Business

Toyota Kirloskar Motor & TKM-Employees Union Reaffirm Commitment to Further Strengthen Competitiveness, Holistic Employee Wellbeing and Promote Mutual Respect

CHENNAI, 30 July 2024: In the spirit of further nurturing employee welfare, societal progress, and overall company growth, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Settlement (MoS) on July 24th, 2024 with its Employees Union. The agreement aims to cultivate a positive work environment founded on the principles of “Mutual Trust and Respect” for all stakeholders.

The MoS, encompassing the issues outlined in the Charter of Demand for the fiscal years 2024-2026, was formally ratified before Dr. Manjunath G, Additional Labour Commissioner, Government of Karnataka, senior TKM management, and the Office Bearers & Executive Committee members of the TKM Employees Union.

Strongly backed by the Toyota values and principles, both parties expressed commitment to work based on philosophy of Mutual Trust and Responsibility towards promoting maximum flexibility, productivity, good work-life balance, to ensure the making of highest quality of products and services. Key provisions of the settlement include:

  1. Direct wage increase of Rs.16,000/- (for 2 years) for Mid-Batch members, resulting in a Cost to Company (CTC) increase of Rs.19,500 for over a period of two years.
  2. Ex-gratia/Bonus of 25% (90 Days) annual Gross salary.
  3. Expansion of Medical Insurance coverage for employees and their dependants.
  4. Interest free loan of Rs.8 Lakhs for Car purchase, among other benefits.
  5. Continuous improvement of workplace to enhance workplace Safety and ergonomics of employees.
  6. Sustained efforts from Union and Team Members to continue with flexibility and productivity improvement which is essential for success in Automobile industry.

Dr. G Manjunath, Additional Labour Commissioner, Government of Karnataka, who presided the signing of the settlement said “We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Toyota Kirloskar Motor and the Employees Union for their commendable efforts in smoothly arriving at a mutually beneficial settlement. The seamless coordination by both the parties has set a remarkable example for Industrial Relations in the State of Karnataka. He also appreciated Toyota’s Philosophy of Mutual Trust & Respect which emphasise the importance of contribution by Employees and thereby achieving the successful results leading to recognition by Management with appropriate benefit in a timely manner. We urge TKM and its Employee Union to continue working together towards sustained excellence and contribute to the overall growth of Karnataka.”

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. G. Shankara, Executive Vice President, Finance & Administration and Mr B Padmanabha, Executive Vice President, Manufacturing , Toyota Kirloskar Motor reiterated that Toyota Kirloskar Motor remains steadfast in their commitment to create a positive work environment, provide a good work life balance as well as ensure well-being and growth of the employees. Over the last 25 plus years in the country, TKM has always worked together with the people to ensure each member’s opinion and contribution are deeply valued & respected. Further the people are the most valuable assets for which the Company’s endeavour is to foster a stable environment and world-class working conditions balanced with the progress of the company’s vision of “Producing Mass Happiness for all”. Due to commendable joint efforts by both Union and Management, TKM will take a big leap with the introduction of new plant (Plant-3) within the same campus which will create more job opportunities in the State of Karnataka and ensure to grow India and grow with India.

Mr. S R Deepak, President and Mr. Ravi R, General Secretary of Toyota Kirloskar Motor Employees Union expressed happiness over the successful signing of the Memorandum of Settlement with the Company. As a people centric company, TKM has always prioritized the welfare and growth of its employees. For the first time in the history of TKM with joint efforts of Union and Management they have set the record for best settlement in the History of TKM within fastest duration of 3 months. Also the Management has recognized the contribution of employees by announcing 90 days bonus (25% wage of annual gross salary) and this will help the Union to motivate their employees to do more and contribute to create a harmonious work environment and progress of both Company and its employees.

MATTER gears up for mobility transformation with AERA this festive; secures first tranche of $35 Mn in the ongoing funding round (Series B)


Capital to accelerate MATTER’s innovations in electric motorbikes and scaling in manufacturing, supply chain, marketing and retail.
Chennai 29 July 2024: MATTER Group, an innovative EV tech and energy storage firm committed to propelling India towards energy independence, announced today that it had secured a first tranche of $35 million in the current investment round. The round is led by Helena, a US-based global problem-solving organization, which invested through its venture capital arm. Other notable investors in this round include, Capital 2B, Japan Airlines & Translink Innovation Fund, Saad Bahwan Investment Management Company (SB Invest), other Institutional investors and Family Offices. This global collaboration between forward-thinking partners marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of a mobility transformation that is solving environmental challenges through technological innovation.

