premiertodayaugust2012_-entiremagazine

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 17 · August 2012

1961

CNC MACHINES DIVISION TODAY

YEARS OF ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE

Premier’s CSR Initiatives Making CSR the soul of the company

News You Can Use RiO at Transcend 2012

In Focus

New Dealerships

CONTENTS

EDIT DESK

AUGUST 2012

03 Cover Story 09 CSR Initiatives

03

13 News You Can Use 14 In Focus

17

17 Premier Pulse 18 Winning Team 20 In Training

18

22 TEAM SPIRIT 23 i-Suggest / trivia 24 Welcome Aboard

20

25 Feedback 26 The Sunset Club

26 C N C

M A C H I N E S

E N G I N E E R I N G

A Quarterly Newsletter

Issue 17 | August 2012

EDITORIAL Editorial Board MD Adhikari, Rakesh Mehta, KS Sundar, KG Rathi, RM Tavhare, Erica deSouza Editorial Spenta Shroff, Jheel Kacharia, Dalzeen Nikorawala DESIGN Art Director Minaal G Pednekar 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

A U T O M O T I V E

2

Premier Today, a quarterly newsletter, is Printed and Published

by Erica deSouza on behalf of Premier Ltd. Printed and Published at Spenta Multimedia, Peninsula Spenta, Mathuradas Mill Compound, N.M. Joshi Marg, Lower Parel (West), 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.

It gives me great pleasure to bring to you what I'd like to call the celebration issue of Premier Today ― and there is so much to celebrate! First off, the brand new look and feel of our newsletter, which met with a tremendously positive response. Next, a feather in our cap is the 1.3 litre CRDi4 diesel engine supplied by FIAT for the RiO, which is set to take India by storm.

What's more is that you can visit the RiO's brand new microsite www.premierrio.com to learn more about it. We are also honoured to have Mr. Chandu Borde, ex Premier employee and former test cricketer for India, going down memory lane with us in The Sunset Club. Perhaps our biggest reason to celebrate is that 2012 marks the 50th anniversary of Engineering Excellence for our CNC Machines Division, and you can catch this feature story on page 3. I couldn't have said it better than our very own Mr. D. D. Mulherkar, CNC Machines Division, who retired this month, when he says, "Machine manufacturing is not just a science, but also an art — it requires passion to create a highly complex precision machine."

Premier's CSR Initiatives highlights our collaboration with an environmental NGO in an important step to go green, as we plant 40,000 trees just 10 minutes from our plant in Pune. And in an important stride forward for all Premier women, we recently held Premier's first ever women's empowerment panel discussion. In Premier Pulse, we bring to you Our Unsung Heroes who beat all the odds to rise within the company ranks in a true testament of loyalty and perseverance.

We close with our new RiO campaign look on the back cover, and in case you haven't already, do join our 30,000 fans on Facebook and follow us on twitter handle @RiOPremier.

Hope you enjoy this issue, and do send feedback to Erica deSouza at ericadesouza@premier.co.in.

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

COVER STORY

Celebrating 50 years of leadership in cnc machines AND ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE FROM THE DESK OF THE VICE PRESIDENT

Premier's 50-Year Timeline...

Pages 4-5

Mr. DD Mulherkar, Vice President, CNC Machines Division, in his office.

I

t is said that machine manufacturing is not just a science, but also an art — it requires passion to create a highly complex precision machine. Premier Ltd. is one of the pioneers in the Indian machine tool industry. Under the guidance of former Chairman, Late Seth Vinod L Doshi, the company not only earned a great name in the country, but has also completed fifty successful years in manufacturing state-of-the-art machine tools at its Pune plant.

Today, Premier supplies machines to various industry sectors not only in India, but in developed countries like Germany too.

The company is also looking out for good business opportunities in countries like the US, Brazil, Mexico, Turkey, Italy and Russia.

Premier’s vision is to be the most preferred and prominent player in the global market, and as before, every Premier employee will help us reach this goal through the significant role he/she plays.

On the occasion of the golden jubilee of Premier's CNC Machines Division, the management expresses gratitude to all its customers, suppliers, ex and current employees, well-wishers, and all others who have directly or indirectly contributed to the glorious success of this division.

Premier's 50-Year Celebration...

Page 6

CNC MACHINES DIVISION

YEARS OF ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE

Events...

Page 8

Mr. DD Mulherkar Vice President, CNC Machines Division, Premier Ltd.

3

www.premier.co.in

COVER STORY

TIMELINE

1961

1990

2011

2003

1996

1975

Premier manufactures highprecision Gear Box components for Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad.

New machine tool factory set up at Chinchwad, Pune.

Launches 6-axis CNC Gear Hobbing machines.

1998

100th Gear Hobbing machine manufactured.

Collaboration with Schiess A G Düsseldorf, West Germany, for Vertical Turret Lathes.

First CNC Vertical Turning and Boring machine supplied to the Railways from the Wheel and Axle Plant, Bengaluru.

Launches CNC Gear Shaper.

Premier’s machine technology received an FIE Foundation award in IMTEX for its innovative idea of the Gear Tooth Chamfering Machine. This machine was developed indigenously and was recognised as an Import Substitute.

1989 Collaboration with Dörries Scharmann GMbH, Germany, for CNC Vertical Turning Centres.

PREMIER'S

2006

Record production of 100 Gear Machines made in a year.

Premier’s machine technology received an FIE Foundation award in IMTEX for its innovative idea of the Gear Shaving Machine.

Established the Design and Technology Centre at Bengaluru for the design and development of new machine tools, catering to the fields of engineering, automobiles, defence, power, and railway modernisation.

50– YEAR TIMELINE

Premier acquires machine tool business from group company.

Premier designed and manufactured the Valve Oscillating machine, a unique Special Purpose Machine.

Collaboration with Hermann Pfauter, Germany, for Gear Hobbing machines.

2000

1965 Collaboration with Hitachi Seiki, Japan, for Vertical and Horizontal Machining Centres.

Premier designed and manufactured the Double Column Two-Ram Head Vertical Turning Centre, a unique Special Purpose Machine.

Premier designed and manufactured the Vertical Serration Rolling machine, a unique Special Purpose Machine.

Receives ISO–9001 certification.

