Premier journal april 2014

C N C

M A C H I N E S

E N G I N E E R I N G

A U T O M O T I V E

A Quarterly Newsletter

Issue 21 · April 2014

Premier provides quality products and

prompt customer service

at low maintenance costs along with user friendly operating systems — words of praise from one of our longstanding cnc machine partners

Customer speak Our customers have something to say...

premier goes A step forward and organises trainings for rio dealers to ensure we are technically oriented with the car — appreciation from one of our many satisfied rio dealers

CoEP Story

Empowering Young Minds

HR and IR

Better Safe Than Sorry

Sunset Club

Arun Hingway's Drive Down Memory Lane

CONTENTS april 2014

EDIT DESK

Celebrating Women's Day 2014 at Premier.

04

Cover Story – 04 Customer Feedback

08

CSR Updates

10 13

News You Can Use

14

Women at Premier

16

HR and IR

19

Sunset Club

C N C

19

M A C H I N E S

E N G I N E E R I N G

A Quarterly Newsletter

A U T O M O T I V E

Issue 21 | April 2014

EDITORIAL Editorial Board

M. D. Adhikari, Rakesh Mehta, D. S. Totre, K. G. Rathi, R. M. Tavhare, Erica deSouza

Editorial

Spenta Shroff, Esha Chanda, Charlene Flanagan

Design

Anand Dhuri

Digital Imaging

Ninad Jadhav, Rohit Naik, Tulshidas Chougule

SPENTA MULTIMEDIA

Peninsula Spenta, Mathuradas Mill Compound, N. M.Joshi Marg, Lower Parel (W), Mumbai – 400 013.

Tel: +91-22-24811010 Fax: +91-22-24811021 Email: ho@spentamultimedia.com Website: www.spentamultimedia.com

Premier Today  2

Premier Today, a quarterly newsletter, is printed and published

by Erica deSouza on behalf of Premier Ltd. Premier Today is printed and published at Spenta Multimedia, Peninsula Spenta, Mathuradas Mill Compound, N.M. Joshi Marg, Lower Parel (W), Mumbai – 400013.

The views and opinions expressed or implied in Premier Today are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of Spenta Multimedia or Premier Ltd. Unsolicited articles and transparencies are sent in at the owner’s risk and the publisher accepts no liability for loss or damage.

Material in this publication may not be reproduced, whether in part or in whole, without the consent of Spenta Multimedia or Premier Ltd.

Dear Reader, As a company, rather, a family, we make it our prerogative to garner many types of information from our employees, consumers and business associates for one purpose — because we care. We make it our jobs to know exactly what our customers want or like about our products, before we make amends, improvements or introduce new products. But, whatever the case, what our customers have to say will always be top priority.

Which is why, this issue of Premier Today pays homage to the cherished views and feedback of not only our customers, but also our employees in our cover story on Page 4. After all, a strong family is built on the grounds of open communication. Besides, Jeff Bezos, CEO of Amazon.com wasn’t wrong when he said, “If you do build a great experience, customers tell each other about that. Word of mouth is very powerful.”

Also, read all about our CSR activities — our association with various NGOs, our scholarship and mentorship programmes, and how some of our employees have volunteered on their own accord when they came across an orphanage in need of help on Page 8. We take pride that our employees have a strong sense of responsibility towards society.

And as always, I’d like to thank you, our loyal readers, without whom Premier Today might not have enjoyed such success. We hope you enjoy this latest edition, just as much as we enjoyed putting it together!

We welcome your feedback at ericadesouza@ premier.co.in. Have a great summer!

Cheers, Ms. Erica deSouza, Head – Corporate Communication, Premier Ltd.

Our

A

Customers have something to say...

t Premier, we value our customer feedback. Right from our CNC Machines to our fuel-efficient compact SUV RiO, we ensure that our customers benefit from all our products. In this issue of Premier Today, read how the key stakeholders — our dealers, vendors, employees and beneficiaries of our CSR initiatives — have partnered with the organisation and developed a close bond with the company. With this issue, we celebrate those who help us, motivate us as well as challenge us to innovate and keep moving forward.