Accentuating MATTER’s agile approach towards innovation in electric vehicles, the funding by prominent, impact-oriented institutions validates MATTER’s continued commitment to its two-pronged approach – empowering mobility and fostering a cleaner future. The capital will accelerate MATTER’s efforts to scale manufacturing, supply chain, marketing and retail to meet the growing demand for sustainable, high-performance mobility solutions.

Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Mohal Lalbhai, Founder & CEO of MATTER Group, said, “We at MATTER welcome Helena and notable investors – including Capital 2B, Japan Airlines & Translink Innovation fund, SB Invest, other Institutional investors and family offices – with much excitement on this fascinating journey. We are dedicated to creating accessible, reliable, and high-performance products driven by our innovative technology. Leading this complex mobility transformation are over 600+ MATTER innovators, who keep riders at the forefront of our efforts. With MATTER electric motorbikes, we are ready to embrace a new reality and rewrite the rules of mobility by transforming the world’s largest two-wheeler market”.

Mr. Suprotik Basu, Managing Partner of Helena, added, “We believe it is an inevitability that transportation in this market will electrify, and India is the most exciting place in the world for that transition to materialize. The question is which team will be nimble, innovative and hardworking enough to seize this moment of transition. The MATTER team has impressed us immensely with their approach towards value driven, high performance technology products. It has been wonderful to see the initial positive consumer traction, and strong progress from the company thus far. We are excited to deeply partner with MATTER to reshape the electric vehicle landscape for India and for other emerging markets to address our shared global climate challenges.”

Mr. Vibhore Sharma, Partner Capital 2B added, “We are thrilled to be a part of the growth trajectory of MATTER Group and their vision of empowering mobility through breakthrough technology, prioritizing performance, reliability, safety, and security as core principles. The team at MATTER has successfully developed a unique blend of great performance and best value that is poised to transform the entire two-wheeler industry with their electric motorbikes.”

“The Japan Airlines & Translink Innovation Fund is dedicated to fostering sustainable and innovative businesses through pioneering use of cutting-edge technologies and business collaborations in mobility, digital, ESG-related, and other fields. We are pleased to collaborate with MATTER to explore the potential of MaaS (Mobility-as-a-Service) by adding electric motorcycles and energy storage technology to JAL’s new challenge through our investment in MATTER Group,” said Takao Suzuki /Executive Officer, Senior Vice President – Innovation at Japan Airlines

Sheikh Mohammed Saad Bahwan, MD at SB Invest and Director of OTE Group said, “At SB Invest, we believe in supporting transformative technologies that have the potential to make a global impact. MATTER Group’s vision and technological prowess makes them a standout player in the energy domain. We are proud to be part of their journey towards energy independence. Our commitment to empowering every individual through efficient mobility gets a clear direction through this association.”

As a vertically integrated company, MATTER has meticulously developed its in-house, hyper-scalable technology stack, leveraging the power of data, software and machine intelligence to create India’s first 4-speed Hyper-shift geared electric motorbike, AERA. The proprietary 5 KWh liquid-cooled battery and powertrain offer great performance and longevity. The product empowers riders to charge anywhere by delivering over 125 kms range per charge, with a 5-amp onboard charging system. The Internet-enabled navigation, music, calls, and a 7″ touchscreen provide a new experience at the user’s fingertips. It’s truly creating a future that is beautiful and cleaner. MATTER secured 40,000 pre-bookings for its electric motorbike AERA, which is set to commence deliveries this festive season. MATTER’s consumer front is led by more than 100 dealer partners who will be creating a first-of-its-kind retail experience. reinforced by the most innovative suppliers. This partner ecosystem is enthusiastic and geared up to create a better future for the planet and people.

MATTER is revolutionizing mobility in India by offering innovative alternatives to traditional two-wheelers, which currently consume 62% of the country’s petrol and contribute significantly to environmental pollution

through tailpipe emissions. MATTER’s advanced tech stack is poised to drive a fundamental shift in transportation, catalyzing a cleaner, more sustainable global future that begins in India.

