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| A monument to the founders of Kirloskar stands in the company grounds. |
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Having received a parcel of barren land from a raja in the early 1900s, local entrepreneur Laxamanrao Kirloskar soon used the princely bequest to build on a dream that, a century after, has grown into an impressive business model that contributes to social progress.
From the industrial township named Kirloskarvadi, India saw the development of its firstever iron plow, a tool that played a vital role in the agricultural and industrial growth of this vast nation.
Since those early years, Kirloskar Brothers Ltd. (KBL), the first venture at the township, has grown into the country's largest manufacturer of pumps and valves.
``We have built a very successful brand by providing excellent services and innovating solutions according to the diverse needs of India and the world. We understand the pulse of the customer,'' says Chairman and Managing Director Sanjay Kirloskar.
Over the past few years, the pump industry has grown consistently due to continuing urbanization, rising industrialization especially in developing countries, and strong demand for irrigation facilities around the world.
Because of its immense manufacturing potential and availability of skilled manpower, India has attracted several companies for the sourcing of pumps. As competition becomes stiffer, turnkey solution providers with advanced technology and superior quality of products have gained the edge, putting KBL at the top.
``We are promoting our products with `Triple A Technology.' Our products are Affordable, Appropriate and Adaptable,'' Kirloskar comments.
Having obtained its ISO certifications, the company won commissions to supply several pumping solutions to valuable industries and projects in India and beyond, such as the Circulating Cooling Water Systems Project of the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd. (NPCIL).
Its other prime projects include the Termozulia Power Project in Venezuela through MAN Ferrostal Power Industry GmbH. KBL is also building the world's largest pumping station with 48 vertical pumps in the Indian state of Gujarat.
KBL has the one of the largest pump testing facilities in Asia, where computerized data can be accessed easily online.
Today, it is expanding production capacity and increasing productivity to meet the growing demands of the global market, and take advantage of opportunities in old and new markets.
``KBL has a vision to be in the top 15 companies in the world by 2010 and among the top five companies in the world by 2015,'' says Kirloskar.
Over the years, the Kirloskar family has engraved quality-consciousness in the minds of their workers and inspired the country to enrich lives in its communities.
Aside from caring for Kirloskar's workers, the hospital in Kirloskarvadi provides medical services and spearheads various health-related activities for the surrounding villages while its school hopes to educate the country's future leaders through a well-rounded approach.
www.kbl.co.in
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