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KARAM is one of the leaders in fall protection equipment

Published

3 years ago

July 1, 2021

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– Asif Iqbal, National Sales Head, KARAM Industries

Brief about KARAM, its business activities and operations abroad.

KARAM is India?? one of the leading personal protective equipment manufacturing enterprises, ranks as the number one company in the field of personal safety in the country, and among one of the top 10 fall protection manufacturing companies in the world. Its product range includes personal protective equipment like safety helmets, safety eyewear, hearing protection, face protection, hand protection, protective workwear, safety shoes, and a vast fall protection equipment range. Besides these, engineered safety solutions like anchorage systems, specialised rope access, evacuation and rescue products, and confined space entry egress systems also form a part of KARAM?? product portfolio.

KARAM exports its full range of products to more than 85+ countries across the world, either as KARAM brand or as an OE supplier to numerous safety brands of repute. KARAM being one of the leaders in ??all protection??made a mission of expanding its footprint across the world every year. Today it is reaching out and delivering quality fall protection equipment to over 85 countries. Over 30 global offices, more than 2,600+ certified products and over 450 global partners are just a few of the milestones KARAM has achieved.

Which of the products from your portfolio are used in cement industry? What kind of certificates/ accreditations you have obtained for these products?

KARAM offers the highest quality of personal protective equipment from head to toe to ensure worker?? safety in a wide range of industrial setups. Safety spectacles manufactured by KARAM are ideal for cement manufacturing as they are highly abrasion-resistant. They are suitable to be worn in areas where the cement dust concentration is high. We also offer safety shoes with properties of oil/acid resistance and slip resistance. Our range of ear plugs and ear muffs are suitable to be used in the areas where noise pollution is an issue. We also offer fall protection equipment like harnesses, lanyards and temporary and permanent lifeline systems to protect the worker in case of a fall from height. All products manufactured by KARAM Industries are fully certified to the IS and the stringent EN (European) and ANSI (American) standards, produced under strict quality parameters.

Any new products you have added in your portfolio since the outbreak of coronavirus?

Amidst this global pandemic, KARAM acted quickly and cautiously to introduce the new Healthcare range of products to tackle the COVID-19 crisis in India. Our range of ISI certified masks, face shields, eye protection glasses, and full body PPE equipment is aimed towards providing maximum comfort and highest quality assurance to the consumers, to ease their transition towards a safe and new normal along with the medical personnel who are working day in and day out on the frontlines of this crisis.

In the long run, KARAM will continue to strive towards its endeavour to provide safety equipment of all kinds to its customers and consumers, while expanding its global outreach and systematically improving its quality standards and processes to create a safer tomorrow. We not only want our products to be widely accessible but also want to create a platform to spread awareness about the importance of such safety equipment and the consequent responsibility that falls upon organisations to provide secure working conditions to their personnel all across the world.

Tell u more on PPE inspection and revalidation.

KARAM offers inspection of PPE as per Annual Inspection requirement, laid down in the PPE Directives. KARAM personnel are specially trained and are certified competent authority to conduct such inspection. KARAM also offers to conduct strength tests on equipment samples, wherever required. Proper revalidation certificates are also issued for equipment that is inspected and deemed fit for further use.

Fall protection equipment are lifesaving products. As per EN 365 of PPE directives, it is mandatory to have a ??ompetent Authority??inspect the fall protection equipment at least once annually.

Working at height has always been a challenge. How Karam is supporting its clients for working at height?

KARAM manufactures an exhaustive range of personal protective equipment. Our range covers products like safety eyewear, earmuffs and earplugs, and welding and face shields from the Industrial safety helmet to Industrial safety shoe. Our mainstay product line is Fall Protection equipment, wherein we provide some of the best products in the world for a worker working at heights. Since this range is necessary of life-saving products, we have some of the finest brains and technology to help us overcome the challenging demands of safe working at heights. We also impart training to the end-user since such equipment requires special skills for effective usage.

How important is training in safety function? What initiatives you have taken to train the manpower involved in safety?

Training and proper usage of personal protection equipment is a yet more significant area of concern that should not be ignored. The real challenge lies in how appropriately the gear is worn and used. A must say??if the equipment is used rightfully, this lifeguarding mechanism can complement growth by increasing the productivity and confidence of the personnel working in a hazardous condition.

Our industrial safety training unit KTC (KARAM Training and Consultancy) specialises in competency building in safe work-at-height, confined space and rescue in India and internationally. KTC specialises in competency building in safe work-at-height, confined space working and rescue in India and SAARC countries. We are accredited to various respected international training bodies, namely TRARAsia, Global Wind Organization and Gravity Training. We have earned our reputation through a commitment to professionalism and delivering high-quality training courses by a team of highly trained and dedicated safety professionals.

