Category: Brands

With a legacy of over seven decades of responsible business practices, Aditya Birla Group is one of the leading players in a wide range of sectors such as aluminum, viscose staple fiber, cement manufacturing, carbon black, copper, chemicals, financial services, branded apparels, telecom, viscose staple yarn, fertilizers and insulators. More than 50% of the company’s revenues flow from its overseas corporations that span across 34 countries in North and South America, Africa and Asia.

RESPECTABLE HERITAGE

The organization’s roots can be traced back to over 150 years when Seth Shiv Narayan Birla started a cotton trading business in 1857. Later, Mr. G D Birla, the man who set up many industries to revive critical sectors such as textile and fiber, aluminum, cement and chemicals in pre-Independence India, took charge and continued expanding its ambit of operations. He was also a close confidante of Mahatma Gandhi and played an active role in the Indian freedom struggle. Under his leadership, Birla Group’s flagship company GRASIM was one of the first Indian businesses to start international operations in post-independence India.

By 1969, Mr. Aditya Vikram Birla came to be at the helm of the affairs and actualized the global business empire. He brought India on the global stage by setting up world-class production bases in competitive, market-driven free economies. A true visionary, he foresaw the winds of change 22 years before India adopted economic liberalization. Under his stewardship, the company rose to the top of their businesses. He earned the respect and admiration of the people as the chief of India’s finest business houses and the first international business group. Today, his Son Kumar Mangalam Birla, the Chairman of the Aditya Birla Group leads this much-acclaimed business conglomerate towards wider horizons and greater glory.

LEADING THE WORLD WITH EXCELLENCE

The Aditya Birla Group is the fourth largest cement supplier in the world (excluding China). The company also occupies third position in manufacturing insulators worldwide.

In India, it is the nation’s number one company in fashion (branded apparel) and lifestyle vertical, top-ranked mobile telephone company, leading supplier of concrete, grey cement, and white cement and a leading player in life insurance and asset management.

Numerous awards and accolades have been an integral part of the legendary growth story of the Aditya Birla Group. Each of their product lines and practices has a consistent record of unparalleled excellence and the group has been recognized on all prestigious forums in India and globally.

BEYOND BUSINESS

Aditya Birla Group is deeply involved in the initiatives aimed at community building and inclusive growth. The organization focuses on healthcare, education for the girl child, sustainable livelihood, women empowerment, and improving social infrastructure. It reaches out to 7.5 million people in 500 villages annually through the Aditya Birla Centre for Community Initiatives and Rural Development. The Group allocates more than Rs 500 crore for CSR activities.

AGS Transact Technologies Limited, along with its subsidiaries Securevalue India (focused on cash management & vault services) and India Transact Services limited (an omni-channel merchant digital payment solutions company), has been conducting its business operations successfully in more than 2200 cities and towns in India. The company through its international Group company, Novus Technologies Pte. Ltd. has an impressive presence in Southeast Asian and other countries.

THE PREFERRED CHOICE OF THE BANKING INDUSTRY

With close to 342,000 customer touchpoints across India, AGS Transact Technologies Limited has grown at an astounding rate to become the second largest company in India in terms of the number of ATMs managed, revenue from ATM-managed services, and number of ATMs provided with cash management services.

It is also India’s fourth largest company in earning revenue from their cash management services.

Established in 2002, the company today has more than 11,000 personnel, dedicated call centres operating round-the-clock. The company has a fully operational manufacturing and warehousing facility in Daman spanning 47,000 square feet of space for developing over 1,500 ATMs every month. AGS Transact Technologies Limited makes every possible effort to provide custom-built payment and automation solutions.

To expand its market reach and widen its customer base, the organisation has forged strategic alliance with leading payments & technology players including ACI Worldwide, a leading global provider of real-time electronic payment & banking solutions.

ACTING AS AN ENABLER

The organisation understands the importance of leveraging Tech infrastructure to boost the capabilities of financial institutions and enables them to respond promptly to customers’ requirements. And in view of this, the company aids financial & non-financial organisations in enhancing their service capabilities and economies of scale by making use of its rich experience, domain understanding, and unique payments infrastructure.