1993 1982 Premier Today

4

1987

Premier designed and manufactured the Shim Selection machine, a unique Special Purpose Machine.

2002

2007 Rs. 100 crore expansion and modernisation of capacity started.

2005 5

www.premier.co.in

COVER STORY

EMPLOYEE focused

teamwork

san auto

Seated (from left to right): Mr. PJ Bhalekar, Mr. DM Singh, Mr. Panchal, Mr. Gade, Mr. DD Mulherkar, Mr. KS Sundar, Mr. SR Khole, Mr. VP Kokane, Mr. DD Birwadkar, Mr. AR Asare.

Standing (from left to right): Mrs. Sheral Anand, Mr. Ghatage, Mr. Arekar, Mr. Kajale, Mr. Dekhane, Mr. Thakare, Mr. Katore, Mr. Shaikh, Mr. Mokashi, Mr. Kagale, Mr. Dikshit, Mr. Kumbhar, Mr. Nargude, Mr. Panickar, Mr. Wadawale, Mr. Rane, Mr. Kambale, Mr. Deshpande, Mr. Galawe, Mr. Patil, Mr. Naikwadi, Mr. Rakesh Kumar, Mr. VP Singh, Mrs. Rashmi Sahoo.

Jayshri Dhumal

DM Mokashi

Asst. Manager (LMG Planning)

Asst. Manager (Application)

I joined Premier as a Project Co-ordinator and am currently working as an Assistant Manager.

I have gained a lot of knowledge related to CNC Machine Tools and this experience is extremely valuable. I am very thankful to Premier.

SA Lokhande Fitter

Aeriel view of the shop floor at San Auto utilising Premier machines from the PSC series, PHC series and PHA series.

Gear being shaped on the Premier PSC–250 high-speed Gear Shaping machine.

Executive (Design)

UC Haldankar

Premier’s encouraging atmosphere has nurtured me to handle big responsibilities. My seniors have moulded me to understand the business. Every day here is an opportunity to prove myself and contribute to the growth of the company, and I have learned a lot.

The challenging and healthy work environment has always encouraged, energised and inspired me to give my best. Through a lot of ups and downs in my life, Premier has smoothened the way ahead of me. I will always be proud to be a member of this glorious Premier family.

6

Established in 1988, San Auto is engaged in the manufacturing of precision-machined components for sectors such as aerospace, oil exploration, mining, construction and automotive.

Poonam A Kshirsagar

Pranav P Deshpande Asst. Manager (Marketing)

“When you consider the way we are organised at San Auto and the complexity of the sector in which we operate, the PHC–150, PHA–250 and PSC–250 machines of Premier have definitely given us competitive advantage, as they provide reliability, flexibility and consistent end-product quality.

Premier is, without doubt, an impressive company, which aids us in attaining our full technical potential. The company has always stood by us to extend excellent product support and is a real point of reference in the factory. Currently, we are also manufacturing one of our aerospace components on Premier’s 5-Axis Gear Shaper Machine.”

– San Auto

Mr. Sushant Karwa (right) and Mr. Nishant Karwa (left), Directors, San Auto, with Premier's PHC–150.

I have always received encouragement and guidance from the top management to work on new product designs, enabling me to enhance my capabilities.

I find the work environment in Premier very comfortable and a great place for my career to progress.

Premier Today

customer feedback

Pinions machined on Premier Hobbing machine.

Mr. Raj Kumar Karwa, Managing Director, San Auto, at his work station.

Asst. General Manager (Service)

7

www.premier.co.in

COVER STORY

wHAT'S HOT today EMO Hannover 2011

A VERSATILE MACHINE

Premier Ltd. displayed two of their technologically advanced and competitively priced machines at EMO Hannover 2011, the world's largest trade fair for metalworking technology, which saw a total participation of 2000 companies from 38 countries.

The Premier Vertical Machining Centre, PVM–40, is one of Premier's star machines, built completely in-house at Premier's Technology Centre at Bangalore. Led by Mr. YA Shivaram (AGM Design and Development, Bengaluru), the highly experienced design team ensured that the PVM–40 was at par with the latest technologies.

The machine was developed to cater to the machining requirements of automobile industries, automation, tool room and other suitable die-andmould applications.

“Premier is at the top of the Indian market, and with the right technological advancements and investments, would be considered at the top of their game."

industry summit SPONSORship Premier Ltd. was a Silver Sponsor for the 4th Machine Tool Industry Summit organised by the Indian Machine Tool Manufacturers' Association (IMTMA) in Lavasa, near Pune, in May 2012.

– Mr. Raghavendra Mutalik, Head, Service and Support, Motion Control, Machine Tools, Siemens.

PREMIER’S CSR INITIATIVES

EDUCATION

Today, sustainability and social responsibility have become goals for well-meaning small businesses and Fortune 500 companies alike. In this section, we bring to you the positive role Premier Ltd. plays as a corporate citizen, locally and globally, as it endeavours to make CSR the soul of the company.

FULFILLING DREAMS

A parent's dream

COEP–Vinod Doshi Scholars

Vinod Doshi Shikshan Yojna

The birth anniversary of Mr. Vinod Doshi, former Chairman of Premier Ltd., was celebrated on March 20, 2012 with the distribution of the Vinod Doshi–COEP Merit scholarship to meritorious and deserving students of the College of Engineering, Pune (COEP). Disbursed annually by the Shri Lalchand Hirachand Premier Trust, the scholarship sponsors all four years of their engineering education.

Twenty COEP–Vinod Doshi scholars were also given the opportunity to interact with Premier employees and explore the company’s factory at Chinchwad near Pune. Highlights included a hands-on session with the RiO.

IPTEX 2012 The Premier Ltd. stall at the International Power Transmission Expo (IPTEX) 2012 trade fair attracted participation from leading gear and machine manufacturers and component suppliers from India, Germany, Italy, Japan, and USA.

The Vinod Doshi–COEP Merit scholars.

COEP scholars enjoying the RiO.

“Machines were good and will suit our requirements as per our future plans.”

Mr. BB Tambe, Manager – HMG Assembly, Premier Ltd. with the trophy for being the silver sponsor

Mr. BG Moogi, Sr. Manager Marketing, Premier Ltd. receiving the participation memento from Mr. Vikram Shirur, President, IMTMA.