For us, our employees are as important as our customers. Their team spirit, dedication and conviction to do something better every day has made Premier what it is today. Premier grows and thrives on their feedback. Here's what our customers have to say...

07 I purchased my first car in early 2013 after a lot of research and deliberation. I love my RiO and am proud of it!

— Dr. R. M. Mohanty, proud owner of the Premier RiO

04 Premier is our most valued service provider. The reliability of the products have increased our confidence.

— surendrasingh DHIMAN, senior manager, wind world india ltd. (WWIL)

3  www.premier.co.in

Cover Story — Customer Feedback

Engineering Division Wind World India Ltd. (formerly known as

Enercon India Limited)

Premier is proud to be one of the key suppliers to Wind World India Ltd. (WWIL), a windmill manufacturing giant that has installed more than 5,700 wind energy converters in India. We have provided stator carriers, stator rings, disc rotors and machine castings.

“The reliability of their products has increased our confidence in having Premier as our most preferred supplier,”

says Mr. Surendrasingh Dhiman, Senior Manager, Materials, WWIL.

Disc rotors at the Wind World India Ltd.’s manufacturing facility.

FAST FACT

8

years of partnership between WWIL and Premier

1,644

rotor hubs supplied to WWIL by Premier so far

FAST FACT

High Quality and Prompt Service

was the feedback received from Premier customers

Premier's PHB 150 machine used at Greaves Cotton Limited.

Premier Today  4

FAST FACT

Greaves Cotton Limited Greaves Cotton Ltd. is one of India’s leading and well-diversified engineering companies.

Their product portfolio includes pumpsets, gensets (diesel) and diesel engines.

Mr. Sayyad contacted Premier’s Machine Division last year for a customised solution to a problem they were facing during production.

“The PHB 150 machine helped us reach the highest quality standard by eliminating unnecessary processes, giving us consistent results at lower costs, ” says Mr. Sayyad.

Cover Story – Customer Feedback

Customer Feedback

L. G. Balakrishnan & Bros. Pvt. Ltd. (LGB)

Premier's gear hobbing CNC Machine used at LGB facility.

ReGen PowerTech Pvt. Ltd. As the third largest wind energy company in India, ReGen Powertech is committed to providing clean and sustainable energy.

Premier has been supplying wind turbine components to ReGen since 2009.

“The engineering genius delivered is commendable.

The cost-effective product has yielded terrific results for our procurement and assembly team. We look forward to strengthening our business relation with them,”

FAST FACT Proud to support India's

3

rd

largest wind energy company

FAST FACT

8

Premier CNC Machines in the LGB facility

FAST FACT

156

sets of steel parts provided to ReGen by Premier so far

LGB is one of the leading industries in South India that was established in 1937 with a fleet of 250 buses, and today, stands proud as the premier manufacturer of automotive chains under the popular brand name Rolon.

“We were looking for an association that will help us maintain high standards with zero errors. We found a perfect match with Premier Ltd. The key focus of the company is precision and quality products with prompt customer service; the cherry on the cake being its low maintenance cost and userfriendly operating system,” says Mr. P. Prabakaran, Deputy Managing Director, LGB, Coimbatore.

says Mr. M. Suresh, Deputy Manager — Component Sourcing, ReGen Powertech.

Technicians assembling a wind turbine at ReGen Powertech using a machine hub supplied

by Premier.

5  www.premier.co.in

Cover Story — Customer Feedback

Automotive Division

Premier Ltd.’s introduction of RiO created a market for a niche segment. With a huge customer end users.

I

ndia’s first compact and most fuel-efficient SUV, the RiO project was undertaken by partnering with Zotye International of China and has been customised to suit the Indian customer base. The compact SUV picked up momentum mainly in northern and southern parts of India with rocky terrain. Its high ground clearance, great fuel efficiency and sturdy body make the SUV appropriate for off-roading. Its compact size and vibrant colours contribute to it being one of the smartest SUVs to drive in the city.

Mr. Ishwarbhai Patel, a proud dealer of the Premier RiO.

FAST FACT

98%

De a

of RiO customers appreciated the car's high ground clearance and smart looks

Mr. Ishwarbhai Patel

r le

Spenta Shroff

“My first job has given me my first car. It's been a year of firsts for me."