The company has robust payments- tech infrastructure, a vast pool of talent and core competencies that are critical for sustaining and enhancing business growth.

The back-end switching platform is adequately equipped to offer an inclusive ATM outsourcing solution, process transactions on behalf of banks and financial institutions, drive cashless transactions through its POS network, issue prepaid instruments, and provide payment gateway service. No wonder the back-end switching platform of the company has successfully processed switching transactions to the tune of Rs. 936.83 million in 2018-19.

AGS Transact Technologies Limited has earned a credible name for itself by giving paramount importance to quality and information security in day-to-day business activities. AGSTTL’s wide range of safe, secure, efficient, and hassle-free fintech services is availed by prestigious clientele which includes leading banks, oil and retail companies.

Established in the 1930s, the Al- Futtaim Group grew rapidly and as early as in the 1940s and 1950s, it had become an integrated commercial, industrial, and services organization.

PROGRESSIVE AND CUSTOMER CENTRIC

Its automotive vertical Al-Futtaim Motors was established in 1955 and is the exclusive distributor of Toyota, Lexus, Hino trucks and Toyota Material Handling equipment in the UAE. The group also holds the franchise rights to operate IKEA stores in UAE, Qatar, Egypt and Oman.

Considered as one of the most progressive companiesin the United Arab Emirates, it consists of over 65 companies across multiple sectors including commerce, industry, and services and with more than 20,000 employees from the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Syria, Singapore and Europe.

With a deep focus on pure entrepreneurship and keeping customersfirst in all their decisions Al-Futtaim Group has grown by directly relating to the changing needs of the customers and societies by offering them nothing but the best brands with highest levels of quality and customer service including after sales support and being always ahead of its competitors.

As it caters to eight business verticals, it takes a decentralized approach by offering flexibility and versatility to its individual businesses and supporting them to compete with other organizations.

Such an ingenious approach has helped keep its employees motivated as they have used the power given to them justly and with responsibility, thus creating a clearly defined and powerful work culture.

Al-Futtaim Group has invariably upheld the values of integrity, service, and social responsibility. As a result, its national and international businesses have transformed into world’s leading brands which have been successfully dominating the sphere of their function.

SUCCEEDING DESPITE CHALLENGES

In 2000, the Al-Futtaim Group as a result of a mutually beneficial decision was split between the current owner of the Al-Futtaim Group, Abdulla Al Futtaim and his cousin Majid Al Futtaim. While Abdulla Al Futtaim retained the automotive and retail businesses, Majid Al Futtaim took over the firm’s property development business which is now known as the Majid Al Futtaim Group, another business giant in Dubai. As of October 2018, Abdulla Al Futtaim’s net worth was estimated at $3.1 billion.

A peaceful split was possible because of the strategic vision and excellent mediating skills of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Makhtoum who convinced both cousins to accept a settlement and divide their assets, liabilities, and operations amicably.

UNCOMPROMISING COMMITMENT

Being a family-owned business Al-Futtaim Group believes in sustainability and always takes decisions with a long-term view. It is reflected in its remarkable reputation,commercial success, and a long list of various admired and innovative global brands from the USA, UK, Japan, Sweden, France, Germany and Switzerland.

Its strong customer-focused approach and relentless efforts to achieve perfection has helped it make a life-long relationship with consumers in 29 markets.

ArcelorMittal, the successor of Mittal Steel (founded in 1976), was formed in June 2006 through the merger of Arcelor and Mittal Steel. The company witnessed rapid growth with its vision of producing safe and sustainable steel for industrial usage. It successfully marked its presence in all prominent steel markets across the globe, including automotive, construction, household appliances, and packaging industry.

Today ArcelorMittal is the largest steel producer in North and South America, Africa, and European Union with a significant presence in France, Germany, Belgium, Spain, Luxembourg, and Poland. The company has a formidable presence in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and is registering consistent growth in Asia with investments in China and India. ArcelorMittal has its top- notch mining ventures worldwide, and is relishing the position of a premier iron ore producer in the world.

