itc, which is the fmcg major, is in the procedure of expanding operations by commissioning fresh capability to address the growing business opportunities. the requirement for segregated packaging and transform in lifestyles are likely to drive the demand. branded packaged products, rise in demand from rural markets, and organized retail growth is expected to increase the volume growth. r senguttuvan is a chief executive of packaging division at itc ltd. he mentioned that the industry is prepared for interesting times ahead with the speedy progress of current retail and global packaging companies setting up shops in the country. when asked about how the country&rsquos packaging business is doing, r senguttuvan mentioned that the packaging sector of india has been growing at a compounded yearly growth rate of about 16 per cent and is one of the rapid growing packaging markets in the globe. the demands of the fmcg segment are growing every day and are becoming more challenging like never before. hence, he points that they constantly need to invent in line with the rising expectations from this segment. according to r senguttuvan, when it comes to itc&39s plans to tackle the growing prospects in the packaging industry, they have continued to control their various packaging platforms to increase business in the domestic as well as export markets. itc has grown volumes from existing customers and by enlarging their customer base. itc maintains to be the top supplier of valueadded packaging to the fmcg and consumer electronics sectors. itc business is financing in a paperboard machine at bhadrachalam and new printing and packaging facilities at haridwar. when asked about how this will lead to increase capacity, r senguttuvan mentioned that, during this year, they have continued to invest in modern technologies in paperboard and flexible packaging at the chennai and haridwar facility. itc has started expansion projects at both facilities to tap growing opportunities in external trade and facilitate manufacture operations of a full range of packaging solutions from each location. the expansion plan includes adding of a carton line for tackling the increasing demand from the northern region, apart from balancing investment in flexible packaging to improve competitiveness. a new paperboard machine that has a capacity of 1 lakh tones will be ready by the first quarter of 2013. while talking about fmgc business plans, r senguttuvan said they will provide superior and contemporary packaging solutions facilitated by high tech technology and processes. they will continuously provide strategic support to itc&rsquos fmcg businesses by producing innovative packaging solutions and safety of supplies, in addition to providing standard international quality at competitive prices. their inhouse capabilities and integration and synergy with their paperboards business have facilitated quicker turnaround of designs, pack changes and lessened product launch timelines for itc&rsquos fmcg businesses, thus providing a source of competitive benefits for itc in the market place. while explaining itc&rsquos point of view for the overall packaging business, r senguttuvan mentioned that by continuing investments in the technology, processes and quality management, diversified packaging portfolio, and dispersed manufacturing footprint, the business is well prepared to service all the necessities of itc&rsquos fmcg businesses and speedily grow its external trade. source of information httpwww.thehindubusinessline.comcompaniesitctoexpandflexipackingtotapbizopp…