Spenta Shroff and her family with their new RiO.

“This was the best decision I've ever made. It motivates me to learn to drive, so I can take my child to school."

Premier Today  6

Mangesh dhadve Mangesh Dhadve with his first car — the Premier RiO.

Em p l

Testimonies from Premier employees who now own the RiO as part of the company's New Automotive scheme.

es e oy

A proprietor and patron dealer of Sai Motors, Navsari, Mr. Patel says, “Premier takes the initiative to organise regular dealer trainings that help us become more technically oriented with the vehicle. We cherish our association with Premier.”

Cover Story – Customer Feedback

Customer Feedback and dealer base, the Auto Division has ensured prompt service and dealer trainings for its

Dr. R. M. Mohanty, the satisfied owner of the Premier RiO.

Dr. R. M. Mohanty

stomers Cu

Since it was Dr. Mohanty's — a scientist at Council of Science and Industrial Research (CSIR) — first car and a big investment, he carefully analysed the market keeping his budget in mind. He says, “After research and deliberation, I purchased the RiO Lx with the CRDi4 engine in early

2013. I love my RiO and am proud of it.”

Mr. Emanuel Joseph with his RiO at the stone quarry.

FAST FACT

fuel Efficency and high ground clearance

were the most appreciated features of the RiO

Mr. Emanuel Joseph

“My work involves travelling through rough terrain and long trips to rural India. The RiO fits well for my family and business travel,” says Bangalore-based businessman,

Mr. Joseph, who owns a stone quarry. He especially loves the boot space, and he has convinced his relatives to purchase the RiO as well.

7  www.premier.co.in

CSR – College of Engineering

College of Engineering, Pune Premier's association with the College of Engineering (CoEP), Pune for a brighter future.

Vinod Doshi scholars try their hand at creating frames on a manual lathe at the Vigyan Ashram.

O

Empowering Young Minds

ne of the main issues faced by today’s budding engineers is their overall development. Premier's efforts to tackle this includes organising several workshops and programmes. The faculty, led by Prof. Shindikar, organised a workshop to facilitate positivity and empower the youth. The workshop covered important sections such as goal setting and controlling negative emotions. “The

feedback was encouraging and proves the need for it in the day-to-day life of the students,” says Prof. Shindikar.

In another instance, Chitra Watwani, a Vinod Doshi-CoEP Merit

Shaping Lives

Premier’s association with CoEPVinod Doshi Merit scholars goes beyond a mere scholarship.

scholar, organised a field trip to the Vigyan Ashram in Pabal for first year scholars. “We identified with the children studying in the ashram. They are a true source of inspiration for us,” says Kuldip Nagnath, a first year Vinod Doshi-CoEP Merit scholar.

We are also proud to announce that this year, Akshay Bhilwade, a second year Vinod Doshi-CoEP Merit scholar, currently studying mechanical engineering, secured a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 9.06. He was awarded the Vinod Doshi Outstanding Scholar award for his performance in his first year at CoEP.

Pooja Parsewar, a Vinod Doshi - CoEP Merit scholar.

Introducing two more first year Vinod Doshi Merit scholars.

Pooja Parsewar The daughter of a shopkeeper from Latur district, Pooja is currently pursuing her degree in instrumentation engineering. “The

Vinod Doshi Merit scholarship eased off my father’s burden. Now, I can also participate in extra-curricular activities of the college such as NSS,” she says.

Premier Today  8

ty Award for

oyabili National Eme.pl ut it the inst

mpuses of the 45 ca CoEP is one that has been ia across Ind as one of the top 10% recognised campuses in India. engineering

CSR – College of Engineering “I was suffering from certain health issues. The doctor identified the problem as stress. Once my daughter received the Vinod Doshi-CoEP Merit scholarship, I was able to repay the loan taken for her education. This has relieved me of the burdern and has also improved my health.”

– Mr. Bharat Jadhav, Parent of one of the Vinod Doshi Merit scholars

“For the last two years, I am in charge of the Vinod Doshi CoEP Scholarship scheme. The focus of this scholarship has always remained the overall development of these students. It makes them self-reliant and confident.”