SETTING THE FOUNDATION FOR A BETTER TOMORROW

The company produces world-class steel that is used in petrol refinery towers, airports, railway stations, shopping malls, as well as residential houses. ArcelorMittal has supplied its steel products to several exclusive landmarks all across the globe, including One WTC in New York City; the Grand National Theatre of China in Beijing; the new Reichstag in Berlin, Germany; the zero-emission polar research station – Princess Elisabeth Antarctica; and many sports stadiums.

ArcelorMittal has an experienced project management team that is skilled at finding technological solutions to customers’ complex construction needs.

CONTRIBUTION TO SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY

A socially responsible group, ArcelorMittal believes in sustainable development for all. It strongly ensures its mining activities leave a positive and lasting socio-economic and environmental legacy. The company also works with communities in concerned regions to build robust infrastructures for long-term development.

ArcelorMittal has a Mining Sustainable Development Policy to reinforce its focus on land and local relationships, and to leave a long-lasting legacy in the areas it works. The company has introduced an initiative named Towards Sustainable Mining (TSM), which is a set of tools and indicators for performance improvement, and better assessment and management of major mining risks. The company takes all possible measures to provide safe, healthy and quality working lives to all people working on its sites. It also emphasizes the efficient use of resources, the least amount of wastage and high recycling rate.

GIVING BACK TO SOCIETY

The steel giant launched a two-year program with its NGO partner – Volunteers to Support International Efforts in Developing Africa to reform the life of 300 people by helping them in preparing a farming field and facilitating them with seeds, training, and other farming tools. It is also involved in the Clinton Global Initiative for countering the Ebola Virus outbreak in West Africa. Its excellence in sustainability and its mission to create long-term value for society has helped it earn an enviable reputation for flawless project execution.

With the intent of becoming the leading integrated logistics solutions provider with multimodal transportation capabilities and a large market presence, ARCPL has achieved a commanding market leadership position within a very short span. Through a host of innovative logistical solutions, the company is all set to play a vital role in the infrastructural growth of the country.

WIDE RANGE OF SOLUTIONS

Founded in September 2011, ARCPL has made remarkable progress by profitably creating a professionally managed environment throughout its network. With relentless focus on assuring enormous cost savings in supply chain operations, shorter lead time, and safe transportation of goods, ARCPL has been efficiently transporting super heavy and over- dimensional consignments for big clients like KEC International, JSW, Sunvijay Rolling and Engineering Ltd., Tata Steel, Sanghavi Movers, and many others spread across numerous business verticals such as steel, power, infrastructure and wind energy.

ARCPL, over the years, has gained wealthy experience in material handling, commissioning, and the execution of astoundingly large assignments to the tune of 35,000-70,000 tonnes.

GREAT EFFICIENCY IN MANAGEMENT

ARCPL’s fleet is managed and tracked by a digital GPS-based system and an efficient management team. Having a large fleet size of its own, ARCPL also utilizes transport services of about 2,000- 2,500 network trucks across India every month. The company also has its own workshop for the maintenance of its fleet and a dedicated team to take care of truck maintenance, tire life, and servicing. What’s more, the company is about to double its fleet size by 2020.

ARCPL has made a provision of training drivers and checks them regularly to the company also takes due care of the insurance of the drivers. Having shifted to digital mode of payments, ARCPL has professional teams that take complete care in case of vehicle accident, breakdown, and maintenance.

By way of maintaining perfect stability in the entire logistics process and demonstrating operational excellence, ARCPL has time and again proved its striking excellence and managerial muscle by achieving a sustainable growth rate on a recurrent basis. Its aim to become a reliable logistics operator by attaining superior operational efficiencies and effectively. That is why a large number of the renowned companies rely on ARCPL for safe, effective, and timely movement of their goods.

ENJOYING AN ASTOUNDING GROWTH

Betting high on its market positioning and competencies, ARCPL is on an expansion spree and aims to double the number of its branch offices across India to achieve a turnover of nearly five-fold by the turn of this decade. As a part of its growth strategy, the firm provides a one-stop solution to manufacturers and brands by offering integrated logistics solutions, thereby detect any difficulties related to driving. has enabled ARCPL to tackle numerous creating a highly profitable niche in the Besides offering training to the drivers, supply chain delivery challenges skilfully growing sphere of the logistics industry.