CHIP's summer holiday camp

– Mr. Vishwas Pandey, Trinity India Ltd.

Premier showcased two upgraded versions of fastmoving models: PHA–250, a CNC gear hobbing machine, and PVM–40, a vertical machining centre. MMS 2012 saw a participation of more than 250 exhibitors and 5000 visitors.

The municipal school children who benefitted immensely from this summer camp.

“The machines were wellpresented and the staff was wellinformed and knowledgeable.”

Premier Today

8

The birth anniversary of the former Chairman also saw the distribution of the Vinod Doshi Shikshan Yojna — educational aid given to those who wish to pursue higher education.

This year, the scholarship was extended not only to the children of Premier employees but also to employees themselves. This decision was applauded and got a fantastic response, with many applications coming in from Premier employees.

Three of the nine recipients of the Vinod Doshi Shikshan Yojna finally selected were Premier employees.

“With this educational aid, my daughter Dhanashree can pursue her dream of learning French as well as her degree in commerce.”

– Mr. KR Potnis (Executive, CNC Machines Division)

SUMMER FUN THE RIGHT CHOICE

PREMIER PARTICIPATES AT MODERN MACHINE SHOP 2012

The Premier stall at Modern Machine Shop 2012.

“This scholarship is a stepping stone to the successful career I am looking forward to. It will help me concentrate on my studies without financial troubles.”

– Ms. Chitra Watwani, 2011–12 Vinod Doshi–COEP Merit scholar.

– Mr. Vinay Singh, KMC Construction Ltd.

Every year, Children in Progress (CHIP) organises a summer holiday camp for municipal school students in Mumbai, to provide children who come from socially disadvantaged backgrounds a chance to experience the joys of a funfilled holiday season. This year’s camp, sponsored by Shri Lalchand Hirachand Premier Trust, benefitted more than 200 children.

Participants at the twoweek camp were involved in activities such as sports, judo, yoga, and dance, art, and theatre workshops.

Career fair supported by Premier trust

CHIP, an NGO in Mumbai, initiated a Tutoring and Remedial Support programme for Class IX and X municipal school students, with support from the Shri Lalchand Hirachand Premier Trust.

Mangesh Salve (Engineering) and Sagar Jadhav (Vinod Doshi– COEP merit scholar) spoke on the importance of education, and an information kiosk was also set up.

The career fair was a huge success.

Children holding up their works of art after an art workshop.

9

www.premier.co.in

CULTURAL

PREMIER’S CSR INITIATIVES

PLAY TIME IN PUNE

ON THE ROAD

4th Annual Vinod Doshi Memorial Theatre Festival 2012

To commemorate Founding Chairman Mr. Vinod Doshi’s passion for theatre, Premier Ltd. has been organising the 5-day criticallyacclaimed Annual Vinod Doshi Memorial Theatre Festival for the last three years.

This year, the festival presented Punekars an opportunity to enjoy five plays by established as well as aspiring directors from different regions of our country and in different languages. Inaugurated by noted theatre personality Ms. Lalan Sarang, who spoke about the importance of Marathi theatre, the plays showcased were Stories in a Song, Preth, Aalbel, Bandhlelyachi Manogata, and Comrade Kumbhakarna.

The festival has established a strong presence in Pune and has grown in stature every year.

Ms. Saryu Doshi, wife of late Mr. Vinod Doshi, addresses the gathering as Mr. Ashok Kulkarni, festival director, and Ms. Lalan Sarang, noted theatre artist, look on.

A scene from the play Preth.

THE SOUND OF MUSIC

Special screening of Stories in a Song

The 4th Annual Vinod Doshi Memorial Theatre Festival had its grand finale on March 20 with a special performance of Sunil Shanbag's Stories in a Song, held at the National Centre for the Performing Arts, Mumbai. Renowned director and screenwriter Dr. Shyam Benegal graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.

The show was well received by all the guests.

Premier Today

10

Green pune

Premier's association with Tree Public

AAWC traffic safety camp for children Premier Ltd. organised a traffic safety camp for 50 children under Apne Aap Women’s Collective (AAWC), an NGO working with women in brothelbased prostitution in Mumbai’s red-light districts — Falkland Road and Kamathipura — and their children.

A poster competition on the theme of traffic safety was organised and gift hampers were awarded to the five best posters.

DRIVE GREEN

"The festival is well entrenched in the cultural psyche of Punekars and the calendar of every aspiring theatre group; it is gradually growing in popularity and catching the fancy of artists across the country."

– Dr. Ajay Joshi, noted Marathi theatre critic.

“...a great experience [combining] nautanki and street theatre.”

– Sen Kapadia, architect.

ENVIRONMENTAL

RiO Car Bin Contest

SETTING THE STAGE

Step 1

Premier recently partnered with Lighthouse Management to promote the use of car bins and work towards a cleaner environment. Thereafter, Premier announced a photography contest for employees to showcase their creativity. Photographs submitted were required to display three elements — the employee, the RiO, and the car bin.

The car bin photography contest winners are: 1st Place — Mr. PS Dave 2nd Place — Mr. BB Ghorpade and Mr. DB Chikane (Tied) 3rd Place — Mr. Praveen Shinde Ms. Urmila Nagarkar, an employee who purchased the RiO, receives the car bin from Mr. Ramesh Tavhare (VP, Finance and Legal).

Ms. Suruchi Aulakh, actor and trainer, was one of those who received the Vinod Doshi Fellowship in Performing Arts, given out by the Sahitya Rangbhoomi Pratishthan to five promising theatre professionals each year.

“It isn’t every day that one receives such good news. This is acknowledgement and recognition from people one looks up to, and a sign that one should carry on doing what one loves. I thank the members and the board for this wonderful and inspiring gift.”

– Ms. Suruchi Aulakh, actor and trainer.

The AAWC children posing with the RiO. The children’s faces have been deliberately blurred so that their identity is not revealed.

To reinforce its pledge towards the environment, Premier recently dedicated an entire day to planting 500 trees in its factory premises.

Employees came with their families and made the project a great success.

