Andrew Yule rationalises product-mix for exports

Government-owned Andrew Yule & Co Ltd is in the process of rationalising its product-mix for the electrical business in a bid to cater to the export market. Kallol Datta, chairman and managing director, Andrew Yule, said after the company’s annual general meeting that the company planned to focus on the export market for the electrical market, especially Africa. “We have got a good response,” he said.

The company was also seeking technological collaboration with Japanese and Korean firms. Andrew Yule has diverse business interests that include power, engineering and environment, electrical, lubricants, industrial electronics, tea, turnkey contracts and financial services. For the engineering division Bhel procures some products. Datta said, Bhel had a huge order book, which would augur well for the company.

As far as the tea division was concerned, Andrew Yule has extensive replantation plans. Apart from applying for the special purpose tea fund (SPTF), the company has also written to the central government for granting money for replantation. Over a 10-year period, Rs 50 crore would be required for replantation activities. Andrew Yule has 15 tea gardens across Darjeeling, Dooars and Assam, producing 10 million kg. The company primarily manufactures CTC while orthodox is produced selectively at some gardens in Darjeeling and Assam.