One of the top 10 business houses in India, Bajaj Auto is ranked fourth among the top manufacturers of two- wheeler and three-wheeler vehicles of the world. Continuously upgrading its products since 1945, the company is a brilliant manufacturer that has an innovative automobile range instilled with world-class features. It has been manufacturing flawless products ranging from Bajaj CT (100cc engine) to Bajaj Dominar (400cc engine) to meet the needs of every customer.

A BLEND OF INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY

By keeping itself updated with cutting- edge technology, Bajaj Auto continues to produce high-end products. Its two- wheelers are powered by the digital twin spark ignition (DTS-I) engine that unlocks incomparable power and reliability. It produces sturdy bikes with Nitrox mono-shock suspension and twin- shock absorbers that turn riding into a comfortable journey. Its bikes have projector headlamps that enable the rider with remarkable visibility at night. Bajaj bikes are loaded with many salient features like the anti-lock braking system (ABS), fuel injector systems and rear disc brakes, which make them a popular choice in the market.

Bajaj Auto is the largest exporter of two-wheeler and three-wheeler vehicles. It exports high-performance products to more than 70 countries and enjoys huge popularity around the world. During its progressive journey, the company has increased its share in KTM (Kraftfahrzeuge Trunkenpolz Mattighofen), an Australian motorcycle, from 14% to 48%. Presently, the company solely produces the Duke series of KTM bikes and exports them all over the world.

AFFORDABLE TRANSPORTATION SOLUTIONS

The company is credited with introducing quadricycles, Bajaj Qute, in India that are loaded with exclusive features and utilities. Qute is a cross between an autorickshaw and an entry-level car, and has seating space for a driver as well as three passengers. It is highly fuel- efficient, has low maintenance cost and is powered by a DTSi engine and closed- loop fuel injection system. It is an all- weather friendly vehicle and navigates better in water-logged conditions. After partnering with Uber, it is all set to provide an affordable and smart urban commuting option to people.

An eminent manufacturer of three- wheelers and quadricycles, Bajaj Auto is fuelling transportation services with unmatched products under the name of Bajaj Intracity. The company has a wide portfolio of vehicles compatible with all fuel types including petrol, liquefied petroleum gas, compressed natural gas and diesel. It is working on making public transportation easier and cost- effective. Thanks to its relentless efforts and superior products, the company has gained a strong foothold in 36 countries.

A ROLE MODEL IN CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Bajaj Auto is carrying the group’s philanthropic legacy forward by making contributions to the field of education. Under the Bajaj Education Initiative, the company takes care of 76 underprivileged schools in Pune and supports infrastructure development and capacity building. It is also a benefactor of the Bharatiya Yuva Shakti Trust that aims to raise 1,000 entrepreneurs in 5 years.

Bharti AXA General Insurance Company Ltd. is a joint venture between the leading Indian business Group Bharti Enterprises, which has been credited with revolutionizing the Indian telecom industry, and the French insurance giant AXA headquartered in Paris, France. The Bharti Group is a 51% stakeholder in this joint venture while the remaining 49% is held by AXA.

The company is headquartered in Mumbai and is operational with 104 branches across the country. It has a PAN India network of 4,500+ cashless hospitals and 4,500+ cashless garages. It also provides 24/7 AXA Assistance Worldwide.

CUSTOMER CENTRIC APPROACH

Customer centricity is built into the DNA of Bharti AXA General Insurance. It is one of the founding pillars on which their entire business is based. Bharti AXA General Insurance has helped its customers and clients manage their risk to protect what matters the most to them. Its responsibility goes much beyond just quoting a policy.

The company believes in having lasting relationships, strong ethics and a strong passion for what it does. It aims to be the one stop solution provider for all forms of protection and insurance needs. Deep understanding of their client’s needs, combined with expertise and knowledge allows Bharti AXA General Insurance to successfully deliver sound advice thus securing the future of the community it serves.

OFFERING CARE TO CLAIMS

The key moment of truth in insurance emerges when claims are filed. The company endeavors to offer a superior experience during these critical moments, so that customers can focus on what matters most, while leaving worries aside.

