Punjab Chemicals: Committed To The Core
11 December 2008 Punjab Chemicals and Crop Protection Ltd. has been a frequent name in the headlines over the past several years. Recent acquisitions of businesses in the Americas and Europe have put it in a position that few manufacturers and formulators are able to achieve: namely, at the ready to supply product directly to some of the world’s most lucrative markets.
The acquisition of Argentine ag-chem company Sinthesis Quimica, a stake in US-based Source Dynamics, and the purchase of Dutch formulator Pegevo Beheer and Agrichem Holland of the EU — and its array of Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) registrations — round out a busy expansion period for the Mumbai, India-based company. Combine that with the company’s efforts to build its domestic distribution throughout India, and Punjab has had what CEO Shalil Shroff describes in an understatement as “a quite hectic six months.”
Planning For The Future
Shroff says that the company’s aim is one of long-term success built on repeat business, satisfied customers, and continual improvement.
“Our acquisitions were part of a plan to show our R&D commitment, and our commitment to this business: we are dedicated to chemicals,” he says. “We will put money back into the industry. This is what we know.”
The company’s history proves Shroff’s point. “We have chosen not to diversify for over 32 years,” he says. “We know this job, and we’re doing it better and better every year.”
Capabilities, Philosophies
The company owns six plants which each produce a different product range, and each is ISO:9001 and ISO:14001 certified. Punjab also runs its own R&D facilities and pilot plant facilities.
Its business embraces branded products and contract manufacturing, and works across different segments of chemicals, including agro technicals and formulations, APIs, pharmaceutical intermediates, phosphorus derivatives, and specialty chemicals, and the recent additions of biocides for the leather and wood industries and biological innoculants through its Sinthesis Quimica acquisition.
The range of the company’s offerings isn’t slowing down its progress, as Punjab is always looking for the best products to add to its line-up. At the same time, it stresses high quality in its operations.
“If you have good registrations and good data, you move,” Shroff says. “Also, we wish to cooperate with the MNCs, we’re not here to fight, there’s no manipulation in the way we do business. That’s why we have repeat customers in 60 countries.”
Continual Improvement
Shroff says that by 2012, Punjab Chemicals wants to reach US $500 million in sales. From a tactical perspective, this will be achieved through the company’s growth and the growth of its acquisitions, with emphasis on increased business in Australia, South East Asia, and another possible venture in the EU.
But its plans for the future convey a greater mission than expansion into certain markets. In an age with ever-increasing attention being paid to sustainable development and environmental impact, Punjab Chemicals is mindful of its responsibility, to not just the chemical industry, but the world as a whole. It’s path forward embraces the advancement of not just its own business, but also the industry in which it operates.
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