About Us
Our journey, vision, and commitment to excellence.
Expertise in Catalytic Hydrogenation Since 1986
Transforming Technological Expertise into Industrial Reality
Founded in 1986 by three chemical engineers, Catapharma Group represents a passion for blending technological expertise with industrial success. Dr. Shrikant Karwa’s doctoral research on liquid-phase catalytic hydrogenation laid the foundation for the Group's evolution from a single product operation to a multi-product enterprise. Today, Catapharma employs 160+ professionals, operates two state-of-the-art manufacturing sites, and achieves an annual turnover of $20+ million.
Technological Expertise
At the heart of Catapharma’s success is its expertise in liquid-phase hydrogenation technology. With an in-house R&D lab and pilot plant, the Group has developed mastery in processes including Catalytic Hydrogenation, Oxidation, N-alkylation and O-alkylation, Nitrosation, Low-temperature Nitration, Esterification, Ethoxylation, etc.
This wide-ranging technological capability supports the Group’s innovative approach to chemical manufacturing.
Manufacturing Facilities
Our manufacturing facilities are located in Sinnar, an established industrial belt near Nashik. The region is well suited to large-scale chemical manufacture and logistics.
Sinnar is approximately 180 km from Mumbai and about 30 km southeast of Nashik, giving us efficient access to major transport routes and export facilities.
Group Companies & Sites
- Catapharma Chemicals Pvt. Ltd. (est. 1989)
- MDB Chemicals (India) Pvt. Ltd. (est. 1997)
In-house Capabilities
The Group handles catalyst design, equipment design, and process development in-house. Our R&D and pilot plant enable scale-up from laboratory to commercial manufacture while ensuring quality through GC, HPLC, TLC and Karl-Fischer analysis.
Our Journey
Milestones and achievements across the decades. Edit the markup below to update milestones.
Founding
Financed by Venture capital of IDBI for pilot plant of Paracetamol from nitrobenzene using selective catalytic hydrogenation.
First manufacturing site
Comissioning of manufacturing plant for pharma and dye intermediates using green catalytic hydrogenation technology.
Application of Green Chemistry
Developed green chemistry routes for over 50 products, reducing India's import dependence and establishing roots in foreign markets.
Second Manufacturing Site
Comissioning of Export Oriented Unit for catechol derivatives.
1,2-Methylenedioxy benzene
With a capacity of 3000 MTA, serving the Agrochemicals, Perfumery and Pharma industries
1-Amino-4-methyl piperazine
With 300 MTA capacity, served the major manufacturers of Rifampicin globally. With new use as a substitute for Hydrazine in boiler water treatment, it's consumption is increasing year after year.
N‑Benzyl Ethanolamine
With a capacity of 300 MTA, became the most sought after by manufacturers of Cyclen (Intermediate for MRI contrast agents)
1-Amino-4-cyclopentyl piperazine
With a capacity of 48 MTA, served the major manufacturers of Rifapentine globally.
N,N’-Di-t-Butyl ethylenediamine & N,N-Dimethyl butylamine
Established major capacity.Venture funding & founding
Venture capital financed by IDBI for Paracetamol production from nitrobenzene via catalytic hydrogenation.
Commercial plant launched
Commercial plant launched for pharma and dye intermediates using green catalytic hydrogenation technology.
Product Development
Developed over 50 products, many of which served as import substitutes in India.
New facility (EOU)
New facility for catechol derivatives established as a 100% Export Oriented Unit (EOU).
Major Manufacturer
Became the largest manufacturer of 1,2-Methylenedioxy benzene in the world.
1-Amino-4-methyl piperazine
Became the largest producer of 1-Amino-4-methyl piperazine (an intermediate for Rifampicin for Tuberculosis).
Major Milestones
- Became the largest producer of N‑Benzyl Ethanolamine (an intermediate for Cyclen).
- Crossed annual revenue of ₹100 crore.
1-Amino-4-cyclopentyl piperazine
Became the largest producer of 1‑Amino‑4‑cyclopentyl piperazine (an intermediate for Rifapentine for Tuberculosis).