At least 200 people employed at the head office of the state-owned Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited (KSDL) in Yeshwantpur will lose their jobs as the company has decided to modernise its manufacturing techniques.
The move is aimed at enhancing productivity and reducing environmental hazards, KSDL Managing Director, S Shekhar, told reporters here on Friday. “Our Yeshwantpur factory is currently using a 30-year-old coal-fired boiler for production,” Sridhar said.
The company has proposed to the State government to buy new equipment, including gas-fired boilers and ultramodern soap plant. KSDL is awaiting the Cabinet’s approval but it may take as long as two years.
The total cost is estimated to be Rs 27 crore. The new measure will cut down the number of workers. At present, nearly 700 people work at the head office. This number could reduce to 500 after the new equipment is installed, Shekhar said.
The KSDL achieved a turnover of Rs 322 crore and a net profit of Rs 17 crore in 2012-13. It aims to do business of Rs 345 crore in 2013-14, said KSDL Deputy General Manager, C M Suvarna Kumar.
The company sells 7,000-8,000 pieces of its super premium soap ‘Mysore Sandal Millenium’ — the costliest soap in the country — every month.
Soap Santhe
The KSDL will conduct ‘Soap Santhe’ at Mangala Kalyana Mantapa, Koramangala from July 27 to August 4, in order to introduce its brand to consumer at home. A 10-per cent discount will be offered on all products.
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