Bharathi Cement

DECEMBER 2018

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Bharathi Cement

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presents

BHARATHI CEMENT

CEMENTING THE FUTURE With the most unique heritage in the cement and aggregates industry, the Vicat Group is in a fantastically privileged position within its field. Now, with Anoop Kumar Saxena at the helm of the Indian operation, Bhathari Cement, the sky is quite literally the limit for this giant of the construiction industry.

WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER

BHARATHI CEMENT

Just as premium cement and related products are the

key to construction project foundations, so too is the right leadership absolutely critical to the success of a business, which is why Anoop Kumar Saxena is such a valuable addition to the Vicat Group team.

W

hile the company is the focus of this Endeavour Magazine

representation. This is why a culture of discussion, motivation and

article, it’s important to understand who is driving the new

development has been firmly instilled.

innovation in the Indian region, which is why Anoop was

asked about his appointment and pervious experience:

A RECOGNISED NAME IN THE INDUSTRY

“In total, I have served over 33 years in the cement industry.

The Vicat Group itself is a French operation, dating all the way

I have been serving as the Chief Executive Officer of Vicat India

back to 1817 and Louis Vicat’s ground-breaking, or should that

since July 2017. I had previously joined as a director for Kalburgi

be ground-securing, invention of artificial cement. Now operating

Cement, a 100% subsidiary of the Vicat Group, in March 2012. I

in 12 countries, the core business interests of the Group are

was initially responsible for the first greenfield project for Vicat in

“cement, ready- mixed concrete (RMC) and concrete products

India, and I have quickly established a market footprint for Kalburgi

and aggregates”. With 15 fully integrated and operational cement

Cement Pvt Ltd as a successful company and launched the Vicat

plants, Vicat is able to enjoy a sizeable cement production capacity,

brand, formerly a flagship cement brand from France, in India from

with over 34 million tonnes being manufactured every year, ready

August 2018. In January 2013, I was appointed Chief Operating

to support the global construction industry.

Officer of Vicat India.”

Not only is Anoop highly knowledgeable and experienced

Vicat India is an interesting branch of the wider Group, as it operates through two subsidiaries, as Anoop explained,

within the cement industry, he has also carved himself a legacy

“Vicat is operating in India through two companies; Bharathi

within the Vicat Group itself in only a few short years. With this in

Cement Corporation Pvt. Ltd. and Kalburgi Cement Pvt. Ltd. Bharathi

mind, it stands to reason that his management philosophy is well

Cement has a state-of-the-art integrated plant at Cuddapha, while

honed, not to mention proven out. He recognises that effective

Kalburgi Cement has an integrated plant at Kalaburgi and one

leadership should take the form of support, guidance and discipline

bulk terminal at Mumbai. The cement produced at Cuddapha is

in appropriate measures, which will then organically evolve into

sold under the brand ‘Bharathi Cement’ in Southern India, and the

a motivated, dedicated and expert workforce. This leads into his

cement produced at Kalburgi is sold under ‘Vicat’ in Maharashtra

personal philosophy for achieving success:

and ‘Bharathi Cement’ in the Southern states. Our main customers

“From the very outset, I like to remind everyone that there are no shortcuts to success and there is no substitution for hard work.

are construction segments of residential, industrial, commercial and infrastructure building companies or individuals.”

In this case, I believe that employee communication is primary and

Thanks to this multi-pronged approach, the last eight years

goes a long way in building and gaining trust amongst employees.

have been witness to a significant amount of growth within India

As a leader, you have to be the first to embrace change and

for Vicat. Expanding into new areas has lead to an impressive

communicate it effectively to your employees. The order of the

presence in eight states, within which there is a dealer network of

day is to wear different hats while dealing with different situations.

over 3,000 and sub-dealers totalling at least 10,000.

Also, times are changing, and continual improvement is mandatory for professional and personal growth.”

SUPPLY AND DEMAND

Anoop also notes that his staff are, at a basic level, brand

When it comes to the buoyancy of the cement industry in

ambassadors and as such, need to be rewarded for their exemplar

India, Anoop was careful to explain that there is serious scope for

BHARATHI CEMENT development, noting that “although India is the second-largest

mix design. We also ensure that our products are environment

producer of cement, there is disconnect between the country’s

friendly.”

GDP growth and cement output in recent years.” With outside forces driving pricing and keeping profit margins relatively low,

A FUTURE TO LOOK FORWARD TO

it is down to Vicat itself to make the best of available contracts.

According to Anoop, cement demand is expected to grow in the

Anoop takes a practical approach and focuses on “plant efficiency,

coming years, in line with increased urbanisation and incentives put

logistical efficiency and mitigating the risk of increasing fuel costs

in place by the government. This is an exciting development and

and other raw materials to maintain profitability.”

one that is perfectly timed to allow for Vicat’s expansion plan to

Naturally, it helps that Vicat is in the exceptionally privileged

really have an impact,

position of having a staggering legacy behind it, as well as a

“Recently, Vicat announced its expansion plan with an

reputation for creating only the most premium of products, both

investment of €223 million for a second production line in the

of which have contributed to the company remaining a cut above

existing plant of Kalburgi Cement. Foreseeing the ever-growing

competitors,

demand of the market, it also announced the establishment of a

“Vicat is a name synonymous with cement. Almost 200 years

grinding unit at Vizag, to expand its footprint in India.”

later, Louis Vicat’s discovery is the foundation that the modern

Operating under a banner of “trust, legacy, forever”, Vicat

cement industry is built upon. This has solidly forged Vicat’s identity

has certainly proven to be an operation with not only staying

in the world of engineering, and that legacy is now being carried

power, but also industry foresight and a healthy attitude towards

forward by all of us at the Vicat Group.

continuous development. When it comes to Vicat India, it seems

Our products are premium quality cement that are used in the construction of residential and commercial projects and roads by major RMC manufacturers, due to their highly economical concrete

clear that nobody represents these values better than Anoop and his dedicated team.