sustainable business
DESCRIPTION
Sustainable Business 2014 special report presents the most prominent and leading innovative and sustainable companies in the Middle East. The publication covers the latest topics in sustainability, energy and clean technology in the United Arab Emirates and GCC countries, and gives interesting insight into business, innovation and leadership within the region. Some of the leading experts presented in the publication include His Excellency Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of State and the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Masdar as well as His Highness Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi known as the “Green Sheikh”, Environmental Advisor to the Ajman Government, and the CEO of Al Ihsan Charity Centre. This English language publication appeared as a theme insert distributed with GULF NEWS .TRANSCRIPT
PRINTED AND DISTRIBUTED BY GULF NEWS
Gulf News Sponsored Supplement
SUSTAINABLEbusiness
ROCHE DIAGNOSTICS MIDDLE EAST:
Addressing Unmet Healthcare Needs
PRODUCED BY CONTENT GROUP INTERNATIONAL
BASF:CREATING CHEMISTRY for a sustainable future
GREEN SHEIKH:LEADING BY
EXAMPLE
du:EMPOWERING A SMART SOCIETY through digital services
4
5
6
7
PRODUCED BY CONTENT GROUP INTERNATIONAL • WWW.CONTENTGROUPINTERNATIONAL.COMSUSTAINABLE business2 Produced by calcus Middle east • www.calcus.coM36 report 2013 nordic
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SUSTAINABLE business 3PRODUCED BY CONTENT GROUP INTERNATIONAL • WWW.CONTENTGROUPINTERNATIONAL.COMProduced by calcus Middle east • www.calcus.coM36 report 2013 nordic
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S ustainable development of a country entails addressing
the present socio-economic needs in manner that does not
jeopardize the future. This is a message staunchly advocated by
visionary proponents of sustainability. In the UAE, an exceptional
torchbearer of sustainable development and renewable energy
initiatives is Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber – Minister of State of the
UAE, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Masdar
A visionary leader who spearheaded the establishment of Masdar –
one of the most sustainable communities and cleantech cluster on
the planet, Dr. Jaber has consistently emphasized the importance of
investing significantly in the clean energy sector.
In an article for the Huffington Post, he writes: “In Abu Dhabi - in the
capital of the United Arab Emirates - one of our flagship ventures is
the investment in the future of energy. Devoting billions of dollars
for research and development, we see renewable energy and clean
technologies like solar, wind and energy-efficient desalination as
vehicles for economic growth and diversification. But we also see
them as tools to build capacity, develop human capital and find real
solutions to the pressing energy and climate challenge.”
With visionaries like Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, it is only a matter
of time that such initiatives of positive change will translate into a
strong and cohesive society. ■
Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber: Agent of Positive Change
Content:
Editor-in-chief : Kalle Salmi
CEO, Content Group International: Johan Ehrström
Managing Director, Calcus Group: Kalle Salmi
Country Manager, UAE: Humair Siddiqi
Project Manager: Nina Harjulin
Art Director/Layout: Lina Hurmerinta
Art Director Assistant: Pieta Piiroinen
Journalists: Sabin Muzaffar and Criselda Diala-McBride
Photographer: Mansoor Mughal
Publisher: Calcus Middle East Boulevard Plaza Tower One Emaar Square, Downtown Dubai P.O. Box 334155, Dubai, UAE
www.contentgroupinternational.com
Leading by Example .....................................›› 4
Creating chemistry for a sustainable future ......................................›› 5
Empowering a Smart society through digital services ................................›› 6
Roche Diagnostics Middle East: Addressing Unmet Healthcare Needs ............›› 7
Paving way to sustainable healthcare ............................... ›› 8
Sadita: Ensuring Sustainable Profits ............. ›› 9
ANIB: Promoting Economic Activity ......›› 10
Choithram’s: Amplifying the tenor of life .............›› 11
Kone: Making inroads to sustainability ....›› 12
PRINTED AND DISTRIBUTED BY GULF NEWS
Gulf News Sponsored Supplement
SUSTAINABLEbusiness
ROCHE DIAGNOSTICS MIDDLE EAST:
Addressing Unmet
Healthcare Needs
PRODUCED BY CONTENT GROUP INTERNATIONAL
BASF:
CREATING
CHEMISTRY
for a sustainable
future
GREEN SHEIKH:
LEADING BY
EXAMPLEDU:EMPOWERING
A SMART
SOCIETY through digital services
4
5
6
7
PRODUCED BY CONTENT GROUP INTERNATIONAL • WWW.CONTENTGROUPINTERNATIONAL.COMSUSTAINABLE business4
A visionary leader with a passion to
serve humanity, His Highness Sheikh
Abdul Aziz bin Ali Al Nuaimi is a
trailblazing advocate of sustainable living
and respecting the environment. Also known
to the world as the “Green Sheikh,” he is
currently serving as Environmental Advisor
to the Ajman Government, and the CEO of Al
Ihsan Charity Centre. In addition to being a
Goodwill Ambassador of World Green Citizen
Foundation, since 2012, he is also Chairman
of the International Steering Committee for
the Global Initiative towards a sustainable
Iraq and honorable President of Zayed
Environmental Impact Network (ZEIN) at
Zayed University UAE.