To take this initiative one step further, the Shri Lalchand Hirachand Premier Trust tied up with Tree Public, an environmental NGO, to plant and grow 40,000 trees in Pimpri-Chinchwad — Pune’s military cantonment area — over the next three years. This venture will make the area greener and cool it tremendously. A tree is being dedicated to each Premier employee and an e-certificate awarded to this effect.

Step 3

Step 2

The RiO car bin contest is announced.

Mr. PS Dave using the car bin in his RiO.

11

www.premier.co.in

A FINE BALANCE

SUPERPOWER

Premier's first panel discussion for women On May 12, 2012, Premier held a panel discussion for women in line with its commitment to rejuvenate the Women’s Empowerment Forum. The theme was ‘A Woman’s Approach to Work-Life Balance’.

The panellists were Dr. Saryu Doshi, noted art historian and Padma Shri awardee; Mrs. Sharayu Daftary, among India’s first women entrepreneurs; Mrs. Ashika Mehta, a psychotherapist and corporate trainer; Mrs. Novela Corda, CEO, CHIP Mumbai; Mrs. Kiran Bhat, Proprietor, Xebec Communications; and Mrs. Renuka Nair, first woman General Manager at Premier Ltd.

“I really enjoyed the seminar.

I got to learn many things such as how to manage daily routines and priorities, why having a support system is so important, and much more.”

– Ms. Dhruti Phanse, Executive (Finance and Accounts)

On May 17, 2012, Premier Ltd. and FIAT India Automobiles Ltd. signed a three-year agreement for the supply of FIAT’s 1.3 litre multi-jet diesel engine, which will be used in the RiO. This engine will enhance the RiO’s power and fuel efficiency tremendously.

Thoughts were noted down on small leaves and stuck on to a board, making this a Tree of Thoughts.

The panel discussion introduced diverse perspectives to the audience.

THE JOY OF GIVING

NEWS YOU CAN USE

EMPLOYEE focused

PREMIER’S CSR INITIATIVES

Blood donation camp

In partnership with Sahyadri Hospital in Pune, Premier organised a blood donation drive to help children affected by thalassaemia. The drive collected a total of 157 units of blood and was well-timed, as the hospital’s blood bank was facing an acute shortage. The willing participation of Premier employees as donors upheld the slogan, ‘Donate Blood – Save Lives’, as they supported the patients in their struggle for life.

It was a wonderful sight to see so many of us participating together.

Such programmes need to be organised frequently to give others an opportunity to open up and share their experiences in the language they are comfortable with.

– Ms. Anu Jayasuriya, Manager, President’s Office

CREATING A BUZZ AT TRANSCEND 2012 Premier RiO was the title sponsor of SIBM Transcend 2012, the annual management and cultural fest of Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Pune.

15,000 students from over 50 colleges in the MumbaiPune belt, as well as 40 top B-schools from across the country, participated in the festival held from January 29–31, 2012 at the institute’s Lavale campus.

Prior to the event, a Premier RiO mounted on top of a van was taken around to various parts of the city to spread awareness about the event and create a buzz for the product. Apart from various promotions such as advertisements in newspapers, prominent product displays at the venue, and branded T-shirts, test drives were also offered to the students.

Mr. Maitreya Doshi, Chairman and MD, Premier Ltd. and Mr. Rajeev Kapoor, President and CEO, FIAT India Automobiles Ltd. sign the deal.

PREMIER IN THE PRESS The Economic Times, May 18, 2012.

Pune Darshan: The Premier RiO mounted on a van.

THE GOOD BOOK Premier shorlisted for CSR Good Book Premier Ltd. has been shortlisted to be profiled in the second edition of the prestigious CSR Good Book, which is uniquely curated to give detailed descriptions of CSR efforts made by Indian companies.

Tehelka April 4, 2012.

Pune Miirror, February 26, 2012.

The Hindu Business Line, May 27, 2012.

A Premier employee getting his blood pressure checked before donating blood.

Premier Today

12

13

www.premier.co.in

RiO on the go

NEW DEALERSHIPS

Sudershan Premier Motors, Jammu

From left to right: Mr. NR Garg (AGM Sales and Marketing); Sahil Choudhary (Dealer); Mr. Jagar Ram Heer (Chairman, Sudershan Group); Raman Bhalla (Minister for Revenue and Chief Guest)

Shubham Enterprise, Junagadh

PREMIER AUTHORISED SERVICE STATIONS (PASS)

Premier Ltd. has 46 ‘Premier Authorised Service Stations’ (PASS) for RiO today, and seven upcoming dealerships. The number is increasing rapidly as Premier gears up to establish 200 dealerships by the end of 2012.

READY FOR RiO

From left to right: Mr. Kishore (Dealer); Mr. Sanjay Gajera (Dealer); Mansukh bhai (dealership’s first customer) being given a 5gm gold coin by Mr. AP Goel (General Manager, Sales and Marketing); Mr. Raymond (Executive, Premier); Mr. Raju (Dealer).

Shri Krishna Premier Motors, Jabalpur

In October 2011, a scheme enabling Premier employees to buy the RiO at a marked-down price was announced, and the promotion received a very positive response. On January 25 this year, a special function was held at the factory, presided over by Mr. MD Adhikari, President, Premier Ltd., where keys to RiOs were handed over to a total of 30 employees who had opted for the scheme. The families of these employees also attended, making the event a grand success.

RiO 3600 MARKETING CAMPAIGN Auto Expo 2012 saw the resoundingly successful launch of the revamped RiO in its petrol and diesel variants. This was also the start of a 3600 marketing campaign and promotional activity for the RiO. An all-India campaign in The Times of India was then narrowed down regionally, and print advertisements were released in Srikakulam, Coimbatore, Raipur, and Jorhat among others. Outdoor hoardings were also put up at strategic locations across the country.

Synergies with exhibitions and college festivals such as RADA Auto Expo (Raipur), COEP MindSpark (Pune) and Symbiosis Transcend 2012 (Pune) gave us mass recognition post the auto expos.

Successful ‘Below The Line’ marketing activities were also undertaken in the form of Mall Promotions.

Given below are a few glimpses of the 3600 marketing campaign for RiO. MALL PROMOTIONS

NEW MEDIA

Mall activations were carried out in R City, Ghatkopar; Inorbit, Malad; Korum, Thane; and Inorbit, Vashi.