Yakult Danone India expands its product portfolio by introducing Yakult Light Mango Flavour 

Adding a refreshing twist to its probiotic beverage portfolio

New Delhi, 24th July 2024 – Yakult Danone India Pvt Ltd, a globally renowned probiotic brand, has announced today that it is expanding its product portfolio by introducing a new variant – Yakult Light Mango Flavour, on 25th July 2024. The launch event was graced by Bollywood star Sanya Malhotra, Mr Takashi Ariyoshi, Minister and Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of Japan in India, Mr Eiji Amano, Managing Director of Yakult Danone India Pvt Ltd, and Dr Neerja Hajela, Head – Science and Regulatory Affairs of Yakult Danone India Pvt Ltd.

Yakult Light Mango Flavour is a sister product of the signature Yakult. The new product contains the same unique probiotic, Lactobacillus casei Shirota (SHIROTA strain), in the same amount of 650 crores as the original and flagship Yakult. The original probiotic drink was invented by a Japanese medical doctor called Dr Minoru Shirota and designed to take in the human-friendly bacterium that had the ability to reach the gut alive and impart tremendous health benefits. Saddened by the death of children caused by infections due to inadequate hygiene and poverty in Japan in the early 1900s, he emphasised on preventing diseases with the power of probiotics rather than curing diseases and infections after they occur. He embodied his ideal by launching SHIROTA strain as a food in the market so that as many people as possible could get the benefit of the probiotic bacterium while enjoying the delicious taste. Through more than 90 years of research, SHIROTA strain has been scientifically proven to help improve digestion and build immunity when consumed regularly. Based on Dr Shirota’s philosophy, the Yakult company in India came to launch Yakult Light Mango Flavour, a national-favourite-fruit-taste product, to contribute to the health of more people in India.

The retail price of Yakult Light Mango Flavour is Rs. 100/—for a pack of 5 bottles, which will be available at retail outlets in 28 states and 5 union territories from 25th July 2024 onwards. Also, Yakult has a unique home delivery sales channel, where nearly 300 ‘Yakult Ladies’ deliver the products to the customers’ doorstep in Delhi NCR, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Mumbai, and Pune. Yakult products, including Yakult Light Mango Flavour, are also available through e-commerce.

Speaking about the launch of Yakult Light Mango Flavour, Mr Eiji Amano, Managing Director, Yakult Danone India Pvt Ltd, said, “At Yakult, our core philosophy is to enhance the gut health of consumers worldwide using our unique probiotic strain “Lactobacillus casei SHIROTA strain”. With over 2 lakh bottles of Yakult consumed daily in India, we have become a household name, enjoyed by many families as part of their daily routine. With the launch of Yakult Light Mango Flavour, we are expanding our product portfolio to cater to the tastes and preferences of Indian consumers. This new variant maintains the same health benefits as our classic Yakult while introducing a delightful mango flavour that is widely loved. We believe this addition will appeal to our consumers who relish mango taste.”

Taking centre stage at the launch, Bollywood actress Sanya Malhotra said, “I am super excited to be a part of this exciting launch. There is great concern about the increasing rise in lifestyle disorders due to erratic lifestyles, poor nutrition, stress, lack of adequate sleep, pollution and generally poor gut health. I take my daily dose of probiotics to keep my gut healthy, and Yakult has been an integral part of my diet for a long time now. Today, I am pleased that the company has introduced Yakult Light Mango Flavour, which tastes delicious and refreshing. I am sure it will be a favourite among all mango and Yakult lovers.”

Dr Neerja Hajela, HeadScience and Regulatory Affairs, Yakult Danone India Pvt Ltd, added that Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota (SHIROTA strain) is unique to Yakult, and is backed by more than 100 human studies conducted across the globe, including India. Probiotics are essential as they increase the good bacteria in the gut and reduce the harmful disease-causing bacteria. By doing so, they ensure better digestion of food, proper absorption of nutrients and stronger immunity to reduce the risk of infections. A decrease in probiotic bacteria in the gut, coupled with poor lifestyle, can lead to poor gut health and weak immunity, manifesting as fatigue, poor growth and development, malnutrition and repeated infections. To keep the gut healthy, it is essential to introduce probiotics into the daily diet through scientifically validated probiotic products.

Kotak Mahindra Bank focused on building an ecosystem for driving SME growth.