With a deep sense of responsibility
as a human being and a strong belief in
giving back to the planet, the Green Sheikh
famously left a very lucrative career in
petroleum in order to pursue a mission to
vociferously defend the climate. “This earth
with its beauty, riches and plenty was given
to us to love and protect. Every one of us is
responsible for it, and can make a difference
- regardless of faith, skin color or gender,”
says the enlightened leader.
A GUIDING LIGHT TO FUTURE GENERATIONS
An inspirational environmentalist, the Green
Sheikh’s philosophy is to tap into the talent and
potential of today’s youth. the Green Sheikh
truly believes in providing guidance to future
generations so that they could be transformed
into progressive leaders of tomorrow.
According to His Highness the Green
Sheikh: “Young people have the power to
imagine a world, well beyond what we can
see. They are the powerful leaders of the
future, and the guardians of this planet. I am
honored and humbled by the young attention
to my words, and by their love. My goal is to
help them discover their powers, to step into
leadership roles.”
The Green Sheikh travels all around the
world engaging the masses with highly
informative discussions and meaningful
presentations pertaining to the benefits of
holistic living and emphasizing the urgent
need of restricting environmental damage.
Recipient of numerous awards and
accolades, the Green Sheikh has distinguished
himself as an illustrious thinker of his time
who successfully leads his people by his own
example. ■
Leading by Example
His Highness Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin Ali Al Nuaimi.
Young people have the power to imagine a world,
well beyond what we can see. They are the
powerful leaders of the future, and the guardians
of this planet.
SUSTAINABLE business 5PRODUCED BY CONTENT GROUP INTERNATIONAL • WWW.CONTENTGROUPINTERNATIONAL.COM
W hat according to BASF is
sustainability?
BASF’s corporate purpose
is to create chemistry for a sustainable
future. Sustainability is the combination
of long-term oriented economic success
with environmental protection and social
responsibility.
Can environmental sustainability and
viable economic growth be aligned? How?
Viable economic growth must be based on
the principles of sustainability. Any economic
activity that disregards environment is short-
sighted at best because resource degradation
will prove far costlier to us in the long run.
Huge commercial enterprises must lead
by example on this front by factoring in
sustainability at all levels of their operations.
BASF, in fact, was one of the first companies in
the world to produce an integrated financial
and environmental annual report and has
been doing so since 2007.
Comment on how the accelerated rate of
environmental degradation be restrained?
To generate a sense of green living
around the globe, multiple methods can be
exercised. Mass education and discipline are
the keys. Awareness and knowledge about
sustainability are the first steps.
Talking about your corporate vision, how
can chemistry lead to sustainability?