Premier RiO

26,000 2,100 Likes ...and counting!

Talking about this ...and counting!

@RiOPremier

MICROSITE

1,000 Followers ...and counting!

YouTube

From left to right: Mr. Nikhil Garg (AGM, Premier) along with Mr. Anubhav Tripathi (Executive Sales, Premier); Mr. Rohit Sahu; Mr. RK Sahu (Proprietor) holding the dealership certificate.

28,000

Mahalaxmi Automobiles, Kolhapur

Likes...and counting!

From left to right: Mrs. Kadambari Kawale (Mayor, Kolhapur City); Mr. Vinodji Ghodawat (Industrialist, Ghodawat Group); Mr. Inder Kohli (Sr. Manager, Premier); Mr. Marda (Textile Industrialist, Ichalkaranji) with the Bohara Family.

Premier Today

14

Launched on July 11, 2012, the RiO microsite www.premierrio.com is a one-stop information destination for the RiO — technical specifications, wall papers, reviews, dealer locations and more.

It gives a sneak peek into the re-launch of the RiO diesel variant with the FIAT engine, slated for August, and also directs you to RiO's Facebook, Twitter and YouTube pages.

15

www.premier.co.in

AUTOMOTIVE

AUTOMOTIVE

IN FOCUS

C N C

CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

E N G I N E E R I N G

Premier Ltd. participated at the Windpower 2012 Conference and Exhibition in Atlanta, USA during June 3–6, 2012. Windpower is one of the world’s largest wind energy events organised annually by the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA).

The theme of the conference this year was ‘Manufacturing the Future Today’ and it saw more than 900 exhibitors from 20 countries across the globe.

Mr. Yasu Murota, International Sales Manager, Japanese Wind Expo and Erica deSouza, Head - Corporate Communication.

“The strength of Premier lies in its potential and capabilities. There is a strict adherence to commitments and to produce quality products. We are really looking forward to a long-term association with Premier.”

– Mr. Ramesh KN, DGM Marketing (Rail & Metro), BEML.

IN SEARCH OF EXCELLENCE

Premier Ltd. was featured in the June 2012 issue of SEARCH – The Industrial Sourcebook, a monthly magazine covering developments in the industrial world. The article talks about the rise of Premier’s Engineering Division and describes its expansion plans, employee training, quality assurances and best practices followed, illustrating 'the success potion for Premier'.

Winning Team Our Unsung Heroes Page 18

PREMIER HEAVY ENGINEERING

“Thank you for your kind and interesting presentation on your work.

I was very impressed by the capacity and capability of your company and also by the broad spectrum of products you are producing in Pune.

I'm looking forward to our ongoing business relationship very much!”

– Dr. Bernhard Hoffmann (centre), VP Drive Applications, Winergy.

RENEWABLE ENERGY 2012 WIND CONFERENCE

Homegrown Techniques,

the SUCCESS POTION for Premier

Premier Ltd established its Engineering Division to utilise the in-house facilities & expertise to offer machining services to major automobile industries in Pune. With clients like Tata Motors, Force Motors and Carraro Ltd among others, the division has come a long way. The management gives all credit to determined manpower, in-house advance measures and new technologies that have helped the division to expand. At present, they boast to be one of the leading wind turbine parts suppliers globally. Our recent visit to the Heavy Engineering Division in Pune only supported their leadership claim in the segment.

NISHI RATH

P

The Renewable Energy 2012 Wind Conference, held at Le Meridien, Pune,property on toMay 2012, attended

by Mr. The company’s collective turnover Manohar 29, Joshi-owned real was of Premier Padmini from its three core businesses is about estate company Kohinoor Planet for cars that once ruled the Nagraj, a representative from Premier's Engineering division.

The event addressed the issue of supply-chain `300 crore. `120 crore in 2005. This money, along Indian roads, is smoothly “Our shed space is dedicated to with `250 crore (in debt) and fresh sailing through with bottlenecks, product strategies, and pricing for turbinetheirmanufacturers to achieve a balance between vertical the manufacturing of wind turbine equity infusion was used to expand and second inning. The company, components for power majors modernise the existing plant in Pune. which faced hard times earlier, has integration and component outsourcing. like Tata, Cummins and Enercon In 2008, Premier entered the heavy now diversified into machining and

Premier Today

16

remier Ltd, the makers

Premier sold its 36 acre Mumbai

of 70% market share in this business.

heavy engineering business. Besides, it re-entered the auto business after a gap of a decade. In 2011, Maitreya Doshi, Chairman and MD, Premier Ltd, expressed his desire to build the group into a `2,500 crore turnover company in the next six years.

engineering business, making generator parts for windmill and infrastructure players. It now also manufactures chassis frames for BEML’s metro train coaches and large cylinder blocks for Cummins. The 52,000 sqft plant is spread over 27 acre and now makes computer numerical control (CNC)

India. It has a full complement of manufacturing capabilities including fabrication, machining, blasting and painting of wind turbine; steel parts like disc rotors, stator rings, stator carriers, rotor housings and supporting structures. The division undertakes complete machining of rotor hubs,

A U T O M O T I V E

pulse

PREMIER AT AWEA 2012

Photo By Joshua Navalkar

engineering

IN FOCUS

M A C H I N E S

International Women’s Day March 8

I-Suggest INSSANIYAT Page 23

The Sunset Club Of Cooper and Cricket Page 26

WINNING TEAM

WINNING TEAM

Our Unsung Heroes This issue, we feature five employees who best exemplify the Premier team spirit. Beating all the odds, they have shown what it takes to rise within the ranks of the company in a true testament of perseverance. Demonstrating keen interest in their work, they have contributed immensely to the company with their dedication, commitment and loyalty.

Mr. KV Kalasappaeavar, Asst. Manager, Engineering, joined Premier Ltd. in 2009 and was promoted within two years. He has proved himself to be an exceptional resource — he has improved the production of stator rings, increased productivity, and reduced cycle time through effective utilisation of welding positions and sequencing in process. He has immense faith in the management, and his future plans include acquiring more knowledge.

