As part of these plans the company is introducing water recycling systems for the urban domestic sector for sullage and sewage treatment. It will also be introducing oily water treatment systems aimed at petrol stations and automobile servicing centres. Talks are on with an overseas company for this acquiring technology for this purpose. Ion Exchange is also scouting for a new partner for its solid waste management business. With Mannesman Demag exiting from the 50:50 joint venture with Ion Exchange, the company is looking for either buying technology or getting into another joint ventures in this area.

The order position from the industrial segment is down from Rs 75 crores last year to Rs 40 crore this year. The consumer and domestic sector is expected to make up for this reduction in business from the industrial segment. The consumer division is expectedto double business from Rs 12 crore to nearly Rs 25 crores this year. The company is hoping to achieve a Rs 180 crore turnover this year.

Meanwhile, Ion Exchange has introduced the sullage recycle systems for residential colonies, hotels, hospitals and large institutions in Pune yesterday. Sullage from bathrooms and kitchens will be treated and recycled for toilet flushing and gardening which reduces fresh water requirement by 60 per cent. The sullage recycle system is designed for easy implementation in new buildings as well as existing ones. The company claims the system would have a payback period between 12 to 18 months. The system is targeted at both upcoming residential complexes and old housing societies. "We have spoken to a large number of builders and there appears to be some hesitancy", says Ajay Popat, associate vice president-marketing. This is at a concept stage and we are confident of creating a market, says Popat.