BASF constantly works to harness the power
of chemistry so that it solves some of our
most pressing sustainability problems. For
example, BASF has added an extraordinary
product to its plastic product line: ecovio®,
which is being used to manufacture
completely biodegradable shopping and
waste bags. BASF has also developed ’Life
Cycle Analyzer’ which enables us to improve
concrete characteristics. The special
software offers solutions in major concrete
improvement areas like process efficiency,
energy reduction, material optimization,
and enhanced quality specifications for
manufacturers and users of concrete. BASF
has also used chemistry to develop innovative
water solutions such as Inge® which can
make water pre-treatment processes in
desalination plants less energy intensive and
cost effective.
Reducing specific greenhouse gas
emissions by 2020, increasing energy
efficiency and contributing to climate
protection are some of BASF’s goals. How do
you envision achieving these goals/targets?
Our climate protection activities are based
on comprehensive emissions controlling. By
2020, we aim to reduce our greenhouse gas
emissions per metric ton of sales product by
40% compared with baseline 2002. Since 1990,
we have been able to lower our greenhouse gas
emissions from BASF operations (excluding Oil
& Gas) by 45% and reduce specific emissions by
73% overall. By 2020, we want to improve the
energy efficiency of our production processes
by 35% compared with 2002. ■
Florian Krueck.
Creating chemistry for a sustainable future
MANAGING DIRECTOR OF BASF FZE & BASF KANOO GULF LLC, U.A.E., FLORIAN KRUECKL, TALK ABOUT ALIGNING VIABLE ECONOMIC GROWTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY.
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W hen it comes to sustainability
leadership, I do not believe that
any country is more passionate
about ensuring its success than the UAE.
There is a true desire amongst the leadership
to encourage sustainable habits that will
lead to a brighter tomorrow for the nation, its
people, and our planet. This is an absolutely
vital mindset to foster and we, as du, fully
advocate it; a sustainable future is about
creating long-term value that our children’s
children and the generations to come can
enjoy for many years.
Businesses must become responsible in
adopting sustainable practices. Despite being
a relatively new term in the UAE’s business
lexicon, sustainability is not a passing fad.
It is an exceptionally viable concept that
is essential to the longevity of commercial
capability, as well as to the development of
the community and the protection of our
environment. Together, they represent the
triple bottom line of People, Planet and Profit
– a triptych of values that must be satisfied in
any sustainable approach.
Expo 2020 demonstrates the UAE
leadership’s commitment to sustainability.
It will bring billions of dirhams worth of
investment, opening limitless possibilities
for entrepreneurs, local businesses and more.
Infrastructure and initiatives such as Smart City
and Smart Government are being developed to
boost convenience. Innovative solutions will
see 50% of Expo 2020 powered by renewable
energy. If it is possible on such a massive scale
to adopt substantial sustainability initiatives,
then it should absolutely be possible for
businesses to recognise the viability of
sustainability within their own operations.
We are proud to uphold the vision of the
UAE leadership, by leading the way with
our corporate sustainability commitment.
We embrace innovation, and have set new
standards for the UAE, the region and the
industry – such as with our green Shop,
the first in the UAE to be LEED Platinum
Certified, or with our Fujairah Call Centre, the
nation’s first to be 100% managed and run by
Emiratis.
We are facilitating the shift towards Dubai’s
Smart City future particularly through
supporting the Smart Government initiative.
We have partnered with several government
bodies, assisting them to develop mobile
apps that make their services more easily
accessible. In a move to make connectivity
possible anywhere in the country absolutely
free, our WiFi UAE initiative will see free WiFi
rolled out nationwide.
Our third Sustainability Report is yet another
example of how we raise the regional benchmark
– we are the first company in the region, and the
world’s first telecommunications company to
adopt the new Global Reporting Initiative G4
Comprehensive guidelines.
It is our responsibility to continue to uphold
our dedication to supporting the vision of the
UAE leadership, by being advocates of the
sustainability movement. We can only aspire
to be as inspirational through our actions as
the leaders of the UAE are through theirs. ■
Empowering a Smart society through digital services
Hala Badri, EVP, Brand and Communications, du.
Expo 2020 demonstrates the UAE leadership’s
commitment to sustainability.