Mr. Dadasaheb R Waghmode, Asst. Manager, Engineering, joined Premier Ltd. in 2008 as a bargainable worker. A true multitasker, he has been promoted several times. Mr. Waghmode’s contribution towards Premier is commendable, and when his son, an Engineering student, was awarded the Vinod Doshi Shikshan Yojna scholarship, he felt it was akin to being honoured for his own role in Premier. His life’s goal is to work for the company till his last breath, putting in effort to the best of his abilities.

“The management has a keen eye for talent and hard work, and a person is judged purely on performance and not on designation or social status. This motivates me to continue performing to the best of my abilities.”

– Mr. Dadasaheb R Waghmode Mr. Rajendra Tukaram Dhuri, Executive Officer, Automotive, has been with Premier Ltd. since 1986. His contribution, hard work and willpower helped him earn the faith of his senior officers and paved the way for promotions. He continues putting in praiseworthy effort and enthusiasm to achieve the targets set before him.

He is also the recipient of a number of internal awards.

Mr. Dhuri credits his success at Premier to the management, senior officers, and friends at work, and promises to continue to do his best in the future.

“I enjoy working at Premier. The motivation and responsibility that my seniors bestow on me gives me the zeal to put in more effort and perform all my jobs to the best of my abilities.”

– Mr. Rajendra Tukaram Dhuri

Premier Today

18

Mr. Natwar Khuman, an office boy at Premier's corporate office, is a passionate philatelist. He keeps his stamps in an album divided on the basis of countries. His 20year collection comprises more than 7,000 stamps! He also collects Indian coins — he finds the images of freedom fighters and historical events engraved on the coins intriguing — and till date, he has gathered 200 different Indian coins. Mr. Khuman’s pursuit has inspired many to start following in his footsteps, one of them being young Deepam Dave, son of Premier employee Pradip Dave.

“I just enjoy collecting them.”

– Mr. Natwar Khuman

(When quizzed about the reason behind his hobby.)

“I am confident of my self-development while with Premier. I will always work for the growth of the company.”

– Mr. KV Kalasappaeavar

The heights by great men reached and kept, Were not attained by sudden flight, But they, while their companions slept, Were toiling upward in the night.

– Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Mr. SP Shinde, Asst. Manager, CNC Machines, joined the company in 1977. Through the years, he has worked single-mindedly on reducing production costs and improving overall productivity, never compromising on quality. In appreciation of his honesty, hard work and sincerity, the management took a personal interest in him and sent him to Germany for training.

"The management’s sensitivity is a key driving force for one's performance. My superiors have always supported and helped me fight difficulties, not only in my professional life but also on the personal front. The treatment that we receive encourages us to makes our Premier family proud and work towards its bright and successful future."

– Mr. SP Shinde 19

www.premier.co.in

IN TRAINING

IN TRAINING

TRAINING PROGRAMMES

ON THE SAFE SIDE

IN-HOUSE:

This year, Premier is undertaking several safety and first aid initiatives to emphasise the importance of safety at the workplace.

The company is also in the process of tying up with reputed training companies to undertake this initiative. Posters have been placed at prominent locations in the factory for all to see and implement. Employees will be given a pocket card with basic safety information and a small booklet mentioning safety do’s and don’ts. The objective? To keep safety first at all times. Premier also celebrated March 03–11, 2012 as National Safety Week. Here are a few snapshots:

Premier’s Engineering Division has taken on-the-job training to a different level by installing a big screen on the shop floor, which demonstrates special processes to help employees understand them better. Here's an update of all training programmes held between January–May 2012.

Mr. Chimbalkar, Manager Maintenance, CNC Machines Division, anchored the Safety Inauguration Programme.

SAP Training – MM Module:

Introduction to Modern Cutting Tools:

Dealers’ Training:

Organised for the CNC Machines Division's Purchase Department on January 12, 2012, this programme comprised the process of SAP and query-solving techniques. Faculty: Mr. VS Dhane, Manager (Systems).

Organised for the CNC Machines and Engineering Divisions on March 3, 2012. External Faculty: Mr. Nilesh Gholkar, Team Leader – Mitsubishi Carbide.

Awareness of ISO 9001:2008:

Stress Management for an Accident-Free Life:

On-the-job Training for Grinding Wheel Safety:

Organised on February 29, 2012.

Faculty: Mr. RP Kharade, Senior Manager, CNC Machines Division.

Also organised on April 26, 2012.

Faculty: Mr. VE Mone, Senior Manager, Engineering.

Organised for CNC Machines, Engineering, Automotive and Common Divisions on March 8, 2012 as part of Safety Week.

External faculty: Mr. Ashok Kumar Misra, Corporate Trainer.

Organised by experts from Super Traders for CNC Machines, Engineering and Automotive divisions on April 10, 2012.

The faculty held their Safety Van Campaign.

Organised for our automotive dealers from April 2–4, 2012, this session consisted of acquainting dealers with our company history, technical details of products and a plant visit. Faculty: Mr. YR Ingle, Assistant Manager (Service – Automotive).

Basics of Metal Cutting and Cutting Conditions Hole Making:

EXTERNAL:

Mr. AG Shinde, Security Head, and his team conducted firefighting and mock drill sessions for ITI apprentices.

Mr. AA Kazi, an operator from CNC Machines Division, gave a speech on industrial safety.

M/s Norton–Grinding Wheel India Ltd. held a training session on the daily production usage of machines.

• MIG and SAW Service Training 2012 • Preventive Maintenance Practices of the DG Set

• Training programme on ‘Welding and Painting Inspection’ • Workshop on ‘Idle Time Reduction in Metal Cutting through Quick Changeover Techniques’ 20

Mr. MD Adhikari, President, asked everyone to follow safety rules and be safe at work, home and on the road.

Organised for CNC Machines, Engineering, and Automotive divisions on April 23, 2012.

Faculty: Mr. Yogesh Hingane, Product Manager and external faculty Mr. Rajkumar, Seco Tools India.

• Plasma-cutting Consumables

Premier Today

Mr. SL Kandhare, CNC Machines Division, received the winning prize from Mr. Mulherkar in a competition on safety posters and slogans.

Key safety instructions being displayed at key locations on the shop floor.

Copies of the safety booklet Anmol Jeevan Sambhala, written in Marathi by Mr. Suryakant M Mule, were distributed to all employees.

