Havell's India aims to double presence in AP  ( December '2,2003, HBL)

HAVING completed its major expansion programmes through inorganic route recently, Havell's India Ltd (HIL), the Rs 650-crore player in the power distribution equipment industry, has now shifted its focus to the marketing arena and plans to substantially strengthen its distribution network across the country.

Addressing newspersons here, the HIL Vice-President, Marketing, Mr Sunil Sikka, said the company has set aggressive plans to increase market share in Andhra Pradesh.

In line with this strategy, the company has rolled out its complete range of products including the new range of fans, compact fluorescent lamps, lighting fixtures and new innovations in existing products groups such as industrial switch gears, cables, wires, plate switches and energy metres.

According to Mr Sikka, the company is currently strengthening its distribution network to penetrate indo deeper pockets in the market. It plans to increase its existing network in all small towns and villages of Andhra Pradesh.

"We are aiming at further consolidating our market share by expanding our distribution network at a rapid pace, with increased focus on smaller towns. We are confident that by end of 2005 fiscal, we would have doubled our turnover," Mr Sikka said.

Havell's currently has a distribution network of 570 dealers and retail counters, regional offices in Hyderabad, branch offices in Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam and resident representatives in Warangal, Rajahmundry and Tirupati, apart from sales team of over 50 engineers.

Stating that the general light source lamps market was losing its ground in favour of compact fluorescent lamps (CFL) in view of the energy savings advantage, he, however, said the complete transition would take long period in owing to the high cost of the CFL bulbs.

He expected that the tax concessions being offered by various State Governments might result in bringing down the selling prices of CFL bulbs in the coming years.

Currently, Havell's was working out details for setting up a new Greenfield project for the manufacture of T-5 luminaries, he said. The company was evaluating the tax concessions being offered by various State governments.

The project would be set by June next with significant investments. However, he declined to divulge the size of investments stating that the details pertaining the capacities were not yet worked out.