SUSTAINABLE business 7PRODUCED BY CONTENT GROUP INTERNATIONAL • WWW.CONTENTGROUPINTERNATIONAL.COM
W ith separate divisions in
pharmaceuticals and diagnostics,
Swiss biotech company Roche
has the unique privilege of providing the
healthcare sector combined expertise in
medicine and diagnosis. Recognizing the
region’s rapid healthcare development, Roche
Diagnostics Middle East established a Dubai-
based Management Center in 2012. Boasting
a state-of-the-art warehouse in Jebel Ali, the
company’s primary objective is not only to
centrally store region-focused healthcare
products, but also offer fast and reliable access
to cutting-edge diagnostic solutions for a wide
array of lifestyle ailments and chronic diseases
prevalent across the MENA region.
A broad network of collaborative
partnerships, with private and public sectors,
is Roche’s key strategy to addressed the
community’s unmet health needs. “At Roche
Diagnostics Middle East, we have a team of
vastly experienced specialists, consistently
providing a wide-range of services to 20
countries in the region. Our direct presence in
the Middle East allows us to serve and assist
healthcare professionals, while bringing
global standards and know-how to the
industry. In addition to this, being the first
In Vitro diagnostic company in the region,
we have established a robust supply chain
hub, facilitating faster responses to regional
needs,” explained Hartmann.
With the ever changing healthcare
landscape, there is a growing demand
for diagnostic tools that improve our
understanding of disease diversity; treating all
patients of a certain disease with one approach
disregards those disease differences. For
this reason, Roche’s Personalized Healthcare
strives to tailor treatment to specific groups
of patients, who will best respond to the
medicine. Commenting on the company’s
advanced tests and individualized therapeutic
solutions, the General Manager said: “Our
advanced expertise in numerous disease
areas enables Roche to provide innovative
tests that help deliver customized treatments,
thereby improving the patient’s outcome
and quality of life. With technological
advancements, patients receive personalized
treatments customized for their needs.”
RAISING THE BAR IN DIAGNOSTICS
Roche Diagnostics Middle East has indeed
played a pioneering role in assisting the
healthcare sector by improving accessibility,
delivering innovation and most importantly
strengthening infrastructure. “On a global
scale, our company is the largest provider of
in vitro diagnostics solutions. We also provide
more than 200 diagnostic tests, in areas such
as cancer, women’s health and cardiovascular
diseases, and are continuously increasing
our portfolio with increasingly innovative
solutions for conditions which have not been
met with before,” commented Hartmann.
As an industry leader in the Middle East and
globally, Roche Diagnostics strives to achieve
sustainability and has consistently contributed
to the community by building a better future
through patient safety, business integrity and
addressing global healthcare challenges. ■
Roche Diagnostics Middle East: Addressing Unmet Healthcare Needs
GENERAL MANAGER OF ROCHE DIAGNOSTICS MIDDLE EAST MORITZ HARTMANN SPEAKS ABOUT INNOVATION IN DIAGNOSTICS AND HOW THE ORGANIZATION IS EFFECTIVELY
STRIVING TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF PATIENTS.
Moritz Hartmann.
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O ver the past decade, the Middle
East and North African (MENA)
region has seen a tremendous
amount of growth in the health sector. In the
UAE, Anglo Arabian Healthcare has greatly
contributed to the advancement of an
effective health system by offering solutions
that cater to the needs of each and every
member of society.
Anglo Arabian Healthcare began its
journey over two years ago and currently
boasts a very strong portfolio of high caliber
management teams. The organization strives
to set an extraordinary example of excellence
in healthcare management through effective,
environmental-friendly processes. “We are
building new hospitals, clinics and energy
efficiency is very much part of procurement
and design. We are looking towards obtaining
various quality accreditations such as JCI and
are therefore constantly striving to achieve
the highest standards of excellence. Energy
conservation, disposals, chemicals, all the
things that will actually make a difference, are
integral to our objectives,” commented Anglo
Arabian Healthcare founder and CEO, Mark
Adams.