The company believes that at every touch point, the customer should be handled with empathy and care. Towards this, Bharti AXA General Insurance has launched various initiatives, including Smart eSurvey app, which is a live streaming solution for motor claims settlement. This app reduces the turnaround time from 2-3 days to 30 minutes and gives the power in the hands of the claimant.

SUPERIOR DIGITAL INITIATIVES

The customer-centric digital initiatives of Bharti AXA General Insurance are redefining the entire industry. According to the company, in the insurance business, technology will be of prime importance as it will help keep costs low, price products better and offer an enhanced and differentiated customer experience.Bharti AXA General Insurance’s customer- centric digital initiatives will be vital in keeping tab on the pulse of this dynamic sector.

For its customer-centric approach and operational excellence, Bharti AXA General Insurance has been awarded ‘Customer Service Excellence Award’ at ABP News BFSI Awards, 2019.

It has also been awarded with ‘Technology Initiative of the Year’ at ABP News BFSI Awards, 2019 for its WhatsApp chat-bot that provides customer assistance.

Actively seeking unique investment opportunities locally, regionally and internationally, and dedicated to investing in asset classes which help strengthen and diversify the UAE’s economy, Emirates Investment Authority (EIA) has uniquely positioned itself to become an invaluable partner for significant world- class investment opportunities in a short span of time.

WORKING TO STRENGTHEN THE ECONOMY

Established in 2007 through a federal decree with the prime objective of managing the sovereign wealth of the UAE, it invested in a diversified portfolio of assets in key economic sectors and industries.

EIA is the only Sovereign Wealth Fund of the Federal Government of the United Arab Emirates. It has been choosing its investments strategically by investing in the sectors of financial services, prepared and preserved food, educational services, and works for all seven Emirates of the United Arab Emirates: Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras al-Khaimah, Sharjah and Umm al-Quwain. The fund seeks to make investments in the public and private markets of the GCC as well as overseas.

ENHANCING THE VALUE OF ASSETS

Under the able leadership of Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan (Deputy Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Minister of Presidential Affairs) who is also the member of the royal family of Abu Dhabi and the half-brother of Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan (Current President of UAE and Chairman of the Ministerial Council for Services, the Emirates Investment Authority and the Emirates Racing Authority), EIA has rapidly grown to become a truly dynamic investment platform for the UAE’s sovereign wealth fund.

To put its capital to good rewarding use, it has invested heavily to enhance and extract value from the combination of assets in its portfolio to maximise returns and consolidate its gains. EIA has also created an Investment Leadership Program (ILP) through which it has actively engaged in training leaders out of promising young nationals. Over the years, ILP has become very popular among those Emiratis who seek to build challenging but rewarding careers in the investment field.

STRATEGIC INVESTMENT

Envisioning consistent growth and robust results, EIA has acquired major holdings in two Middle Eastern and North African telecommunications companies Etisalat and Du. Moreover, it has also acquired over 30 stakes in corporations across the GCC and has notably invested into Gulf International Bank in Bahrain, the United Arab Shipping Company and the Gulf Investment Corporation. Last but not the least, it has been building and strengthening several of its efforts in the areas of strategic and tactical asset allocation while successfully facing challenges in the global economy. Invariably staying vigilant, EIA has also continued to place a high premium on astute risk management. EIA’s efforts in the sphere of recommending and selecting investments have always been true to its objective of preserving and enhancing the UAE’s sovereign wealth.

Recognised as a market leader in the field of electric cables manufacturing, GCL has a vast range of products such as electric cables and wires, low voltage cables insulated with cross linked polyethylene (XLPE), medium and high voltage cables, aerial bunched cables and domestic and industrial flexible cables. Gloster Cables Limited was incorporated in the year 1995, with Fort Gloster Industries Limited [FGI] as technical collaborator. GCL is fully dedicated to improve and maintain infrastructural facilities and stay ahead of the competition in terms of quality and price.

TECHIES OF THE CABLE WORLD

GCL’s applications of state-of-the-art production and testing facilities and strict adherence to ISI specifications have earned the company high prominence and ISO accreditation from the Det Norske Veritas (DNV), a Norway-based international certification body. The company has installed most-advanced, up-dated machinery and plant and is moving ahead with its ambitious plan of expanding the manufacturing network to include elastomeric insulated cables, mining and extra high voltage cables and instrumentation cables. The company also plans to set up a turnkey cabling project in near future.

