Bizbits

Dabon launched its `LeBon’ brand of cheese in Delhi in September last year and has rolled out the product in the western region as part of its national launch plan. The Delhi market size in terms of volumes is estimated to be 1,500 tonnes, while that of the Mumbai metropolitan market is 1,800 tonnes. Dabur has invested over Rs 20 crore in the joint venture company.

TotalQuality

MUMBAI: Suresh Prabhu, Union Minister of Environement & Forests, gave away the Golden Peacock Environment Managment Award for 1998 instituted by the World Environment Foundation to IOC Mathura Refinery and Gujarat Refinery at the 9th World Congress on Total Quality held in Mumabi. The runners-up award was given to Nagarjuna Fertilizers and commendation certificates to NALCO, BPCL, Mumbai and ACC, Jammu cement works.

In his address to 1000 delegates, Prabhu stated that far more important than improving quality of product, process or service was the improvement in quality of life. The loss caused by the degradation of the environment is far more than any improvement envisaged in bottom line through efforts an quality.

Ras Propack

MUMBAI: Ras Propack Lamipack has achieved a turnover exceeding Rs 20 crore during 1998 thus recording a growth rate exceeding 35 per cent over the last year. The major demand for laminate tubes is from the dental care segment which is growing at a healthy9-10 per cent per annum. It has entered into a strategic alliance with Balsara which sources 80 per cent of their entire tube requirement from the company.

Maharaja Intl

MUMBAI: The shareholders of Maharaja International Ltd have approved the change in the name of the company to Electrolux Kelvinator Ltd (EKL). The name change will help the company to leverage the strong brand equity of Kelvinator and the international association and heritage of Electrolux. MIL has been a subsidiary of Swedish multinational giant AB Electrolux since 1995.

LIC scheme

MUMBAI: Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has launched a new life insurance plan named `Bima Nivesh’ in the market on January 14. Bima Nivesh is being presented as a unique short-term, multiple benefits life insurance plan to fulfill the varied financial needs of the public by providing for safety, liquidity, attractive returns, tax benefits along with the in-built advantage of life cover. The policy provides for one time paymentviz single premium for sum assured ranging from Rs 25,000 to Rs 5 lakh in multiples of Rs 5,000.

It provides a choice of short-terms of five and ten years and is available to people in the age group of 35 to 70 years (65 years for 10 year term).

HM contests WB move

CALCUTTA: Hindustan Motors Ltd has decided to move the courts against the West Bengal government’s rejection of its partial- layoff proposal for the struggling Uttarpara plant near Calcutta. On Thursday, the government had written to the CK Birla company, rejecting its plan to lay off the 12,000-odd workers at Uttarpara for three days a week.HM executive vice-president R Santhanam told The Indian Express that the company is seeking legal opinion on the issue of moving the Calcutta high court against the state government’s rejection as an aggrieved party under Article 226(2) of the Indian Constitution.

Ajanta Pharma

MUMBAI: Ajanta Pharma has launched Carofit, the first patent-applied product from the company. Carofit,according to a company release, is the world’s first anti-oxidant with natural caroteneids and micro-nutrients from carrots. "Anto-oxidants like Carofit defend the body against free radicals as well as delays the effect of ageing. Although the local market has a few anti-oxidants with natural caroteneids, the need for anti-oxidant with natural beta-carotene is found important. IT SecureMUMBAI: ANTI-virus company IT Secure Software Pvt Ltd and CMC Ltd have entered into an alliance to provide Year 2000 (Y2K) compliance tools in India. IT Secure will distribute Y2K diagnostic, inventory, audit and remediation tools from 21st Century Federation, a global alliance of Y2K solution providers. Andrew Felton, chairman of 21st Century Federation, said the tools would give 386 and 486 PCs — which would have to be discarded before 2000 — a new lease of life.

Rotomac

MUMBAI: Rotomac of Kanpur based Kothari group launched its international range of greeting cards under the brand name of Rotomac Greeting andGifts. The new company which has tied up with three top UK-based designing firms has targeted sales of Rs 15 crore in the first year of its operations.The Rs 50 crore Rotomac Pens Ltd, a subsidiary of the group, is already the top player in the pen segment. Rotomac greeting cards have been launched in association with European brands, namely Carte Blanche, Peper House, Paperlinks and Jooles. After having stormed the markets of Europe, America and Australia, these cards are being introduced in the Indian market.According to Vikram Kothari, vice chairman of Rotomac, its all India launch is designed with special thrust on the forthcoming valentine’s day. It is entering the market with at least 74 Valentine’s day greeting cards in its debut portfolio.

Aptech

MUMBAI: Microsoft Corporation (India) Pvt Ltd announced a strategic partnership with Asian technology leader Aptech ltd for a range of consultancy, software and training services for the Indian market. As part of the partnership, Microsoft hasappointed Aptech as its Internet solutions partner, providing quality training on Microsoft products and technologies nationwide and developing a range of internet products for the training and education segment.

Cambridge India

MUMBAI: Cambridge India, the Indian subsidiary of the $ 600 million Cambridge Technology Partners Inc, has targeted a revenue of Rs 16 crore for its first year of operations. It has already done business to the tune of Rs 8 crore in the country. Rahul Chawla, vice-president and managing director, said the company was in the process of expanding its base in India by opening offices in Mumbai and increasing its staff to 150 from 70. The cost of expansion has been estimated at Rs 2.5 crore.