Articles by Hansavivek

January 5, 1985 the production of consumer electronics to small firms seems totally misplaced, ignoring as it does the existence of significant scale economies in their production. From the social angle, it would have been better to undertake the production of consumer electronics in the public sector but on the right scale. Regardless of whether production is permitted in the public or private sector, once the scale factor is properly attended to, the problem of duplication of technology imported

Pioneer in Paper Research Hansavivek WEST COAST PAPER MILLS was the first major paper mill in India to invest in a Research Centre, which is recognised by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. This investment has been a significant factor in the high productivity of the mill, winning for it awards of the National Productivity Council for two successive years. The largest contribution of R and D has been in development of raw materials. The mill now uses new varieties of hardwood such as casuarine and non-traditional materials like mesta and bagasse for pulp. Recovery of pulp has also been enhanced with pioneering use of anthra- quinone, a pulping additive. Recently introduced high value coated papers use a coating formulation created by the mill's scientists and the result is a high quality product much prized in market. Other speciality products include paper for cheques. The research centre is currently studying alternative sources of energy from biowastes and reduction of environmental pollution besides on-going projects on saving The Week's Companies scarce raw materials, increasing pulp yield and improving productivity.

Hit by Imports Hansavivek J K SYNTHETICS has again turned out poor working results. Turnover for 15 months ended March 1984 has amounted to Rs 177.83 crore against Rs 171.83 crore in previous 12 months and gross profit is Rs 16.47 crore against Rs 13.48 crore. After depreciation, net profit is barely Rs 3 lakh compared to previous year's Rs 34 lakh. Dividend is maintained at 10 per cent on substantially enlarged capital and will be disbursed from past reserves. After taking into account write-backs from previous provisions for depreciation (Rs 288.59 lakh against nil), excess provision for taxation (Rs 400 lakh against nil), general development reserve (Rs 174.47 lakh against Rs 95.29 lakh), general reserve (nil against Rs 46.60 lakh) and investment allowance utilisation reserve (Rs 70 lakh against nil), a sum of Rs 626.23 lakh (nil) has been set aside for investment allowance reserve and Rs 285.70 lakh (Rs 176.11 lakh) for payment of recommended dividends on preference and equity shares. Surplus of Rs 24.25 lakh has been transferred to general reserve, which could The Week's Companies not get any amount last year.

Maiden Dividend from GNFC Hansavivek GUJARAT NARMADA VALLEY FERTILISERS COMPANY (GNFC), has fared well during year ended June 1984 and has announced a maiden dividend of II per cent. Despite certain technical problems in ammonia plant and power failures/fluctuations, production of urea was 4,73,382 tonnes against 4,44,911 tonnes in previous year. Although capacity utilisation of plant was lower at 62.47 per cent against 69.44 per cent previously, management was able to achieve better profitability by effecting savings in consumption of certain raw materials and utilities. Sales of Narmada urea at 4,91,573 tonnes was 21.66 per cent higher compared to last year and those of liquid nitrogen at 7,23,552 tonnes were up 36.29 per cent higher. Company also undertook trading activity for super phosphate, imported pool urea, DAP and muriate of potash. Total sales of these fertilisers amounted to Rs 4.63 crore. Central government has appointed company as one of pool handling agencies to handle about 1.5 lakh tonnes of imported urea and DAP per The Week's Companies annum from Dahej port. This activity will commence shortly.

Joining the Car Chase Hansavivek PREMIER AUTOMOBILES expects to commence commercial production of its new car in a few months. Trial production has already begun and road tests are being conducted. Company has received government's approval for collaboration with Nissan Motor Company of Japan to manufacture its model A-l 2 engine with a matching gear box. New car will be equipped with this fuel-efficient engine and it will have a sleek and attractive body. Project outlay of Rs 28.50 crore has increased to Rs 36.60 crore due to overrun consequent upon steep increase in various items of expenditure. Company has approached financial institutions and banks for additional loans of Rs 6.25 crore to finance part of overrun. Company's application for increase in licensed capacity for cars under liberalised licensing has been approved by Central government. Its licensed capacity now stands at 28,600 cars per annum as against 18,000. Various modernisation schemes under- The Week's Companies taken by company are in progress.