Indifferent Record

Indifferent Record Hansavivek AMAR DYE-CHEM's rubber chemicals project has been delayed, since government of Maharashtra has objected to its location at Shahad near Kalyan, and asked for location in a 'backward' region. The company says this is difficult as the infrastructure facilities required for the plant would be very costly. It has requested that either the objection be withdrawn or the unit be permitted to transfer itself to Vapi in Gujarat where the company has some 100 acres of land. The company is going ahead with other expansion projects. Construction of the plant for vat dyes and their inter- diatas at Shahad is to be completed the end of this year, and production should commence from next year. The acrylic fibre dyes plant is expected to go on stream some time next year. The company has also received a licence for expansion of capacities for reactive dyes, from 250 tonnes to 500 tonnes a year, on the condition that 30 per cent of the expanded capacity be earmarked for exports. The project will be implemented after getting clearance from the state government. The company has experienced marked contraction in margins during 1975 despite higher sales. It also suffered a heavy power cut. It has arranged to purchase a generating set. Exports went down from Rs 186 lakhs to Rs 136 lakhs, according to the company, owing to the recession in the international markets which forced the company to lower its export prices. While total earnings in foreign exchange were Rs 138 lakhs, the company actually consumed imported raw materials worth Rs 285 lakhs and spent another Rs 8 lakhs on remittances by way of commission, royalty, and dividends. The wholly-owned subsidiary KCA is setting up a plant at Vapi to produce the azo group of dyes, including food colours.