— Sudhir Agashe, Professor, Instrumentation and Control and Dean (Student Affairs), CoEP

Gud Kuldip Nagnath, a Vinod Doshi- CoEP Merit scholar, experimenting to test the Hall's effect by using the electromagnetic machine at the physics laboratory at College of Engineering, Pune.

Gud Kuldip Nagnath Kuldip hails from Osmanabad where his father is a farmer.

Drawing inspiration from a boy in his village, Kuldip decided to take up engineering. The respect an engineer receives in his village and in the society as well as the desire to have a successful career were the driving forces behind his decision.

“I want to become a successful engineer so that I can help others financially and give back to society.

I know the value of this scholarship and how it has changed my life, and I will be fortunate if I can contribute in some way to change other young lives in my village,” says Kuldip.

Premier’s Kadambari Paigude with CoEP Director Dr. A. Sahasrabudhe and Dean Dr. B. Ahuja.

Ambassadors of Change Premier employee represents the company at CoEP.

Ms. Kadambari Paigude, Assistant Manager, Human Resource, represented Premier as a panelist to interview candidates for the position of an Assistant Training and Placement Officer and Office Assistant for the College of Engineering (CoEP), Pune’s Training and Placement Cell on December 20, 2013.

9  www.premier.co.in

CSR – Art and Culture

Celebrating the Arts

The Annual Vinod Doshi Theatre Festival returns with a host of new vibrant plays.

A still from the 6th Annual Vinod Doshi Theatre Festival.

N

ow in its sixth year, the Vinod Doshi Memorial Theatre Festival has established itself as a calendar event in the theatre scene. Held at the Yashwantrao Chavan Natyagruha, Kothrud, Pune from February 24 to 28, the festival presented an eclectic mix of topics and tones from established as well as budding directors.

This year, the festival opened with Sangeet Garvanirvaan. Day two saw the brilliant performance of versatile actor Kulbhushan Kharbanda in Atmakatha. On day three, the audience saw Rashomon Blues. Day four saw Taramandal, a simple play based on a short story by Satyajit Ray. The festival came to a close with Bandish.

The festival finale, held at the NCPA Experimental Theatre, saw a performance by Sufi-gospel singer Sonam Kalra. Sonam has been trained in FAST FACT both Indian and Western music traditions and is equally adept at both.

Punekars entertained

Sonam Kalra and the Sufi Gospel Project perform at the festival.

FAST FACT

3

house full performances

“The Vinod Doshi Theatre Festival has come to be recognised as the litmus test for first-rate theatre.”

— Girish Karnad, playwright, actor and director

“The Vinod Doshi Festival has revived experimental theatre in Maharashtra and is of great value to young playwrights, directors and other rangkarmis. It is the most apt tribute to the late Vinod Doshi's genuine love for Marathi Theatre.”

— Dr. Mohan Agashe, theatre and film actor

Premier Today  10

5

plays across five days

3,500

“The popular Vinod Doshi Theatre festival returns to Pune for the sixth year... The festival certainly promises a lot of action for five days in the theatre scene in the city.”

— Sakal Times

FAST FACT

(L-R) Maharashtra Times, Mid Day

CSR – Art and Culture

Fulfilling Dreams The annual Vinod Doshi Fellowship in Performing Arts returns to make the dreams come true for five more scholars.

Shaili Sathyu

“This fellowship gives us motivation to continue our work.

We are happy with this recognition and appreciation. Such fellowships can go a long way in encouraging young people to take up a career in theatre, especially as opportunities and support are difficult to get,” says Shaili.

Making a Difference

The Vinod Doshi Fellows, 2014 — Shaili Sathyu, Abhay Mahajan, Suhas Shirsat, Trupti Khamkar and Neel Chaudhuri with Dr. Rajeev Naik (third from right).

Mr. V. S. Dhane, Manager, Systems Department with his daughter Jyoti.

The Vinod Doshi Shikshan Yojna

V

inod Doshi Shikshan Yojna is an annual award given to Premier employees and their children, who face financial constraints, to upgrade their educational qualification in India or abroad. This year, Jyoti Dhane and Hanumant Uttekar were among the recipients. Jyoti, daughter of Mr. Vijay Dhane, Manager, Systems Department, is a 17-year-old aspiring computer engineer, who received aid to pursue her engineering degree. “This aid has

helped Jyoti pursue her hobbies of anchoring school and college events. It has eased us from the tension of supporting her education and it has also been a great morale booster for her,” says Jyoti's

proud father.

