tier distribution network, and over 800 dealers, is committed to strengthening India’s infrastructural backbone with its structural tubes and hollow sections.
Brajesh Nahar, COO, Apollo Building Products Limited.

What are the latest product innovations APL Apollo has introduced in the steel pipe sector?

APL Apollo is a pioneer in adopting cutting-edge technologies. One of our key innovations is the AFT Technology for pipe manufacturing. We are now producing 500x500x20 mm pipes at our Raipur facility and will soon start manufacturing pipes of 1000x1000mm and 40 mm thickness. These are primarily used in structural applications across sectors such as airports, railways, and metro projects. Such applications are the first in India and only the second of their kind globally.

Another major innovation is our Concrete-Filled Steel Tubes (CFST), where the steel pipe encases the concrete. Unlike traditional concrete reinforced with steel bars that corrode over time, CFST improves strength, durability, and sustainability. It also reduces space usage by up to 5% and keeps projects within budget and on schedule.

Steel, being inherently recyclable, offers an edge over concrete, which is difficult to dismantle or repurpose; in fact, steel can be reused even after 100 years, making it ideal for both infra and architectural projects.
Brajesh Nahar

What solutions are currently in demand in the construction industry and how is APL Apollo delivering Make in India products?

Under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, India is witnessing a boom in infrastructure development. There is a rising demand for efficient construction and the industry is gradually shifting from conventional concrete to tubular steel products, driven by cost-efficiency, improved quality, and faster execution.

In fact, steel is central to construction. Over 100 structures in India are now built entirely using tubular steel—some rising up to nine stories. The biggest advantage is time savings.

Large-scale projects often face time and cost overruns—sometimes up to 50%. Our tubular solutions are helping mitigate these challenges. We have successfully implemented our tubular solutions in many hospitals in Delhi and in several other cities.

APL Apollo is fully aligned with the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Made for India’ missions. All our innovations use Indian raw materials, replacing previously imported products. When public sector tenders began mandating Indian-made materials, we were already ready. Our local sourcing and rapid innovation show that world-class infrastructure can be built with Indian expertise. We foresee smart, modular homes made of steel becoming a nationwide trend.

Today, we are leading the tubular steel industry—domestically and globally. Our product offerings include over 2500 varieties of Pre-Galvanized Tubes, Structural Steel Tubes, Galvanized Tubes, MS Black Pipes and Hollow Sections. We have a vast network of over one lakh fabricators and distributors, warehouses and branch offices in 29 cities, catering to domestic and 20 countries worldwide.

How is APL Apollo incorporating sustainability into its operations?

Our Raipur facility spans 600 acres and is a model green plant. We’ve commissioned a 56 MW open-access solar power plant, which is meeting almost all of our energy requirements. In fact, all our 11 manufacturing units follow the “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” philosophy.

We have deployed 30 electric vehicles—each with a 100 metric ton capacity—for transporting raw materials such as HR coils from ports and railheads, significantly lowering our carbon footprint. We also have rainwater harvesting systems with ponds of 70,000 and 75,000 cubic meters. The harvested water is recycled for our operational use.

GRIHA’s Vice President & CEO Sanjay Seth says that sustainability must also be economical. What’s your view?

Within the next two to three months, we will be officially registered with all major green building councils like IGBC and GRIHA in India.

While the upfront cost of sustainable solutions may be slightly higher, the total cost of ownership is significantly lower. Steel structures require minimal maintenance compared to concrete. For instance, our Raipur plant’s buildings, including roofing purlins, are made entirely of tubular steel and are designed to last 50 to 100 years with proper upkeep. So yes, sustainability is economical when viewed through the lens of long-term value.

How are APL Apollo’s tubular steel products meeting demand of PEBs and modular construction projects?

Modular construction is gaining global momentum. For instance, Tesla is developing prefabricated 2BHK homes with garages that can be transported in a single container and installed within two days, complete with solar and rainwater harvesting systems and India is following suit.

People want flexibility—build today, dismantle tomorrow, reinstall elsewhere. Our tubular steel products are ideal for such solutions, including door frames, railings, and other elements that traditionally used wood. By replacing wood, we save approximately 300,000 trees annually—a significant contribution to environmental preservation.

Where concrete structures might take 24 days for a 4–5 storey building, tubular steel allows the same to be completed in just 8 days. Though the material cost may be marginally higher, the speed and labor savings make steel highly cost-effective.

What features make steel products suitable for long-term use?

Properly coated and maintained steel can last for decades. For solar infrastructure, we are innovating with structures that support panels without the need for additional rooftops. Our galvanized and color-coated products, like purlins, offer protection for up to 30 years.

Steel is inherently strong. Monuments like Qutub Minar and Gol Gumbaz prove that well-maintained steel can last for centuries. Our tubular products emit nearly 50% less carbon than concrete, making them a much greener alternative.

However, every material has its pros and cons, but when steel structures are properly designed and executed, the benefits far outweigh any limitations. At APL Apollo, we not only supply high-quality steel but also work closely with certified applicators. These trained professionals ensure proper installation, and we offer warranties when our certified applicators are used. When all factors—wind loads, live loads, and structural calculations are accounted for, steel is highly reliable.

What role does steel play in solar infrastructure?

Wind loads are critical in solar infrastructure, but well-engineered steel structures handle them effortlessly. India is on track to become a global solar power leader, targeting 500 GW of capacity. We have already reached one-third of this goal in just five years.

How does steel enable more creative freedom in architecture?

Our tubular products are driving a new wave of creativity in architecture. We’re involved in numerous iconic projects—including hospitals, airports, and the Tirupati railway station—using our steel solutions. Our products have been approved by leading structural engineering bodies across India. With 4.3 million tonnes in production, we have seen tremendous growth over the past 7–10 years—thanks to our “Nayi Soch” (New Thinking) approach that brings next-generation solutions to the construction industry.

What attracts architects to APL Apollo’s steel offerings?

Architects love the sleek, minimalist appeal of our coated and finished steel products. Our mono-finish steel is perfect for furniture, while our tubular sections suit larger structural elements, railings, and exposed designs. Sizes up to 1000 mm with 8 mm thickness are used in frames, facades, rooftops, and interiors. Their versatility and clean aesthetics make them ideal for modern architecture.