Chennai 24.07.2024 Kotak Mahindra Bank is set to expand its SME business in Tamil Nadu, recognizing the southern region as a growing opportunity. Shekhar Bhandari, President-SME, emphasized that SME banking at Kotak is about building the entire ecosystem and partnering in their growth journey, rather than just about funding. The Bank has associated with IIT Madras for “Kotak IIT Madras Save Energy Mission”, with a primary objective of enabling energy efficiency in the SME segment by providing various types of energy assessment services resulting in the decarbonisation of the manufacturing sector via energy conservation and making SMEs efficient, cost effective and sustainable.

The program has so far conducted detailed energy audits for 161 SMEs across 23 different manufacturing sectors resulting in recommendations of annual energy cost savings of Rs. 123 crores*. 19% of the SMEs belong to Tamil Nadu from the Textile and Engineering sectors showcasing Kotak’s Commitment to supporting SMEs in the region by guiding them towards adopting environment-friendly & sustainable practices.

While speaking to reporters, Shekhar Bhandari, President-SME, Kotak Mahindra Bank said, “SMEs are integral to our growth strategy, and Tamil Nadu along with Southern region is central to our vision for SME growth. We are happy to support sustainability and energy efficiency amongst SMEs in the region resulting in cost savings. SME banking at Kotak is about offering comprehensive sustainable solutions across trade, collections, working capital management, estate planning, wealth and salary, thereby building the entire ecosystem which helps foster their development.” 

Offers zero EMI for up to 15 months* for homebuyers

Chennai, July 24th 2024: Navin’s, one of the most trusted builder and real estate developers, has launched a campaign – 0 is the Hero (Navin’s lae Zero than Hero) – ahead of its 35th anniversary celebrations. The real estate major is offering zero EMI up to 15 months* for homebuyers to mark this occasion.

Elaborating on the campaign, Mr Viswajith Kumar (Navin), Director, Navin’s said, “We wish to highlight Navin’s unique selling proposition of zero compromises. We are spearheading the campaign through imaginative teasers with wordplay, influencer challenges and more.  Through this campaign, we want to reiterate the fact that the brand Navin’s stands for strong business ethics and strengthen our connection with homebuyers. Our brand identity centred on superior quality and values will help us to take this message across to the people.”

Navin’s impressive track record over 35 years speaks volumes about their commitment to excellence. They have earned a reputation for zero project delays, zero quality issues, zero structural defects, zero title problems, zero deviations, zero customer disputes, and zero compromise on greener future. This sterling reputation is now highlighted brilliantly by their latest campaign.

As part of this “Zero is the Hero” campaign Navin’s is providing zero EMI for up to 15 months*across its three projects in Medavakkam, Thirumudivakkam and Valasaravakkam.

For homebuyers looking for reliability, quality, and a sustainable living experience, now is the compelling opportunity to invest in a home with a trusted brand that prioritizes both the present and future needs of the customers.

*Terms & conditions apply.

About Navin’s: Navin’s is a reputed real estate company headquartered in Chennai with office in Bengaluru. Founded in 1989 it boasts of a rich history in commercial and residential spaces, as well as Interiors, it has established itself as a trusted name in the industry. Renowned for its commitment to excellence, each project of Navin’s embodies the pinnacle of design, craftsmanship, uncompromising quality, and unparalleled service, making it – the Chennai’s most trusted and respected developer. With a steadfast dedication to quality, conducts over 1275+ rigorous quality checks throughout the construction process, ensuring impeccable standards in every endeavour. 

Remarkably, since its inception, Navin’s maintained a flawless record with zero delays, structural defects, titular problems, or any defaults.  Among its distinguished portfolio are prestigious projects such as Navin’s Hanging Gardens, Navin’s Starwood Towers, Navin’s Hillview Avenue, Navin’s WSS Towers, Navin’s Presidium, etc., which showcase the company’s commitment to excellence. 