Hanumant Uttekar, the 20-year-old son of our staff member Jaywant Uttekar, desires to work in a multinational company and is currently pursuing his masters in personnel administration. “This aid

Mr. Jaywant Uttekar, Premier's staff member, with his son Hanumant.

has relieved my parents from the financial burden and has also made me feel less guilty. This aid has not only increased my confidence but also instilled in me a sense of higher responsibility towards my education,” says Hanumant.

11  www.premier.co.in

CSR — NGOs

Musically Inclined The Vinod and Saryu Doshi Foundation collaborated with Furtados School of Music Education Programme to enrich musical minds.

Nitesh Sonawane (extreme right), teaching the keyboard to HHSB students as part of our Music Education Programme.

Atul Kalbe, a beneficiary, training on the drums.

I

n December 2013, we supported eight visually impaired children from the Happy Home and School for the Blind (HHSB), Mumbai at the Furtados School of Music Education Programme, to help fulfill their musical dreams. We aim at honing each child’s talents, his ability to learn and his resolve to become independent. Nitesh Sonawane is currently undergoing solo piano training. He is a member of the band Udaan and has given live performances. He plays music from

genres such as jazz and instrumental and also teaches music at HHSB. “It is amazing to watch these kids soak in every bit of knowledge they can. I have never been more inspired or driven to hone my skills further. These kids are definitely an inspiration,” says a proud Nitesh.

Ms. Meher Banaji, Director of HHSB says, “The eternal cliché that music is a universal language has a special meaning for all of us at HHSB. We have several children who are exceptionally talented and will benefit enormously from this training.”

As a result of this programme, Rahul and Nitesh, the beneficiaries, will appear for the Trinity College exams in music this year.

Making Progress

A programme to build English language skills and language proficiency in BMC schools.

P

remier undertook an initiative to facilitate an English reading programme in association with CHIP (Children in Progress) in effective literacy practices, and provided students from BMC schools with quality children’s books to facilitate reading in the classroom.

The six-week programme saw teachers using books to practise strategies for reading aloud to engage students in critical thinking. The children developed literacy skills by authoring stories on themes important to their lives.

This helped build vocabulary, strengthened reading comprehension, build confidence and made the learning process meaningful. Tasneem, a class three student says,

“I love reading books. I like books with pictures and activities. My favourite one is Five Little Monkeys because I like monkeys.”

Premier Today  12

FAST FACT

150

children across three BMC schools were benefitted

Students of CHIP, who benefitted from the reading programme.

News You Can Use

Premier's generator frames — the sole supplier of Kenersys India Pvt. Ltd.

A Fruitful Collaboration

Our Engineering Division collaborated with Kenersys India Pvt. Ltd., Pune, to customise and recreate a modified version of the generator frame for 2.5 MW. The newly developed generator frame is easy to operate, cost effective, has higher durability and generates higher quality output.

Premier has been declared as the sole supplier of the generator frame by Kenersys, India.

New Developments At Premier, we constantly endeavour to take valued customer feedback and further improve our products.

The following are the upgrades we've introduced:

Winning Streak The Fifth IMTMA-Premier Outstanding Entrepreneur Award, in memory of late Mr. Vinod Doshi, was presented to Mr. Ranjit Puri of ISGEC, Chairman, Board of ISGEC Heavy Engineering Ltd. Mr. Puri expressed his happiness and spoke about the close friendship he shared with the late Mr. Vinod Doshi.

CNC Vertical Turning Lathe Machine PTB 125: Helps to maximise positional accuracy. The table has been reconstructed to rotate on the C axis mode and drill on pcd and bore at a centre. This helps in slot milling and contour milling.

CNC Gear Hobbing Machine Model PHA–250 EGB: This is the most popular model in the gear cutting machine in its category. Developments have been introduced to reduce noise of the machine and a new Siemens 828 D control has been added.

