Download - SA TREADS

F o c u s o n A p o l l o T y r e s • 1 5
Steel wire
Investment in the Chennai plant thus far amounts to US$330 million,
with total expenditure expected to exceed US$ 550 million, a move that
signifies total commitment on the part of top management to reinvest in
the business. What makes this even more remarkable is that investment
of this nature is seldom seen in family-owned concerns that are all too
often seduced by the onset of sudden wealth.
The tour over, I ask Peter Becker whether the Chennai plant features
any cutting-edge equipment unique to this operation. He responds that
at this stage, Apollo is a follower, not a leader. The aim thus far has been
to adopt the very best technology and manufacturing practices available
from developed countries so as to be able to produce products that are
comparable with the best in the world.
I thank him for his frank reply and acknowledge the humility which
appears to be infectious in this company to which he adds: “For the
moment we are satisfied with the technological developments and
product quality we are producing. The next step is to become a market
leader via innovation and technological advancements. We’re not there
yet…but we’ll get there.”
Of this I have no doubt. One of the reasons Chennai was chosen as the
location for this world-class plant – aside from the commercial nature of the
region - is its proximity to the country’s top educational institutions which
are churning out India’s next generation of scientists and engineers. There
are no ‘blue collar’ workers at this plant, only professionals. Through their
knowledge and talents and the efforts of Apollo’s growing number of global
colleagues, I can foresee even greater things for this dynamic company in
the future, particularly once they achieve their OE aspirations. Currently, at
number 14 on the global rankings, Apollo’s next goal is to break into the
top ten.
Later that evening at an informal dinner, I manage to corner Neeraj to ask
him whether he’s planning any more acquisitions in the near future. The
mischievous look in his eyes as I pose the question is a dead give-away. He
says: “I’m young, I’m determined and I have a passion for this business…..
watch this space!”
Tyre making
To date, Apollo Tyres has firmly cemented its presence on three
continents…only four more to go!