Turkish Airlines Launches “Inner Portrait” with Refik Anadol at Art Basel

Chennai 23 July, 2024: Turkish Airlines, the airline flying to more countries than any other, unveils a new art project titled “Inner Portrait”. This visionary initiative, created in partnership with the world-renowned media artist Refik Anadol, pushes the boundaries of storytelling through the data of human connection, offering a deeply personal exploration of the human desire to travel and its effect on human biology.
The project delves into the inner landscapes of four individuals who have never embarked on a journey abroad. Tuikuru, a Brazilian man from the Amazon explores the bustling streets of Tokyo, while Kenyan woman Esther discovers the rich history of Istanbul. An Australian woman named Sahar embarks on a journey through the ancient wonders of Göbeklitepe and Cappadocia, while an Icelandic man named Sigurbjörn experiences the awe-inspiring beauty of Jordan. Utilizing the latest AI tools and neuroscientific sensors, Refik Anadol and his team capture and convert the raw emotional data of first-time travellers’ experiences into AI Data Paintings. Brain data becomes the pigment for a mesmerizing visual narrative, representing the transformative power of travel.
Inner Portrait begins with the collection of biological and neurobiological data from travelers, including heart rate, skin conductance, and EEG outputs, using advanced monitoring devices such as the Neuroelectrics. This detailed recording extends throughout the journey, capturing the participants’ immediate reactions to new environments and experiences, thus providing a foundation for the artwork. The project explores the correspondence between experiences and neuronal activity, showcasing Anadol’s innovative approach to “collecting” authentic human experiences as the building blocks of new aesthetic expressions. As Turkish Airlines bridges cultures, Anadol aims to highlight the profound emotional and cognitive impacts of travel and cultural exchange, creating a new form of art that merges human experiences with technological innovation.
Commenting on the launch of the new artwork, Rafet Fatih Özgür, SVP, Communications at Turkish Airlines stated: “Inner Portrait is a testament to Turkish Airlines’ commitment to fostering cultural exchange and innovation. By partnering with Refik Anadol, a pioneer in the field of data-driven art, we further elevate our brand narrative, revealing the essence of what it means to travel. As the airline flying to more countries than any other, we witness countless emotions and stories, and the profound impact traveling has on people everywhere we fly. Recognizing our responsibility to convey these stories, we are delighted to transform the impact of travel into a commissioned artwork that intersects culture, art, technology, and science, and to showcase this work on a platform such as Art Basel. I believe this work will inspire more people to travel.”
”In my practice, I’ve had the privilege to travel around the world, so I deeply understand the transformative experience of seeing new places, meeting new people and learning about new cultures,” commented Refik Anadol. “Having the opportunity to partner with Turkish Airlines on a project that gives four people a chance to travel abroad for the first time is truly inspiring.”
Inner Portrait made its public debut on June, 13-16, 2024 at Art Basel in Basel, a prestigious platform that celebrates artistic innovation and cultural exchange by pushing boundaries and challenging perspectives.
A 30-minute documentary of Inner Portrait will be live in Autumn 2024.
Videos of the artwork can be accessed via: https://we.tl/t-sWf44tLs8R

Medimix Family Launches Soapera – A Coffee Table Book Capturing The Rich Legacy of world’s largest selling Ayurvedic Soap, Medimix

 ~The first copy of the coffee table book was presented to Isaignani Mastero Ilaiyaraaja~ 

Chennai, 17 th July, 2024: Bringing together the healing powers of Ayurveda and Music, Medimix
Family unveiled Soapera, an exclusive coffee table book capturing the 55 years journey of the brand
Medimix – India’s leading ayurvedic personal care brand. The first copy of the book was presented
to Maestro Ilaiyaraaja by Dr. A V Anoop, Managing Director, AVA Cholayil Healthcare Pvt Ltd, and
Mr.V.S.Pradeep .Managing Director Cholayil during a private event held in the city. 
Soapera is an exquisite coffee table book, curated by the makers of Medimix, that captures the
illustrious history and the 55 year old transformative journey of Medimix. The book encapsulates
the inspiring journey of Dr VP Sidhan’s quest to unlock the power of ayurveda.
Commenting on the occasion, Mr. A V Anoop, Managing Director, AVA Cholayil Healthcare Pvt Ltd,
said “We are happy to launch Soapera that beautifully captures the vision and purpose with which
Dr. V.P. Sidhan started the journey of Medimix. The book encapsulates the diverse interests of our
founder and his entrepreneurial foresight of the future of ayurveda. We are proud to bring notable
moments from the 55 years of Medimix’s journey to give an insight into the rich legacy of our brand
that is a fond household name today.”
Adding to this, Mr. Anoop said “The journey of Medimix from a small, homegrown product into a
successful, global brand speaks volumes about the leadership of Dr. V P Sidhan and his wife
Mrs.Sowbagyam. This would have not been possible without the continuous support of our
Distributors, vendors and employees. The book captures insights and contributions of the strong
support ecosystem that helped make Medimix an unparalleled leader. We wanted to share our
gratitude for each of their support through this book. Soapera is truly an inspiring read and is filled
with lessons for emerging entrepreneurs.”
The coffee table book – Sopera, is a meticulously crafted tribute to the remarkable journey of
Medimix and its visionary founders, Dr. VP Sidhan and Mrs.Sowbagyam. The book offers a visual
and narrative tribute to Medimix’s heritage, chronicling its inception, growth, and the profound
impact it has had on the lives of millions. Founded by Dr. VP Sidhan, Medimix has been a household
name for generations, known for its authentic ayurvedic formulations that blend tradition with
modernity.
Delving into the founding years, the book narrates the inspiring story of how Medimix was
conceived to address the skin rashes of railway employees through the healing power of Ayurveda.
It provides a vivid portrayal of Dr. VP Sidhan’s diverse interests and profound dedication to