High Speed CNC Gear Hobbing Machine PHC–150/250: One of the biggest competitors to foreign-makes, the machine was enhanced by introducing 0 to 180 deg ring type auto work loader, NC tail stock and compact version with less foot print.

CNC Gear Shaping Machine Model PSC–250: Linear motion guide ways for X axis, table with taper roller bearings and moveable type support column.

Premier at IPTEX 2014 FAST FACT

80%

of our customers said Premier offers prompt customer service

Mr. V. R. Kothari attending to customer queries

Our CNC Machine Division participated in IPTEX 2014.

We received an overwhelming response with queries from prospective customers.

The IPTEX trade show has emerged as one of the most promising platforms for members of the gears and power transmission equipment industry.

13  www.premier.co.in

Women at Premier Women's empowerment forum, 2014.

Women Speak

Premier women share their views in an empowering programme.

A

t Premier, we have a robust empowerment programme for our women employees. This quarter, we saw three such programmes, where different issues faced by women were highlighted.

Riveting discussions and different points of view were expressed and debated on joint and nuclear familes.

In the next session, each participant wrote their goals, places they like to go, things they like to see, problems faced, the possible solutions to these problems, etc. This was followed by a presentation made by Annamary Jayasuriya (fondly known as Anu). She spoke about her journey at Premier. “The

support I got from my superiors and colleagues has contributed in making me the person I am today,” says a proud Anu.

“Women at Premier are self-motivated and extremely confident.

Each woman’s empowerment programme just enhances their confidence,” says Ganesh Naik, Executive Cost Accounts.

“I have never had the courage of doing a mammography test, as I always felt shy to get it done. I am so glad that we had a session and the test for this Women’s Day so that I could undergo the

Vaishali Chavan participating in an icebreaker excercise at the women's empowerment programme.

test without any hesitation,” says Sreedevi Birajdar, Executive Adminstrative Department.

“We are respected and recognised for our work at Premier daily.

The women’s empowerment forum that we have is unique to our organisation and every time we have that session, it feels like a Women’s Day celebration,” says Sushma Gope, Executive

Automotive Division.

Building strong bonds at the women's empowerment programme.

Anu Jayasuriya, Manager — President's Office, making a presentation.

Premier Today  14

Women at Premier

Shraddha Salunke

A sports enthusiast, an inter-school handball champion, an enthusiastic traveller and a go-getter, are some of the skills found in HR Executive Shraddha Salunke. After completing her schooling and junior college in a Marathi medium school, Shraddha pursued her graduation in business administration from Pune University in English and has successfully completed an MBA degree in HR. “Working as an HR generalist and gaining knowledge of various HR functions has been a fulfilling experience for me. The cohesive work culture and disciplined approach are key motivators for me. Furthermore, the women empowerment programme is a great morale booster for all of us here,” says Shraddha.

“The bond we share and the support we get from our colleagues as well as superiors is what makes Premier different from other manufacturing companies,”

says Manisha, a member of Premier’s women empowerment forum.

A Quality Executive at Premier’s CNC Machine Division, Manisha started her journey with Premier more than four years ago. She brought with her a rich experience of more than 14 years. Calibration of gauges is a major part of Manisha’s job. Her careful attention to detail contributes to the high quality machines and results in customer satisfaction. When not at Premier, Manisha enjoys being a mother to two young boys, who apart from excelling in their academics are also hockey enthusiasts.

Apart from a Bachelors Degree in Science, she has completed a certificate course in the German language, as she wished to be a freelance lecturer.

Words of Appreciation Feedback on Issue #20

Manisha Sheelwant

The issue is fantastic! A tremendous effort.

I enjoyed reading it.

An excellent issue of the Premier Today! The company is doing some progressive stuff. Congratulations!”

— Urvashi Devidayal,

— Tarun Kataria, CEO, Religare Capital

President, American Alumni Association

15  www.premier.co.in

HR and IR

The Learning Curve Mr. V. E. Mone, Sr. Manager, Quality Assurance, Engineering Division, provides training on ISO Standards.

Premier focuses on quality with extensive training programmes.

E

nsuring customer satisfaction for our employees means enabling and encouraging the professional and personal well-being of the workforce. This includes fulfilling the employer’s primary obligation to provide a safe work environment and supporting employees’ capabilities, aptitude, talents and expertise through trainings.