With the rising need for spreading awareness of safety at the Workplace, KARAM launched its Mobile Studio under the campaign name of ??afe India Drive?? Through the Mobile Studio, KARAM has extended its hands to all the industries to learn all about safety from its experts at their doorstep. KARAM Mobile Studio gives you a chance to see new innovative products, try fall protection equipment on training scaffolding and also witness a live test of KARAM products. Our Demo Vans are an extension of our beliefs, as they cover vast parts of the nation, in a tryst to save lives.??/p>

What are your future plans in the subject of industrial safety?

Over the next three years, the growth plan is to expand the market to reach worldwide with our own brands. The KARAM Group has representatives placed in every continent of the world to cater to every customer’s specific market needs. Respiratory Protection is scheduled to be added as an additional product line in the Indian market in the coming year, observing the emphasis laid on this in the current times.

With a vision to become a global leader in the industrial safety market, KARAM is on its way to achieving its mission.

An engineer turned sales wizard, Asif Iqbal is a National Sales Head (KARAM Industries) with an accomplished track record of over 20 years in sales and marketing of personal protective equipment in the country. An excellent communicator with a consultative sales style, strong negotiation skills, exceptional problem-solving abilities and a keen client needs assessment aptitude. He is an effective leader with strong personal values, great people management skills, also the ability and credibility to lead teams.

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Steel Ministry Proposes Rs.23.52 Lakh Crore for Decarbonisation

Steel Ministry unveils massive decarbonisation plan.

Published

5 hours ago

September 16, 2024

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Decarbonisation Proposal:
The Steel Ministry has outlined a substantial Rs.23.52 lakh crore proposal aimed at decarbonising the steel industry. This initiative is part of the broader sustainability and environmental goals set by the Indian government.

Objective and Goals:
The primary objective of the proposal is to reduce carbon emissions significantly and enhance the environmental performance of the steel sector. This aligns with India’s commitment to climate action and green growth.

Investment Focus:
The proposal will channel funds into advanced technologies, energy-efficient processes, and renewable energy sources. Key areas of investment include electrification, hydrogen-based steelmaking, and carbon capture technologies.

Expected Benefits:
Implementing this plan is expected to lead to major reductions in carbon emissions, improve air quality, and contribute to sustainable development. It will also bolster India’s position as a global leader in green steel production.

Industry Impact:
The steel industry, being a major emitter of greenhouse gases, will undergo a transformation. This shift will require industry-wide adaptation and could influence global steel market trends.

Government Support:
The Indian government is committed to providing policy support, incentives, and regulatory frameworks to facilitate this transition. This includes subsidies for green technologies and research and development funding.

Timeline and Phases:
The implementation will be carried out in phases over the coming years. Short-term goals will focus on immediate emission reductions, while long-term goals will target more comprehensive technological advancements.

Stakeholder Involvement:
Collaboration with industry stakeholders, technology providers, and research institutions will be crucial. Engagement with local communities and environmental groups will also play a role in ensuring the success of the proposal.

Challenges:
The initiative may face challenges such as high costs, technological barriers, and regulatory hurdles. Addressing these challenges will be essential for the successful execution of the decarbonisation plan.

Future Outlook:
The proposal positions India as a key player in the global movement towards sustainable steel production. It sets a precedent for other sectors to follow and supports the country’s broader climate goals.

Conclusion:
The Steel Ministry’s proposal for a Rs.23.52 lakh crore decarbonisation plan represents a significant step towards reducing carbon emissions in the steel industry. With substantial investment in green technologies and strong government support, this initiative aims to drive sustainable growth and position India as a leader in environmental stewardship.

Concrete

New home prices in China fall 5.3% in August 2024

New home prices were down 5.3% from a year earlier.

Published

5 hours ago

September 16, 2024

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Official data revealed that China’s new home prices had fallen at their fastest rate in over nine years in August, as supportive measures failed to induce a significant recovery in the property sector. The data showed that new home prices were down 5.3% compared to the previous year, marking the sharpest decline since May 2015, compared to a 4.9% drop in July, based on calculations by Reuters from National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) data. Monthly figures indicated that new home prices had fallen for the fourteenth consecutive month, decreasing by 0.7%, which was the same drop recorded in July.

The property market in China continues to struggle with deeply indebted developers, incomplete apartments, and declining buyer confidence, which is putting a strain on the financial system and threatening the 5% economic growth target for the year. A Reuters poll had forecast that home prices in China would decline by 8.5% in 2024 and by 3.9% in 2025 as the sector struggles to stabilise.

