The big moves of 2019
2019 was a busy year for the Aditya Birla Group. Experience the highlights with us.
We crossed some Big Milestones
ABG completes 50 years in Thailand
November 2019 marked the 50th year of the Group's operations in Thailand. It is more special because Aditya Vikram Birla, the Group's founder was the first Indian industrialist to explore business opportunities overseas. What began with a spinning unit has led to an investmenat of $2 billion in the South-East Asian country over the years. The Group operates nine plants in Thailand spanning sectors such as textiles, carbon black and chemicals.
UltraTech crosses 100 million tonnes capacity
UltraTech became the first company in the world to cross a manufacturing capacity of over 100 million tonnes in a single country, outside of China. The acquisition of Century's cement business catapulted UltraTech's cement manufacturing capacity to 117.4 mtpa, including its overseas capacity. This makes UltraTech the 3rd largest cement company in the world, outside of China.
Launched some interesting Products
Eco-friendly Liva enters the menswear and home textiles market
Liva with its eco-friendly and sustainable fabric, revolutionised the fashion industry in the country. Made for the fashion and environmentally conscious consumer, Liva's products were limited to the women's segment. 2019 marked a landmark year for the brand as it ventured into menswear and home textiles market, catering to all consumer segments and redefining fast fashion.
ABG launches startup BizLabs Fintech platform
To enable innovative startups to solve real business challenges of Aditya Birla Capital (ABC), the Group set up the BizLabs Fintech platform. The scope of the programme spans across the fintech spectrum, including InsurTech, InvesTech, Lending, Analytics & Productivity, etc. The objective of the programme is to reach out to a few innovative fintech firms who can leverage tech and help ABC address specific issues with the help of advanced capabilities like AI, ML and smart computing.
Hindalco launches aluminium trailer and bulker
Revolutionising the transport industry one vehicle at a time, Hindalco, the Group's flagship metals company launched India's first aluminium bulker and trailer. 100% recyclable and 50% lighter than steel, the aluminium vehicle bodies are not only greener, but they are safer and smarter. Also, a BIG step towards aluminising India.
ENTERED INTO SOME M&As
Grasim acquires Turkish brand Soktas in India
Grasim Industries acquired Soktas India Pvt Ltd at an enterprise value of 165 crores. SIPL is a subsidiary of the Turkish firm Soktas Tekstil Sanayi ve Ticare known for its premium fabrics. The acquisition helped Grasim strengthen its foothold in the premium fabrics segment and its leadership in premium cotton and linen fabrics market in India.
ABFRL acquires Finesse and Jaypore
Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail took over ethnic apparel and lifestyle retailer Jaypore for Rs. 110 Crore to tap into the fast-growing ethnic apparel market. The company also acquired a 51% stake in Finesse International Design that helped the company further strengthen its presence in branded ethnic apparel and accessories market covering both bespoke ceremonial wear and prêt lines.
MADE STARTLING ADVANCES IN SUSTAINABILITY
Birla Cellulose takes a quantum leap towards making fashion more sustainable
Birla Cellulose launched Livaeco, brand Liva's eco-friendly variant. It was launched as a sustainable solution to reduce the textile industry's burden on the environment, given that it is one of the most polluting industries. Livaeco comes from Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC® C118017) certified sustainable forests, thus conserving biodiversity and saving endangered forests. Livaeco can be identified in the stores through a Livaeco green tag on the garment.
Hindalco debuts on the Dow Jones Sustainability Index
Hindalco became the only aluminium manufacturer from India to appear in the 2019 edition of the S&P Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI). The company was recognised for its success in governance, social and environmental initiatives. The DJSI score helped Hindalco secure a place among the world’s top three aluminium companies.
Novelis creates the first aluminium sheet battery solution
In another step towards making transport sustainable and efficient, Novelis, Hindalco's subsidiary launched the world's first aluminium sheet battery enclosure solution. The enclosure designed to cater to the growing battery and electric vehicles market is 50% lighter than an equivalent steel design. It is designed mainly for battery electric vehicles with larger power packs such as pick-up trucks, sport utility vehicles and crossovers.
UltraTech commissions the world's first zero-discharge Ready Mix Concrete plant
UltraTech launched the first-of-its-kind green Ready Mixed Concrete (RMC) plant in the country, which recycles the waste generated during cement manufacturing such as waste sludge or slurry for recycling into RMC production. A fully-automated technology, it enables the plant to be zero discharge with no water and solid waste.
AND SET NEW MARKS IN CSR
Birla Group announces £15 million BK Birla Scholars Programme
Honouring the legacy of the late industrialist and philanthropist BK Birla, the Group announced a £15 million BK Birla Scholars Programme. It is an endowed scholarship for ten full-time MBA candidates every year in perpetuity, at the London Business School. A humble and visionary leader, BK Birla (1921-2019) viewed access to higher education as a fundamental right for all.
Hindalco receives GOI's first National CSR Award
In recognition of Hindalco's contribution to India's national priority areas – skill development and livelihoods', the company was honoured with the National CSR Award by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. The award is the highest recognition in the domain of CSR by the Government of India.