J. Maheshkumar Petrochemicals (P) Ltd.

In Conversation

Polymerupdate : Tell us something about the early years of your company ?

Mr. Mahesh Thakker : In 1975, we were the indenting agents for C-Itoh, Nichiman, Nichiko and Ataka, dealing in all kinds of polymers.

Polymerupdate : How did you expand from there ?

Mr. Mahesh Thakker : In 1979, we were appointed as distributors of IPCL. From 1980 till 2002, we were the No.1 distributors of IPCL in terms of volume handled. In 1979, we were handling LDPE, HDPE, PP. From 1981-82, we started handling PVC.

Polymerupdate : How have you strategized your business divisions ?

Mr. Mahesh Thakker : We also have a group company known as Venus International which is the authorised distributor of M/s. Supreme Petrochem Ltd. for Polystyrene of GPPS and HIPS grades. Venus International is also authorised dealer for GE India Industrial Pvt. Ltd. for Engineering Plastics like Lexan, Noryl, Valox etc. We are selling GE products since 1990 and products of Supreme Petrochem since 1995. We were also Distributors for NOCIL from the year 2004 to 2006 for PE Polymers. The present directors of the Company are Mr. Mahesh R. Thakker, Mr. Virsen R. Thakker and Miss Perina M. Thakker.

Polymerupdate : What is the volume of polymers handled by your company ? 

Mr. Mahesh Thakker : In 1974, our trading volume was 12,000 tons yearly. Our volume for IPCL when we started in 1979 was 5,000 tons which touched 60,000 tons in 2003. The volume of PS and HIPS handled for Supreme is 15,000 tons per year. 6,000 tons of polycarbonates are handled by us per annum. We have crossed 1,15,000 tons of volume in 2006-07.

Polymerupdate : What was your turnover last year ?

Mr. Mahesh Thakker : We had a Group turnover of Rs 1,000 crores (in terms of value) for 2006-07.

Polymerupdate : How do you view the polymer business in the current scenario ?

Mr. Mahesh Thakker : The entire business scenario has become more flexible and transparent after Reliance took over IPCL in June 2002. Our sales have increased as more material has been made available to us on an easy basis. The support of Reliance has been steady throughout our association with them. A consistent volume support has been provided by them to distributors making business very easy. The business environment has become very competitive and our turnovers have increased. The continued Reliance support has ensured that business continuance is smooth and material supply is consistent. We believe that our growth is tied with Reliance and we sincerely believe that the polymers business in the country has a bright future with demand growing at a faster and consistent rate.

Polymerupdate : How do you view the future of the polymer  business in India ?

Mr. Mahesh Thakker : A bright outlook is forecast for the polymer business in India. I believe that in the next five years, Indian consumption of polymers will be more than double. All manufacturers are having good orders. The finished products business is also showing good growth. The only problem I foresee here is that domestic production of polymers is not enough corresponding to demand for polymers.