Zhang Dawei, chief analyst at property agency Centaline, mentioned that the property market is still gradually bottoming out, with home buyers’ demand, income, and confidence expected to take some time to recover. He noted that the market was anticipating a stronger policy response. According to the official data released on Saturday, property investment had fallen by 10.2% and home sales had dropped by 18.0% year-on-year in the first eight months of the year.

Chinese policymakers have stepped up efforts to support the property sector, including reducing mortgage rates and lowering home buying costs. These measures have partially revitalised demand in major cities, while smaller cities, which have fewer home purchase restrictions and high levels of unsold inventory, are particularly vulnerable. This situation underscores the difficulties faced by authorities in balancing demand and supply across different regions.

In a research note on Friday, Nomura indicated that with the growth slowdown worsening under new headwinds in the second half of the year, Beijing might eventually need to step in as the “builder of last resort” by directly providing funding to delayed residential projects that have already been pre-sold. According to Bloomberg News, China may cut interest rates on over $5 trillion in outstanding mortgages as early as this month.

To support these mortgage rate cuts, economists at ANZ suggested that a reduction in the five-year Loan Prime Rate was likely in September, along with a 20 basis point cut to the medium-term lending facility (MLF) and a 50 basis point cut to the reserve requirement ratio (RRR).

Concrete

Indian Cement Industry Sees Further Consolidation

Cement industry to face consolidation soon.

Published

3 days ago

September 13, 2024

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India’s cement sector is set for further consolidation in the near-to-medium term, according to a recent report. With increasing competition, rising input costs, and the need for economies of scale, companies are expected to explore mergers and acquisitions (M&A) to strengthen their market positions. As the industry faces various challenges, including high energy costs and fluctuating demand, consolidation is viewed as a strategic move to drive growth and sustainability.

Key Points:
Market Consolidation: The Indian cement industry has already witnessed significant consolidation over the past few years, with several large firms acquiring smaller players to enhance their market share. The trend is expected to continue, driven by the need to optimize operations, cut costs, and gain better pricing power. Consolidation helps companies to expand their geographic reach and strengthen their portfolios.

Rising Costs and Challenges: One of the primary drivers of consolidation is the rising cost of inputs, particularly energy and raw materials. With costs of coal and petroleum coke (key energy sources for cement production) soaring, companies are looking for ways to maintain profitability. Smaller and medium-sized players, in particular, find it challenging to cope with these rising costs, making them more likely targets for acquisition by larger companies.

Economies of Scale: Larger cement companies benefit from economies of scale, which help them absorb the impact of rising input costs more effectively. Consolidation allows firms to streamline production processes, reduce operational inefficiencies, and invest in advanced technologies that improve productivity. These efficiencies become critical in maintaining competitiveness in an increasingly challenging environment.

M&A Activity: The report highlights the potential for more mergers and acquisitions in the cement sector, particularly among mid-sized and regional players. The Indian cement market, which is highly fragmented, presents numerous opportunities for larger companies to acquire smaller firms and gain a foothold in new markets. M&A activity is expected to accelerate as firms seek growth through strategic alliances and acquisitions.

Regional Focus: Consolidation efforts are likely to be regionally focused, with companies looking to expand their presence in specific geographic areas where demand for cement is strong. Infrastructure development, government projects, and urbanization are driving demand in various parts of the country, making regional expansions an attractive proposition for firms looking to grow.

Impact on Competition: While consolidation may lead to a more concentrated market, it could also intensify competition among the remaining players. Larger firms with more resources and market reach could dominate pricing strategies and influence market dynamics. Smaller firms may either merge or struggle to compete, leading to a reshaping of the competitive landscape.

Demand Outlook: The near-term outlook for the cement industry remains uncertain, with demand being influenced by factors such as construction activity, infrastructure projects, and government initiatives. The report notes that while urban demand is expected to remain stable, rural demand continues to face challenges due to slow construction activities in those areas. However, the long-term outlook remains positive, driven by ongoing infrastructure developments and real estate projects.

Sustainability Focus: Companies are also focusing on sustainability and environmental concerns. Consolidation can provide larger companies with the resources to invest in green technologies and reduce their carbon footprint. This focus on sustainability is becoming increasingly important, with both government regulations and market preferences shifting toward greener production practices.

Conclusion:
The Indian cement industry is poised for further consolidation in the coming years, driven by rising costs, competitive pressures, and the need for economies of scale. M&A activity is likely to accelerate, with larger firms targeting smaller and regional players to strengthen their market presence. While consolidation offers opportunities for growth and efficiency, it could also reshape the competitive landscape and influence pricing dynamics in the sector.