In addition, Anglo Arabian has been
instrumental in providing access to healthcare
on an individual and corporate level through
various key initiatives. Collaborating with
First Gulf Bank through groundbreaking
health screening programs, the organization
has effectively supported the bank’s pledge to
invest in the wellbeing of its employees. “The
collaboration greatly benefitted both the
employees and the bank. Individuals not only
had access to quality assured services, they
now have a clearer picture of their potential
health risks. And from the bank’s perspective,
they now have a better understanding of their
potential future healthcare costs,” revealed
Paul Firth, Director Occupational Health &
Corporate Wellness.
LINKING SUSTAINABILITY TO HEALTHCARE
The framework of sustainability is all about
managing the triple bottom line. “I think we
all know prevention and education are better
than cure so there are lots of parallels with
sustainability. You need to invest now and
modify your behavior in order to actually have
a better future,” Mr. Adams opined. Adding,
he said: “Even the slightest energy saving
measure can save you millions of dollars in
the long term. Even in terms of CSR, it is really
about giving back to the community and not
just chasing profits.”
Linking sustainability with the Expo 2020,
the CEO concluded: “The Expo 2020 win will
usher an influx of people and business in
the country. We are hoping to become one
of the market leaders in terms of serving the
needs of an increasing population by building
clinics and hospitals. It was an attractive
market even before this victory and it has now
amplified optimism.” ■
Paving way to SUSTAINABLE HEALTHCARE
ANGLO ARABIAN HEALTHCARE IS A RAPIDLY
GROWING HEALTHCARE PROVIDER AND COMPRISES OF 18 ASSETS INCLUDING TWO HOSPITALS, CLINICS, LABORATORIES AND A NETWORK OF PHARMACIES ACROSS THE UAE.
Anglo Arabian Healthcare founder and CEO, Mark Adams.
SUSTAINABLE business 9PRODUCED BY CONTENT GROUP INTERNATIONAL • WWW.CONTENTGROUPINTERNATIONAL.COM
T ell us about SADITA Holding?
SADITA’s journey began back
in 1982 with the food distribution
business. We established Kuwait Proteins
Company in partnership with the Late
Hajj Khalil el Khatib. The company has
experienced remarkable growth over the years
and is now one of the most well-established
FMCG distributors in Kuwait. Sadita was
incorporated in 2006 and boasts a diversified
portfolio of businesses across the globe.
What are SADITA’s major activities?
As of 2014, SADITA controls stakes in
22 companies across 10 industries and
15 countries. These industries are food
distribution, kitchenware and disposables,
IT accessories, cleaning services, medical
services, IT services, power system supplies,
construction, engineering contracting and
lastly food production. Through its corporate
head office in Kuwait City, SADITA provides
supportive functions to its subsidiaries’
in finance, IT, HR, legal and business
development areas.
What is your role in the organization?
Being the chairman of the board, I oversee
the performance of management. Additionally,
I participate in conceiving and designing
business strategies, examining investments,
identifying business growth opportunities and
managing group risk profile.
What has changed throughout 30 years of
operations?
Historically, operational growth and
geographical expansion has been supported
by acquiring new distribution rights. At
present, this practice is complemented
with the enforcement of strong corporate
governance on both existing and newly
established subsidiaries. Upholding our core
values of transparency, commitment and
forward thinking has been a long time belief
since inception.
What has been the driving force behind
SADITA’s success?
It is our confidence in people. People not
industries direct our investments and hence
the Group’s motto ‘We invest with people’.
A key person who needs to be acknowledged
when discussing SADITA’s success is CEO
Mr. Zaher el Khatib, who has played an
instrumental role in the group’s expansion
and is now a partner in most subsidiaries.
What is your outlook for the group?
SADITA has been able to maintain
consistent profitability since its inception,
particularly in the past three years. It has
reported a double-digit growth in revenues
and profitability along a turnover that has
exceeded $300m in 2013. I expect a double-
digit top line growth for the next five years as
the group continues to expand its operations
and market penetrations. ■
SADITA: Ensuring Sustainable Profits
FOZAN AL FOZAN, FOUNDER AND CHAIRMAN OF SADITA HOLDING, TALKS ABOUT SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS LONGEVITY THROUGH INVESTING IN HUMAN CAPITAL.