Ayurvedic principles, alongside Sowbagyam’s instrumental role in bringing his vision to life and
taking Medimix to countless households.

Through rich visuals and engaging narratives, the book chronicles the early challenges, milestones,
and the unwavering commitment that transformed Medimix and AVA Cholayil from a small-scale
initiative into a renowned Ayurveda-based conglomerate. This beautifully illustrated volume is not
only a celebration of Medimix’s legacy but also a testament to the enduring partnership and shared
dream of Dr. VP Sidhan and Sowbagyam.

Nibav Home Lifts Hosts Exclusive Movie Screening for Esteemed Customers


Chennai, 16 th July, 2024: India’s largest home elevator brand, Nibav Lifts, remains dedicated to
providing exceptional experiences and showing gratitude to its customers. The company recently
invited its loyal patrons to an exclusive screening of the much-anticipated ‘Indian 2’ at PVR Heritage
RSL, ECR Chennai, creating lasting memories and celebrating the support of its clientele, reinforcing
its ethos of building a strong, community-driven brand. More than 200 customers were in for a
special treat together with senior employees of the organization.
As India’s largest-selling and one of the world’s fastest-expanding home elevator companies, Nibav
has been recognized for its advanced technology, exquisite design, and commitment to customer
satisfaction. The company’s innovative, energy-efficient, and eco-friendly solutions have positioned
it as a torchbearer in India’s journey towards global business leadership.
By organizing this exclusive preview, Nibav Home Lifts could make its sense of unity and passion
among its circle of loyal customers even stronger by stating its commitment to building a very
strong community-driven brand. This event turned out to show how much Nibav is committed to
giving back extraordinary experiences by way of being thankful to its esteemed customers.
About Nibav Home Lifts: Headquartered in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Nibav Home Lifts is the
manufacturer of TUV-certified, EU-compliant home lifts. Ushering in a new era of integrating home
lift technology via their air-driven home lifts, NIBAV’s home lifts are recognized for their
affordability, energy efficiency, unbreakable exteriors, self-supported structure, and wheelchair
compatibility. NIBAV has four state-of-the-art manufacturing units and two R&D centres in Chennai,
India. Spanning a global network of 72 experience centres and offices with a presence in India,
Malaysia, Australia, Thailand, Mexico, Canada, Kenya, UAE, USA, and Switzerland, NIBAV is poised
to become a global leader in the home lift industry.

Shibaura Machine India Opens its New Factory with an Investment of Rs225 Crore to Triple Its Manufacturing Capacity