TEAM OF HIGHLY DEDICATED PROFESSIONALS

The fundamental secret to success of any booming enterprise lies in the co- ordinated team-work and expertise. GCL has taken every precaution in this regard. Experienced and proficient employees are guided by the competent top management team of the company; everyone striving towards the common goal of improving the quality of the products.

Business acumen and entrepreneurial leadership of the founders have enabled the company to sell products at the lowest costs in India. Some of the factors which made it possible include high- quality-control, in-house production of all grades of PVC compounds, in-house facilities for routine tests, acceptance and type-tests as per national and international specifications, ensuring purchase and use of the best quality of raw material, inspection and testing of every material before and after production, and manufacturing of conductors with unidirectional lay process.

CUSTOMER CENTRIC APPROACH

GCL is a customer-centred company, totally committed to supply best quality products to the customers. The company visualises its growth to 1000 crores in the next 5 years by strengthening its business relations with distributors and customers. The organisation ensures timely availability of products and convenience for customers by strictly adhering to time schedule and allowing customers to evaluate and share feedback on the quality of products. Based on the customers’ say and dynamic power needs, the organisation upgrades its products further.

The brand has acquired and maintained its presence in the entire country by setting up branches all over and through distributors. This has ensured reaching out to more and more customers and serving their power-related needs. Being one of the most popular brands, GCL enjoys a long-standing good will for its products.

The premier retail bank of Sri Lanka, with an annual turnover of Rs. 106.3 billion, Hatton National Bank has received a foreign currency issuer rating of B1, equivalent to the sovereign rating by Moody’s Investors Service and a national long-term rating of AA- by Fitch Ratings (Lanka) Ltd. Its recent acquisition of a microfinance company – Prime Grameen Pvt. Ltd. (rebranded as HNB Finance) – has enabled it to gain an enhanced access to the micro finance market.

DEPLOYING ADVANCED DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY

It was the first bank in Sri Lanka to launch a mobile POS solution for the benefit of entrepreneurs, businesses and end consumers, and has deployed deposit-capable automated machines, cardless remittances and other advanced applications for transferring technology to its more than 2 million clients. The bank has also introduced Cash Management and Distributor Finance Solutions for its customers by upgrading its digital banking platform to provide them with greater availability of time and resources to focus on core skills.

To realise its vision of becoming the premier private sector bank in Sri Lanka, Hatton National Bank has collaborated with team Interbrand and team Deloitte with a special emphasis on digitisation and enhanced customer service.

CONTRIBUTING TO SOCIAL WELFARE

Hatton National Bank has set its priority on providing safe drinking water and sanitation facilities to the communities lacking this basic requirement in correspondence with the Millennium Development Goals, and has helped various villages, temples, churches, schools and drought-hit areas to meet this goal. In 2005, the bank took an educational initiative to strengthen the resources and infrastructure at disadvantaged rural schools with a target of supporting 100 schools with libraries, and has assisted 200 schools till date.

The bank contributes to renovating the infrastructure to establish libraries, facilitate the donation of books, furniture and additional books on a yearly basis. The libraries programme has been effective in inculcating reading habits among the students, and has helped in improving the skills of more than 50000 children in the country. Since 2009, the bank has initiated steps towards environmental reforms and combating climate change by pursuing a two-pronged environmental responsibility ethics programme called the ‘HNB Green Pledge’, and has undertaken various projects including tree planting campaigns, e-waste campaigns and awareness programmes. The HNB Sustainability Foundation offers financial assistance through its ‘financial assistance to cancer patients programme’ to patients/ families affected by cancer by providing them with a monthly financial supplement to meet the additional expenses incurred due to cancer.

WELL DESERVED RECOGNITION

It was conferred with the Gold Award for Sustainability Reporting at ACCA Awards 2018 and received 5 awards for sustainability at Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Best Corporate Citizen Sustainability Awards 2017.

With an objective of gaining recognition as a partner in providing financial solutions through its team of motivated people, Hatton National Bank emphasises on sustainability as a holistic and integral component of its corporate policy and business model.