Last quarter saw technical training to keep our employees abreast with the new ISO standards and certification processes.

Mr. V. E. Mone, Sr. Manager, Quality Assurance, Engineering Division conducted the ISO training that covered topics such as ISO documentation, safety, quality and maintenance.

Since we are a part of a technically advanced industry, it is important to train people to work with sophisticated systems.

We take pride in the quality of our products. Special efforts are taken to ensure zero quality defects and reduction in rejection

rates. The trainings included: • 1S, 2S training • SAP ERP System • Root Cause Analysis • Selection and Application of Cutting Tools • Industrial Safety • Control of Consumable Consumption

Employees meditating at the stress management workshop.

“Good technical awareness observed across the line.”

— ISO Auditor

Premier management signs the wage settlement agreement with the union.

R

Mr. M. D. Adhikari, President signing the wage settlement agreement with Mr. K. P. Dange Union President.

Premier Today  16

ecently, the Premier management and union concluded its wage settlement for a period of three years effective from February 15, 2014 to February 14, 2017.

Various issues were discussed by the management and union such as block closure, recession and plant relocation, and they have finally agreed to conclude the settlement.

Considering today’s economic condition in the market and global recession, Premier's management, keeping the interest of all workers in mind, has agreed to a wage settlement. The management has focused on the increase in output per man. The increase of R1,000/- in the second and third year respectively has been linked to the increased production target (Individual/Team/Department/Division), which will be mutually defined as per the need and agreed between the management and the union.

HR and IR

Helping Hands

Fourteen employees from the Automotive Division, along with their families, worked together to uplift the lives of 10 orphan children at Takshashila. These employees regularly visit the shelter to mentor the orphans, help them with their studies, provide food and clothes as well as moral support.

“We are happy and grateful to get help from the most unexpected sources. It is one thing to give money and help an NGO, but it is another to get involved with their lives. Mr. Kale and his team have shared the joy and sorrow of these children,” says Sachin Gaikwad,

founding member of Takshashila.

Premier employees with the beneficiaries of the Takshashila orphanage.

“The happiness and gratitude seen on the children’s faces gives us a sense of satisfaction and reflects the value of our work,” says a proud P.V. Kale.

A fire-fighting drill conducted during safety week.

Premier organises programmes to spread awareness about the importance of safety in a workplace.

Better Safe Than Sorry

T

his year, the safety week was celebrated from March 4 to 11. The week started with employees jointly taking the safety oath. Essay writing, poems and safety slogan competition were organised during the week.

Some of the other programmes conducted during were body fat analysis for employees above 45 years, a training programme on stress management by Dr. Vilas Joshi, training on safety and fire fighting by M. D. Pawar and S. P. Jarhad.

A Chalta-Bolta programme on the shop floor to involve workers where a quiz was conducted to encourage employee interaction. Dr. Ajay Mehta from Jahangir Hospital was invited to talk on heart diseases and its preventive actions.

“Our safety is our choice, it’s not a chance. We learnt that it is better to be safe, healthy and to stay protected.”

— Mr. Padwal, Executive Production, Engineering Division

The Chalta-Bolta contest taking place during safety week.

“In today’s recession period, we require more safety for our business by way of better productivity and quality, which will ultimately protect the organisation. Safety is an indicator that we’re making progress in changing our habits across the organisation. From this year, we will give a special prize to any employee who demonstrates a safer work environment and who proposes any measure to prevent accidents.”

— Mr. Adhikari, President, Premier Ltd.

17  www.premier.co.in

Employees in Focus Our employee, Madhav Joshi.

Nikhil and Nishant Joshi, the pride and joy of Premier’s meticulous Madhav Joshi, pay homage to their father.

A Stellar Employee

B

orn in a family with limited means in a village near the one-point contact for all shareholders. Madhav developed a Chiplun in Konkan, Madhav Joshi stood second in module for reconciliation of dividend in Foxpro. “Sincerity, honesty the Ratnagiri District for the matriculation exam. He and hard work are synonymous to Madhav Joshi,” says Mr. Tavhare, joined Premier on February 14, Vice President, Legal and Secretary, Premier Ltd., “It is due to his persistence who is also Madhav’s department head.