. Shibaura Machine India (SMI) is a fully owned subsidiary of Shibaura
Machine, Japan, a global leader in high-precision injection moulding
machines, die casting machines, extrusion machines, machine tools, high
precision machine tools, micro pattern imprinting machines, high precision
optical glass mould press machines, industrial robots, electronic control
systems, and castings
. Fresh investment is set to increase the annual manufacturing capacity from
about 1200 machines to 4000 machines
Chennai, July 11, 2024
Shibaura Machine India (SMI), a subsidiary of Japan’s Shibaura Machine, the leading
manufacturer of high-precision injection moulding machines in the world, has
inaugurated its Unit 2 factory, adjacent to its existing factory in Chembarambakkam,
Chennai, India. Built with an investment of Rs. 225 crore, the new facility is all set to
expand SMI’s manufacturing capacity in the country.
SMI has a world class facility in Chembarambakkam that manufactures about 1200
injection moulding machines and auxiliary equipment in a year. The machines find their
applications in automotive, electrical, household & furniture, material handling, medical,
packaging, preforms, PVC, toys, writing instruments, and other industries. The
company has a growing customer base in India and over 45 countries in North
America, the Middle East, East & West Africa, and the SAARC region. With the new
factory, the manufacturing capacity of SMI will be increased to 4000 units a year in a
phased manner.
SMI began its operations in 2012 with the takeover of the plastics machinery business
of Larsen & Toubro founded in 1990. The company has laid the foundation stone for
the construction of a new manufacturing facility at a sprawling 11+ acres, adjacent to
its existing plant in November, 2022. In the next 3-4 years, SMI is expected to create
new jobs, increasing the team size. In addition, about 50 MSME vendors will be
developed to support the capacity expansion.
The unit 2 factory features: a) technical demo centre to showcase its products in
running condition with customers mould, b) clean and fully air-conditioned factory
capable of producing electric injection moulding machines with latest technology, c)
green certified infrastructure with roof top solar and other energy saving systems, d)
state-of-the-art high-human safety painting facility, e) high load capacity and high
ceiling height for the production of extra-large injection moulding machines of up to
3500 tonnes, f) simple and flexible factory capable of producing not just injection
moulding machines but also a variety of machines in response to changes in the
market.
Announcing inauguration of its Unit 2 factory in a press conference here today, Mr.
Shigetomo Sakamoto, President, Shibaura Machine Group, Japan, said, “India has
been a strategic investment destination for us, and it represents a growing market for

our products. However, what make the country even more attractive are its skilled and
dedicated people. Over the years, the teams in Japan and India have nurtured a strong
and fruitful partnership – as a result, SMI is able to carry out improvements in
manufacturing processes, increase production, and bring to market the latest
Japanese technology, all quite effectively and quickly. SMI has been recognised with
the prestigious Shibaura Machine’s President Award for its performance and
technology innovation. The Indian unit has won this coveted prize twice in three years.
We are confident of what our Indian team can achieve in design, manufacturing, and
customer service, in the years to come. We are equally committed to the government’s
Make in India program. Our new unit 2 factory will see doubling of production capacity,
and rapid strides in the adoption of advanced material technology, control,
mechatronics, and IoT in our Indian factories, in the next three years.”
In his comments, Mr. M. Kumar, Managing Director, SMI, said, “As we celebrate this
inauguration, we remember the tremendous faith our parent company, Shibaura
Machine Co., LTD has reposed on us, and their support in our growth. Since the
commencement of our operations in 2012, SMI carried out improvements in
manufacturing processes and increased production capacity from 600 to 1200
machines per year and tripled sales revenue. We have made steady progress year
after year, and crossed the milestone of selling our 10,000 th machine in 2019 and
14,000 th machine in Oct 2023. With the new investment, we will continue to grow our
capacity and team. We will add new products, and increase our customer base,
buoyed by the track record of being able to meet varied requirements of our customers
and the stringent standards of importing countries USA, Africa, Middle East, Europe,
South & Southeast Asia.”
Shibaura Machine Group was founded in 1938 as Shibaura Machine Tool Company
with investment from Shibaura Engineering Works (now Toshiba Corporation). It
changed its name to Toshiba Machine Co., Ltd in 1961. Later, in 2020, the company
was rechristened as Shibaura Machine Co., Ltd after becoming fully independent from
the Toshiba Group in 2017. It has been a market leader and industry benchmark in
high precision injection moulding machines in the world. Its product portfolio also
includes Die casting machines, Extrusion machines, Machine tools, High precision
machine tools, Micro pattern imprinting machines, High precision optical glass mould
press machines, Industrial robots, Electronic control systems, and Castings, etc.
Shibaura Machine entered into manufacturing in India in 2012, acquiring 100% stake in
L&T Plastics Machinery Limited, then market leader in hydraulic injection moulding
machines in India. It was incorporated as Toshiba Machine Chennai private Limited,
and in 2020, it was renamed Shibaura Machine India Private Limited.
In 2019, the company has won the 10 th National Awards, instituted by the Union
Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilisers, for Technology Innovation in Petrochemicals &
Downstream Plastics Processing Industry, for its ‘multi-colour/material’ Injection
Moulding machine meant for the production of anti-counterfeit articles. For this
innovation, SMI also won the coveted President’s Award from Shibaura Machine.
SMI is strongly committed to CSR. As part of its skill development program, the
company is running a Basic Training Provider program, recognised by the Ministry of
Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of India, to provide on job
training to Class 10-12 students. Till now 100+ students were qualified for internships
under the National Apprenticeship Certificate Scheme. It has constructed buildings for
government schools, and funded overhead water tanks and roads in villages.

