Praj Industries Bags $15.5m Export Orders

"Slow response from the domestic market, coupled with prohibition in some states compelled us to look at the overseas markets," said Pramod Chaudhari, chairman and managing director of Praj Industries.

As part of the new export focus, the company has decided to set up its offices in the overseas markets, particularly in African. South America, CIS and East European countries. Presently, the company has a joint venture company in Singapore, called Praj Far East Ltd, which targets business in the ASEAN countries.

The major competitors of Praj in the world market are Gea of Germany and Blostil of Alfa Laval. But armed with the indigenous technology and low cost engineering expertise to set up projects, it is confident of taking on the global competitors, Chaudhari added.

 

In Philippines the company has bagged a $8 million order from San Miguel group of Spain for the setting up of a distillery and a pollution control project. This distillery will use multiple feed-stock; molasses, cane juice and tapioca.

In Sri Lanka, the company is setting up a distillery on a turnkey basis. This $4.5 million was bagged against tough European competition. It will also launch another $3 million brewery project The company's order book position has ballooned to Rs 65 crore consisting of both domestic and overseas markets.

Besides, Rs 35-crore orders are pending in the domestic market due to lack of funds. For the 6-month period September 1996, the company hopes to notch a turnover of Rs 26 crore.e virtual="/incs/right.asp"-->