MMTC was established in 1963. How do you see this long journey of over 50 years?
During the last five decades, MMTC has grown exponentially into a corporate giant, extending its areas of operation from the minerals and metals it was initially entrusted with, to sectors like <g data-gr-id="49">agro</g>, power, fertilisers, coal and hydrocarbons, ferrous and non-ferrous metals, precious metals etc. The Company has adapted to changing paradigms to fit into newer <g data-gr-id="55">roles,</g> and is today one of India’s premier corporate houses. It is engaged in diverse trading activities and has invested in various projects as a policy for promotion of trade- related infrastructure.
What is your dream about the <g data-gr-id="53">organisation</g> and what efforts are being made to fulfill it?
We aim to achieve Navratna status in the next five years and double MMTC’s business turnover by 2020. MMTC wishes to consolidate its position as a leader in its existing business lines by diversification in product range and markets. To achieve this, two new trade divisions have been established — one for export of Engineering Goods, and another for Drugs, Pharmaceuticals and Fine Chemicals. We are also renewing our focus on the company’s precious metals business and tapping into its brand value; this will help us expand retail operations for our Sanchi silverware brand and gold/silver medallions. At the same time, we will be promoting our various JVs, especially NINL, and our FTWZ at Kandla and Haldia.
What are the recent activities and major thrust areas of MMTC in the coming days?
In order to diversify its trade activities, MMTC is venturing into the business of LNG, which is a new business for the Company. We will be importing liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the spot market to meet fuel demands of the fertilizer industry. India’s emergence as a <g data-gr-id="59">low cost</g> manufacturing hub has made it one of the major exporters of engineering goods in <g data-gr-id="50">theworld</g>. MMTC aims to tap this market for engineering goods in the SAARC countries, <g data-gr-id="58">UAE</g> and Africa, through its foreign offices in Singapore and South Africa.
Would you like to elaborate about any of your top priority after assuming the charge as CMD?
Employees are the greatest asset of the company. In fact, an organization is known by the competence and capabilities of its employees. The inherent strength of MMTC is its committed and efficient workforce and their spirit of teamwork. They are our competitive edge. My topmost priority is to promote value-based culture in the organization, to provide the employees with best professional training so they are well-equipped to handle business responsibilities, and at the same time provide them opportunities to achieve their career goals; it is their success which will fuel success of the organization. Besides, my endeavor would be to promote an environment conducive to improve motivation, employee engagement, and a sense of belongings towards the company. General concerns of the employees will be addressed with empathy. Necessary measures are also being taken to promote knowledge sharing and skill enhancement through tie-ups with prestigious institutions like IIM(A), IIFT etc. to ensure the company’s <g data-gr-id="52">long term</g> growth.
MMTC has been undertaking initiatives for the benefit of local communities and environment for years. What are some of the recent CSR initiatives?
In response to the call by the Prime Minister for Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan, MMTC is contributing towards the creation of sanitation facilities. The company has recently constructed two toilet complexes in JJ Cluster in Haiderpur, Delhi, in association with Sulabh International. The Company’s Windmill Project in Karnataka is a source of non-conventional and clean energy that has aided the development of the area by meeting a portion of the energy needs of the state. MMTC has also installed solar panels at its Delhi Regional Office for clean and green energy. The gamut of activities undertaken by MMTC for the welfare of society and protection of environment reflects the Company’s commitment to fulfill its role as a responsible corporate citizen.