Of the seven manufacturing plants that Kirloskar Brothers Ltd. (KBL) operates in India, the Kondhapuri plant located in Pune (Maharashtra) is unique in at least a couple of manners. Besides being the only valve manufacturing unit within the Group, it is also the only KBL plant that conducts business on project basis.

Interestingly, it is in the current financial year that KBL decided to build valve manufacturing as an independent business entity within the Group with a separate P&L sheet. Earlier the flagship facility of KBL, the Kirloskarvadi plant was also manufacturing valves but now the Kondhapuri plant has been given the complete responsibility for valves manufacturing within the Group.

"The aim is to have a more structured approach to this business with the aim of serving our customers more effectively and efficiently," says Shrinivas N Sant, GM & Head - Operations. Sant, who took charge of the plant quite recently, believes that with a focus on specialised products and robust manufacturing systems, the Kondhapuri Plant is not only carving a niche for itself but also steadily growing its business.

Spread over about 8.5 acres of land, the Kondhapuri plant is also the first valve manufacturer to be accredited with ISO 9001 certification in India. "In fact, ours is also the first KBL plant to have the ISO 50001 certification," shares Sant. As the Plant Head, Sant puts a lot of emphasis on communication at all levels in the facility.

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