21

www.premier.co.in

I-SUGGEST

TEAM SPIRIT

INSSANIYAT

SHUTTERBUG Mr. Ravi Mahajan, Asst. Manager (Systems), had one of his photographs recently selected as part of a prestigious photography competition organised by www.cio.in — a networking website for Indian CIOs (Chief Information Officers) and other high-level IT executives to connect on key issues and business challenges. The photography competition saw entries from India’s top IT professionals, making Mr. Mahajan’s achievement truly special.

Congratulations!

A DREAM COME TRUE Mr. DB Chikane, Sr. Manager (Finance), fell in love with the RiO the day he saw it being launched at the Mumbai Cricket Association Grounds, Bandra, Mumbai, in November 2009.

The winners of the I–Suggest lakhapati contest.

It became his dream to own one someday — a dream which came true when Premier Ltd. planned a scheme for employees who were interested in buying the car. He finally bought his RiO on Republic Day (January 26, 2012) and has already completed 5,000 kilometres on it.

Indian National Suggestion Schemes' Association (INSSAN) is a registered association of over 400 organisations dedicated to suggestion schemes as a process to elicit contributions from employees.

The proud owner especially enjoys hearing comments like “Good looking SUV!” or “Premier ka hai to majbut rahega!” from others.

The forthcoming INSSAN newsletter features I–Suggest, Premier’s inhouse suggestion scheme.Between April 2011 and May 2012, a total of

226 suggestions were received via I–Suggest. The pie chart shows the divisional break-up.

Employees putting in their suggestions in the I–Suggest boxes.

These suggestions have resulted in direct cost saving, value addition and improvements in quality and safety.

Total cost saved through the I–Suggest scheme this year is: CNC Machines Division: Rs. 11.38 lakh Automotive Division: Rs. 45.48 lakh

12,5%

A glimpse of the audience anxiously awaiting the announcement of the I–Suggest lakhapati award winners.

Collaterals promoting the I–Suggest scheme.

56,25%

5,2%

153,68%

Mr. Ravi Mahajan (inset) and his prize-winning entry in the photography competition.

Automotive

Engineering

CNC Machines

Common Services

MUSICAL ACT

Trivia

Mr. Mangesh Dhadve from Premier Ltd. participated in the Railway Commuters’ Bhajan Competition organised by the Omkar Bhajan Mandal, Nallasopara. The participants are bhajan groups travelling on the Western, Central and Harbour railway lines. From a total of 30 competitors, his group ranked third after singing three bhajans — Abhanga, Gajar and Gavalan — in 15 minutes.

Know Your RiO The five fastest respondents will win exciting gift vouchers of Rs. 500! Hurry!!

THANK YOU, PREMIER

• • • • • “My internship with Premier Ltd. helped me get this job, as my interview was focused on all the projects I did.

Working with Premier was a great experience for me and I got to learn a lot."

– Aditya Gund

Mr. Mangesh Dhadve (inset and sixth from left) seen here receiving his prize.

Premier Today

22

Eligibility:

Manufacturing Engineer, Vermeer Manufacturing, Iowa, USA

What is the tag line for the RiO? What type of brakes does the rear wheel have?

What mileage does the RiO give?

What is the size of the wheel?

What is the RiO turning circle radius?

The contest is open for Premier employees and non-employees of all age groups.

Deadline:

September 30, 2012

Car Connoisseur CorneR The best answers will get a special designer tie!

• Tell us why the RiO is different. The best opinion gets the prize.

• What do you think is the USP of the RiO?

• If you drive the RiO off the roads, on hilly terrains or cutting

through the water, which are the three features that stand out?

You can e-mail your answers to:

Ms. Jheel Kacharia Manager – Communication and Digital Marketing, Corporate Communication jheelkacharia@premier.co.in

23

www.premier.co.in

WELCOME ABOARD AUTOMOTIVE DIVISION

Please join us in welcoming the new members of the Premier Parivaar.

We are very happy to have you all aboard and we hope you will experience co-operative and friendly association with the rest of us.

ENGINEERING Division

Mr. KV Desai,

Executive (Marketing)

Mr. BM Kumbhar, Executive (Technician)

Mr. KS Choudhari,

Executive (Maintenance)

Mr. DM Dhawale, Executive (Production)

Mr. PP Bhikawade,

Executive (Quality Assurance)

Ms. KK Nair,

Executive (Purchase)

Mr. AH Bansode, Executive (Technician)

Mr. SS Patil,

Executive (Sales)

Mr. RK Das,

Mr. NN Siddiqui,

Mr. CH Venkateshwarlu Mr. NK Garg

Mr. RS Patil,

Mr. BH Shivling,

Mr. VL Kaduskar,

Mr. NV Sonwal,

Executive (Service)

Executive (Production)

Executive (Manufacturing)

AGM (Sales)

Executive (Supply Chain Management)

Mr. MP Chaudhari, Executive (Technician)

Mr. GP Sirpure,

Executive (Technician)

cnc Machines division Mr. KR Patil,

Executive (Technician)

Mr. RS Kadam,

Executive (Technician)

Mr. DH Pawar,

Executive (Technician)

Mr. VD Khillare,

Executive (Technician)

Mr. MJ Kumbhar, Executive (Technician)

Mr. SK Jaiswal,

Executive (Technician)

Mr. ND Sutar,

Executive (Technician)

Mr. DS Venugopal,

Mr. SJ Kare,

Mr. SS Arekar,

Mr. PP Gaikwad,

Mr. SS Udar,

Mr. GV Kawade

Head (Marketing - South)

Mr. ST Dayal,

Executive (Technician)

Mr. RM Mane,

Executive (Technician)

Mr. RP Redekar,

Executive (Technician)

Mr. RM Ingole,

Executive (Technician)

Mr. AJ Raut,

Executive (Technician)

Mr. MS Manna,

Executive (Technician)

Executive (Purchase)

Mr. SV Disale,

Executive (Technician)

Mr. SD Gore,

Executive (Technician)

Mr. SB Nile,

Executive (Technician)

Mr. MD Shelke,

Executive (Production)

Executive (Internal Audit)

Premier Today

Mr. SH Birari,

Executive (System)

24

Executive (Technician)

Mr. SC Dalavi,

Executive (Accounts)

Ms. SM Salunke, Executive (HR)

Ms. Jheel Kacharia, Manager (Corporate Communication)

Executive (Technician)

Executive (Technician)

Mr. GN Hiray,

Executive (Planning)

Executive (Technician)

Executive (Technician)

Prize!