I expect a double-digit top line growth for the next five years as the
group continues to expand its operations and
market penetrations.
Fozan Al Fozan founder and Chairman.
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AL NABOODA INSURANCE BROKERS (ANIB) WAS ESTABLISHED IN 2007 WITH A HANDFUL OF EMPLOYEES. THE COMPANY HAS STEADILY GROWN IN THE PAST SIX YEARS AND CURRENTLY
POSSESSES A FORMIDABLE PORTFOLIO OF 15000+ INDIVIDUAL CLIENTS AND MORE THAN 400 CORPORATE HOUSES.
T he importance of the insurance sector
in the national economy of a country
cannot be emphasized enough. In
emerging markets such as the Middle East,
insurance can help achieve growth targets
and accelerate economic development,
by providing coverage to businesses and
more importantly through effective risk
management.
According to ANIB’s Managing Director,
S. Rajagopal: “Banking and insurance is the
backbone of a sustainable national economy.
A company will most certainly achieve
success if it is supported by an insurance
entity, offering businesses incentives for risk
mitigation.” Adding: “Without the protection
from insurance companies, business losses are
bound to also affect the economy of a country.”
Headquartered in Dubai, the company
started operation a year before the downturn.
“Every company hopes to start at a positive
time, but fate had other plans for ANIB. Our
initial growth was in fact during those tough
times primarily because our skills were put
to test during the recession,” opined the
managing director.
Boasting a team of highly skilled individuals,
ANIB is not just about selling premiums.
“What sets us apart is that we not only
understand the nuances of underwriting, but
offer in-depth expertise on the brokerage side,
thereby putting the client in an advantageous
position,” said Mr. Rajagopal. “As a brand too,
we stand out and have positioned ourselves
as refreshing, reliable and colourful. The ANIB
experience is something that is very human.
We listen first to the requirements of our
clients and transparently share every detail
of the insurances we tailor for them” said the
MD. The company offers individual as well
as corporate solutions, which are tailored to
satisfy customer needs.
THE SPILLOVER AFFECT
Although the insurance industry was not
directly affected by the downturn and actually
experienced a spillover effect, it has enabled
the sector to be better equipped for any future
crises. “There was an oversupply of insurance
companies at a time when there was little or no
demand. As a consequence, there was a price
loss. But as it turns out, presently clients are
benefitting due to competition and are getting
the cheapest rates,” he remarked.
Indeed insurance can play a critical role
in achieving an accelerated rate of growth
and productivity across the MENA region. A
catalyst for positive economic development,
Al Nabooda Insurance not only protects
businesses and individuals from adverse
events, it contributes towards national
sustainability by facilitating trade and
efficient capital accumulation. ■
ANIB: Promoting Economic Activity
ANIB’s Managing Director, S. Rajagopal.
Banking and insurance is the backbone of a sustainable national
economy.
SUSTAINABLE business 11PRODUCED BY CONTENT GROUP INTERNATIONAL • WWW.CONTENTGROUPINTERNATIONAL.COM
I n 1943, a visionary trailblazer, Thakurdas
Choithram Pagarani, established a small
grocery store in Sierra Leone. This was
the humble beginning of T.Choithram and
Sons which has now grown into a prestigious
network of companies across Europe, North
America, Africa and the Gulf region.
“It is a starlight story of a free-spirited
young man who set out to explore the world,
settled in Sierra Leone and established a
business which has witnessed immense
progress in a span of 71 years,” remarked
Choithram’s contemplative Chairman, L.T
Pagarani. The company rapidly grew and
expanded operations initially in Germany,
Hong Kong, UK, Spain and other countries in
Africa. “It was in the mid-70s, when we came
to the UAE and curiously our last outpost
was India where we established our business
presence in 2008,” he added.
T. Choithram and Sons is more than just
a large chain of supermarkets. Contrary to
common perception, the company is also
a major distributor of premium brands
“Elsewhere we also have substantial presence
in pharmaceuticals, food manufacturing,
education as well as the health sector,”
revealed Mr. Pagarani.
GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY
As far as the CEO is concerned, it is not just
about doing business and making profits.
