– Junaize, Partner, A.J. Associates, Kerala
Junaize runs a family business which started around 20 years back, presently selling. UltreTech, India Cements, JSW etc. UltraTech delivers cement from Malappurum or Calicut where they have a depot. In my area PPC is sold in retail market. For institution we give OPC 43 or 53 grade. Contractors here prefer OPC 53 grade for piling jobs. For coastal areas. Companies are promoting PPC and PSC both. I am also convinced PPC and PSC. It is a suitable product for costal area. Some times when PPC is not available companies push PSC to us and then the consumer gets confused whether PPC is better or PSC. UltraTech gives both PPC and PSC but they should be consistent. For delivery of cement, I use my own trucks. I collect the material from depots. During peak time, I have to hire trucks from out side. Delivery of cement is no issue. Some time we face material shortage may be once or twice in a month. Technical support provided by for all ?A? category companies is very good. But not from small companies. I also supply to Ready-mix producers but it is through a middleman. It is bulk supply. We have computerised billing system. However on ?Price? front, we are not happy. It is the highest in Kerala. Rs 430 per bag in whole sale market of A catagory brands. Now when earnings from Gulf and Rubber are on down side, there are few buyers for cement.