1984 and celebrated 30 years in the company and support that we are in February this year. Madhav was hired to He has imbibed in his sons, Nikhil and manage debenture issues. Timely roll-out constantly looking to improve Nishant, a passion for history, music and of bi-annual interests was handled by him higher education.

“A true friend, philosopher and guide — that’s how with no errors. He has been the backbone of and educate ourselves today,” I would describe Madhav,” says Mr. Lalit Gupte. the Secretarial and Shares Department and is says Nikhil Joshi

Welcome Aboard

Atul Mali Executive in the Maintenance Department, Engineering Division, Atul has completed his diploma in mechanical engineering and has worked as a trainee at Premier.

Executive in the Human Resource Department, Prashant is pursuing his postgraduate diploma in business management. He has a postgraduate diploma in business administration with a specialisation in human resource.

He has more than five years of experience as an HR Manager.

Prashant Gosvai Premier Today  18

The corporate office celebrating the holiday season.

Holiday Cheer Subhash Shinde Assistant Manager, Application in the Machine Division, Subash is armed with a diploma in mechanical engineering and has 14 years of rich experience and ideas that he brings to Premier.

Sunset Club

Arun Hingway's Drive Down Memory Lane

I

t was a typical rainy day in Mumbai The working environment was nice “I would take this in July 1964, when I first entered the and friendly. I was working under head office of Premier Automobiles Mr. Annegiri — a learning experience opportunity to express my in Kurla. I was interviewed by the my tenure. I still recall few gratitude to all my seniors who throughout second largest Indian automobile company of my bosses who visited the service and was appointed as a trainee engineer station I started after leaving Premier helped me throughout.” in the service department. After working Automobiles. These are rare qualities – Arun Hingway, in the Tata family at Jamshedpur, Premier found in individuals that were born from former Premier employee Automobiles was a new experience the Premier culture back then. for me.

In 1987, I bought my first Premier In the 1960s, Premier Automobiles was manufacturing Fiat Padmini. Although a second hand model, it was a wonderful Delight, Premier President, Premier Padmini, Dodge and car that served me for five years. Thanks to my attachment with Fargo trucks. The gamut also contained Medows engines Premier Automobiles, I opted for a Premier Padmini when that served few cars and industrial application. Premier was Maruti was making inroads in the Indian market. Maintaining a also dealing with a diesel engine under the name of Perkins. Padmini was not a problem, and I still recall my numerous trips It had a distributor type rotary fuel injection pump — one from Kolhapur to Pune and Goa where the car performed up to of its kinds at that time. The engine was quite powerful and the mark. had fewer vibrations and it soon gained popularity. Working The front PAL logo, the chrome grille and the typical on those engines was an enriching experience, as there was a differential whine are still close to my heart. I run an lot to learn from all the technicians. The plant was huge and automobile service station in Kolhapur and it has a few wellup to the mark, compared to the rest of the establishments in maintained Premier Padminis. Working on these cars evokes that era. a sense of nostalgia and most of the owners share their It was a time when the Premier Padmini was getting famous. experience with me since I was a part of Premier Automobiles.

It was seen in movies made in the Indian film industry.

Premier has come up with the new RiO now, but for me, In spite of being a seller’s market, Premier had a Premier Automobiles is all about the President and Padmini. customer friendly policy where the warranty issues were I still cherish those days and look forward to buying another settled liberally.

Padmini — a collector’s car.

19  www.premier.co.in

The ‘Vinod & Saryu Doshi Foundation’ is a non-profit, charity trust that aims at promoting Art, Culture, Education and Community.

It fosters emerging talent in the visual and performing Arts through fellowships, performances, exhibitions and festivals.

It empowers bright but financially challenged young individuals to catapult themselves to a higher economic and social orbit by providing scholarships for their entire college career.

It is committed to improving the community by funding initiatives in environment protection and social upliftment.

The Foundation’s Logo represents its modernity, creativity and energy: a metaphor for its belief in enriching the mind through education, and the spirit through art and culture.

It articulates the lifelong passions of Vinod and Saryu Doshi who have dedicated a considerable part of their lives supporting these causes.