Considerably contributing to socio-economic
growth of communities, Choithram’s has
proactively initiated programs and activities
for the benefit of society and environmental
sustainability. “In our UK branch, all sales
personnel use electric cars and even though
it was quite a challenge in the beginning, we
have successfully championed the cause. By
doing so, the company has become a role
model not only to its competitors, but to its
peers in the global community at large,” the
CEO opined. The organization also possesses
the world’s largest solar powered spice plant
in Buckinghamshire UK
The secret to Choithram’s immense
accomplishments as an innovative company
is not merely about sticking to numbers,
spreadsheets and efficient ERP solutions.
Interpersonal relations in the workplace
as well as with customers is what sets the
company apart. “I cannot but over-emphasize
the importance of interpersonal relations
especially in a corporate environment.
Companies can certainly have a smart
business plan, but if you cannot win over
your colleagues and have full membership of
your staff, your business is bound to flounder
or will definitely take longer to progress,”
observed Mr. Pagarani.
Indeed, it has been a journey like none other
– beginning from the humble grocery store in
a small West African country to becoming a
prestigious conglomerate with presence in 20
countries. A name synonymous with success,
T. Choithram and Sons is truly a social
minded company that has significantly made
an impact on the global society. ■
Choithram’s: Amplifying the tenor of life
T. CHOITHRAM AND SONS’ CHAIRMAN, L.T. PAGARANI
TALKS ABOUT THE COMPANY’S JOURNEY TO SUCCESS AND THE SIGNIFICANCE OF WORKPLACE INTERPERSONAL RELATIONS.
L.T Pagarani, contemplative Chairman.
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K one Middle East offers wide array
of products including escalators
and autowalks that are not only
customizable, but also set a superior standard
for eco-efficiency, safety and spectacular
visual design. “Since our headquarters is
based in Northern Europe where the cost of
energy is very high, we have adopted a number
of methods for decreasing its usage. We were
the first to launch a breakthrough technology
– the Machine Room Less elevator. Until
recently, elevators used to have a machine
room at the top floor, things are different now.
This technology has been adopted by many
other similar entities,” said Environmental
Director Kone, Hanna Uusitalo who joined
the company in 2008 at a time when energy
excellence was adopted as one of its strategic
imperatives.
It was in 2008 that Kone decided to further
decrease its energy consumption and has
achieved an astonishing 75% reduction,
positioning it on the same level as the
lighting industry. The company addresses
energy efficiency challenge through its smart
elevators which is innovatively optimized for
traffic through eco-friendly motor technology
with regenerative drives to capture the break
energy or any unbalanced situation which
arises from the elevator movement.
CREATING AN IMPACT
Kone has made a deep impact on society by
incorporating sustainability in the product
line. “We have studied and assessed the
environmental lifecycle impact of our
products at different platform levels,” opines
the environment director. The company
successfully organized a compact drive
system to achieve new levels in energy
efficiency, space saving, reliability, and
aesthetics,” remarked Hanna Uusitalo.
Adding, “Cutting down your escalator or
autowalk energy consumption is also possible
using efficient LED lights.”
The company has indeed played a
critical role in aiming to decrease carbon
footprint. Being smart, green and safe entails
delivering solutions that enable people
to move smoothly – efficiently and cost
effectively. Kone is indeed making inroads to
sustainable development through its world
class fundamental eco-initiatives within the
company. ■
KONE: Making inroads to sustainability
MORE THAN 100 YEARS OLD, KONE IS A GLOBAL LEADER IN THE ESCALATOR AND ELEVATOR INDUSTRY AND IS A NAME SYNONYMOUS WITH INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT.
CONTINUOUSLY STRIVING TO UNDERSTAND AND MEET CUSTOMER NEEDS, THE FIRM FOCUSES ON DELIVERY OF HIGH PERFORMANCE-BASED SOLUTIONS.
Environmental Director Hanna Uusitalo.
SUSTAINABLE business 13PRODUCED BY CONTENT GROUP INTERNATIONAL • WWW.CONTENTGROUPINTERNATIONAL.COM