Executive (Techniciain)

Last Issue Trivia Winners

In the last issue, we asked our readers to answer five simple questions on the information presented in Premier's last journal, issue #16. We received many responses, and the winners are Mr. PJ Bhalekar and Mr. AT Bhosale!

Common SERVICES

Ms. Suruchi Gupta,

Mr. MJ Waghmare,

Executive (Service)

Mr. JS Sapalika,

Executive (Technician)

Mr. SD Khollam,

Executive (Logistics)

Consolation Prizes were presented to Mr. Riyasuddin Bijapur and Mr. VR Prabhakaran.

Congratulations! Your goodie bags are on their way.

Executive (Technician)

FEEDBACK

FEEDBACK ON ISSUE #16 The winning response for feedback on the last issue is Mr. Jayesh Dadia, Partner, Jayesh Dadia & Associates.

“I am really impressed with the contents of the Journal (March 2012) which is so informative regarding Premier's business activities. I came to know so many new things about Premier… the employees are so talented. Overall, a very interesting newsletter.”

Congratulations, Mr. Dadia! Your prize is on its way.

RESPONSE TO NEW DESIGN Our readers responded enthusiastically to our new magazine design. Here is what one had to say:

“Shakespeare said, ‘Frailty, thy name is woman!’ but I say, ‘Excellence, thy name is Premier!’ This cannot be confined to the slogan alone, and the day ahead will prove it in words and deeds. In the magazine, not a shred of any page is unimportant. Thanks and best wishes for the new outlook.”

– Mr. VR Prabhakaran, Consultant, Bharat Radiators Pvt. Ltd.

25

www.premier.co.in

THE SUNSET SUNSET CLUB CLUB

01

THE SUNSET SUNSET CLUB CLUB

03

PALS FOR LIFE

The story of one family's love for the Premier Padmini.

04 02

w OF C

PER AND CRICKET

admiration for his mastery What is common between “Respect your seniors, and be of the sport. And Doshi, Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul loyal to your organisation — an avid follower of cricket, Dravid, Sourav Ganguly, was more than thrilled Mohammed Azharuddin, that is the key to success to have the country’s Javagal Srinath, Yuvraj and prosperity.” top player working with Singh, and Virendra – Mr. Chandu Borde, former them. Borde reminisces, Sehwag? All of them Premier employee and “Vinodbhai was very fond were introduced to Indian Test cricketer. of me — he would discuss cricket at the national level every match with me, and

by Chandrakant Gulabrao even proudly introduce me to dignitaries.

Borde, popularly known as Chandu Borde.

As Chairman of the national selection He always treated me as a friend, never as an committee, he knew that these boys would do employee.”

While Borde’s achievements in cricket the country proud. And they did — just like him. Borde, a former Test cricketer himself, earned him fame and respect, it was his is revered by the cricket world for having stint at Cooper that gave him the chance to been an all-rounder at the game. But back interact with people from both private and then, people at Walchand Group’s Cooper government organisations, thereby boosting Engineering Ltd. knew him as one among his communication skills and his confidence.

Borde further emphasises the role Cooper has their marketing team.

Chandu Borde was a former employee of played in his life through this message for the Premier Ltd. His colleagues, as well as his next gen employees at Premier: “Respect your bosses, including Vinod Doshi — the then seniors, and be loyal to your organisation — Managing Director of Cooper — had great that is the key to success and prosperity.”

26

ar and his Fi

at 1100, 1967

model.

01. With Dilip Vengsarkar, Kapil Dev, Mushtaq Ali and Sunil Gavaskar at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.

02. On his 75th birthday celebration with honorary dignitaries Nana Patekar, Ajit Wadekar and Sachin Tendulkar.

03. At Lord's, with Ajit Wadekar and Dilip Vengsarkar — then Indian cricket team selectors.

04. Felicitated by Former President of India, Late Sri KR Narayanan.

05. As a successful Indian team manager at Lord's, England.

Premier salutes Chandu Borde — a former Test cricketer and one of their own.

Premier Today

Cyrus Dhabh

05

s

his father with Cyrus Dhabhar and

their Left Hand Drive

Premier Padmini.

Some relationships age like wine — the older they get the better they become. Co-founder of the Fiat Classic Car Club of India, Mumbai, Cyrus Dhabhar’s relationship with the Premier brand is a fine example of one such relationship.

His father worked with Premier Automobiles and was one of the chief engineers responsible for testing the Padmini S1 and the 118NE platform. And when Cyrus was born in 1988, he was brought home in a Padmini — a full blown Group-A, rally spec monster completely equipped with a full body roll cage, stiffer suspension, twin carburettors and a freeow exhaust. It also had a massive scoop on the bonnet to prevent the intakes of the twin carburettors from hitting the bonnet. For Cyrus, this car — MMY 43 — was like a favourite toy.

He grew so attached to the car that when his father sold her in 1993 he was heartbroken.

"The LHD is not just some car.

She is a part of the family. And she is not just parked in a shed warm and dry; she is used every Sunday without fail and still gets all the thumbs-ups and smiles that she so rightfully deserves."

– Cyrus Dhabhar Proud owner of a Premier Padmini Cyrus carried on his father's passion for Premier and the Padmini when, in 1996, he bought a Left Hand Drive (LHD) Premier Padmini from a tea stall owner in Kottayam, Kerala, as an addition to the Dhabhar collection.

When the family decided to restore this car, they decided to pay homage to their beloved MMY 43 and incorporated some of its features in the LHD Padmini. The LHD, as she is fondly called (all other cars are known by their numbers) now has a similar scoop on the bonnet and a similar roll cage.

She also has a classic competition number ‘43’ written on her sides and is a regular feature at the classic ‘London to Syndey’ rally livery.

An integral part of the Dhabar family, she goes out every Sunday and still receives envious looks from people who see her gliding majestically.

27

www.premier.co.in

The stunning now with the new

DIESEL ENGINE