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.