Samsung Launches New Foldable Phones Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6 to Elevate Galaxy AI to New Heights

July 10, 2024 – Samsung today announced its all-new Galaxy Z Fold6 and Galaxy Z Flip6, along with Galaxy Buds3 and Galaxy Buds3 Pro at Galaxy Unpacked in Paris. With the introduction of the new Galaxy Z series, Samsung is opening the next chapter of Galaxy AI by leveraging its most versatile and flexible form factor perfectly designed to enable a range of unique mobile experiences. Galaxy AI uses powerful, intelligent, and durable foldable experience to accelerate a new era of communication, productivity, and creativity.
“Samsung’s long history of innovation has allowed us to lead in the mobile space, creating the foldable form factor and ushering in the mobile AI era. Now, we are excited to bring these two complementary technologies together and unlock new possibilities for users around the world,” said TM Roh, President and Head of Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics. “Our foldables meet the unique needs of every user and now enhanced by the power of Galaxy AI, Samsung is delivering an experience like never before.”
Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip5 are the slimmest and lightest Galaxy Z series ever, optimized for portability. The perfectly symmetrical design with straight edge provides an aesthetically sleek finish while a new cover screen ratio on Galaxy Z Fold6 provides a more natural bar-type viewing experience. For your peace of mind, the latest Galaxy Z series is also equipped with enhanced Armor Aluminum and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, making this the most durable Galaxy Z series yet.
Both the Galaxy Z Fold6 and Flip6 are equipped with the Snapdragon®️ 8 Gen 3 Mobile Platform for Galaxy, the most advanced Snapdragon mobile processor yet, combining best-in-class CPU, GPU, and NPU performance.
The Galaxy Z Fold6 offers a range of AI-powered features and tools such as Note Assist, PDF Overlay Translation, Composer, Sketch to image and Interpreter – that maximize the large screen and significantly enhance productivity.
Galaxy Z Fold6 offers an upgraded gaming experience, anchored by its powerful chipset and 1.6x larger vapor chamber for the ability to game for longer, while still maintaining performance.
The Galaxy Z Flip6 is not just optimized for portability, but it offers a range of new customization and creativity features so you can make the most of every moment.
The 3.4-inch Super AMOLED FlexWindow has been enhanced yet again, enabling AI-assisted functions without even needing to open the device. Plus, FlexWindow offers more Widgets than ever, and allows you to check information from multiple Widgets simultaneously.
FlexCam continues to offer the most versatile camera experience and unlocks new creative options. With the new Auto Zoom, FlexCam automatically finds the best framing for your shot by detecting the subject and zooming in and out before making any necessary adjustments. That way, you don’t have to choose between your friends or an incredible backdrop being in the shot – and it’s all hands-free.

New 50MP Wide and 12MP Ultra-wide sensors provide an upgraded camera experience with clear and crisp details in pictures. The new 50MP sensor supports 2x optical zoom for noise-free photos, while offering AI zoom for an advanced shooting experience with up to 10x zoom.
You can continue using all the creative and customizable features of Galaxy Z Flip6 without worrying about battery life either, with longer usage time made possible by hardware and software optimization.
Galaxy Z Fold6 and Flip6 are secured by Samsung Knox, Samsung Galaxy’s defense-grade, multi-layer security platform built to safeguard critical information and protect against vulnerabilities with end-to-end hardware, real-time threat detection and collaborative protection.
Galaxy Buds3 Series: Expanding the Connected Experience through Galaxy AI
With the power of Galaxy AI, the Galaxy Buds3 series brings a new communication experience. The Galaxy Buds3 series comes with a new computational design boasting a comfortable fit. The premium blade design also targets style-centric consumers with an ultra-sleek and modern style complemented with Blade Lights. This new design enables a more intuitive physical experience by allowing you to control the device by simply pinching or swiping up or down on the blade, thereby offering convenience and tasteful aesthetics at the same time. Galaxy Buds3 and Buds3 Pro offer two purpose-built design options. Galaxy Buds3 Pro is Canal Type for those looking for immersive sound, while Buds3 is Open Type for people who prefer to use the device in a variety of situations for an extended period of time.