** Shares of pipes and fittings manufacturer Astral ASTL.NS rise 2% to 1,410.6 rupees
** Co's Kanpur plant commences commercial production from October 6
** ICICI Direct analysts say facility is aimed at expanding footprint in key northern India market
** Stock rated "buy" on avg by 25 brokerages; ASTL median PT at 1,500 rupees - data compiled by LSEG
** YTD, ASTL down nearly 15% vs peer Supreme Industries' SUPI.NS about 9% decline
(Reporting by Manvi Pant in Bengaluru)
((Manvi.Pant@thomsonreuters.com; +918447554364;))