In an era where custom-built solutions are in vogue, steel major Jindal Stainless is planning to set up a new plant in Haryana to offer architectural solutions in stainless steel.

The company expects to invest around Rs.150-200 million in setting up the 1,50,000 sq ft plant at Manesar in Haryana to beef up the company's manufacturing facilities. The new plant is expected to be operational by March 2006.

"We are pleased to observe the excellent response from the industry to stainless steel as the new-age architecture material," said Ratan Jindal, vice-chairman and managing director of Jindal Stainless, at a press conference here Wednesday.

"The trade has gradually realised the cost benefit and numerous other advantages that stainless steel offers over conventional building material," he said.

The company sees immense potential with the boom in construction and increase in infrastructure investments in the country.

"The global tender floated by New Delhi Municipal Corp (NDMC) for setting up over 190 stainless steel bus shelters, and the Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC) decision to set up all its petrol pumps in stainless steel are definite indicators of the high potential that this segment offers," said Jasbir Bindra, chief operating officer (architecture division) Jindal Stainless.

Some of the other major clients of Jindal Stainless include Delhi Metro Rail Corp (DMRC), Sahara India, Ansal Housing and Construction, PVR Cinemas, Taj GVK Hotels and DLF.