SOCIAL & RELATIONSHIP CAPITAL
Catalysing socio-economic development of local and under-privileged communities in and around our manufacturing plants by understanding their requirements has always been a part of KBL’s culture. Through our well-entrenched CSR programmes, we continue to maximise our social impact by driving societal causes mainly in the areas of education, employment, animal welfare, and disaster management.
Strategies Impacted
S1 S4 S7
SDGs Impacted
Material Issues Impacted
- Health and safety
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
- CSR and local communities
- Supply chain management
- Risk management
- Compliance
- Marketing and Communications
- Customer safety and product quality
- Market presence
- Human Rights and Labour Conditions
SOCIAL CAPITAL
COMMUNITIES
KEY HIGHLIGHTS OF FY 2023-24
₹ 32+ mn
CSR Spend
KBL’S CSR ACTIVITIES WITHIN INDIA:
Key CSR Focus Areas
BIODIVERSITY
EDUCATION
EMPLOYMENT
HEALTHCARE
ANIMAL WELFARE
DISASTER MANAGEMENT
VIKAS CHARITABLE TRUST
Our community development agenda is aligned with our competencies and business needs, while working on areas that matter to communities in which we operate. All these initiatives of the organisation are channelised through “Vikas Charitable Trust”, which is a dedicated wing of our CSR activities. We undertook our CSR initiatives in compliance with Schedule VII of the Companies Act, 2013.
MAJOR CSR ACTIVITIES
Village Bus Project, Kirloskarvadi, Sangli
This is a remarkable initiative that aims at educating people in lifesaving skills on attending to accident victims before reaching the hospital, with particular focus on preventing drowning victims, with a vision to create a safer India, and have at least one lifesaver in every house. This is aimed at contributing to the “Make in India” campaign and the “Safe India” mission under the Surakshit Bharat campaign by the Rashtriya Life Saving Society. By building the capacity of rural communities to handle accidents, drowning and some minor medical emergencies, the project enhances the confidence of people to live a safer and healthier life.
Wildlife Rescue Vehicle
Pune-based RESQ Charitable Trust has been working towards minimising human-animal conflict and providing relief to animals in distress to 80,000+ animals through our rescue and rehabilitation efforts. Its activities include animal rescue, veterinary care, treatment and rehabilitation centres, education, awareness, capacity building programmes, and rescue from being injured by the Manjha used for kite-flying.
Its a specialised Technical Rescue Vehicle equipped with advanced features such as a hydraulic lift capable of reaching a height of 11 metres. The vehicle not only enhances our capacity to enable safe and efficient rescue of animals in distress, it also improves our response time and the overall welfare of the affected wildlife in such common urban wildlife emergencies. The innovative approach enhances our rescue capabilities and significantly improves welfare and survival chances of the wildlife.
Water Management and Fire Safety Project at Ram Mandir, Ayodhya
The Company made a contribution of over 100 pumps to the iconic Shri Ram Mandir Trust at Ayodhya, playing a crucial role in the temple’s water management system and fire safety infrastructure. These pumps encompass an energy-efficient range, including monobloc pumps, self-priming pumps and pressure-boosting pumps. The pumps ensure efficient water supply throughout the sprawling temple complex, catering to the needs of devotees and maintaining a serene ambience.
In addition to this, the Company has equipped the temple with its state-of-the-art firefighting pumps. These Factory Mutual (FM) approved & Underwriters Laboratories (UL) listed firefighting pumps ensure safety of the temple and its devotees. As a 100% Indian-owned company, it believes in contributing to the development of the nation. These pumps will not only facilitate smooth water management, but also act as silent guardians, protecting the sanctity of the temple.
CSR ACTIVITIES BY GROUP COMPANIES
KPML
- Asphalting of road from Talbid to Varade
- Pump donation to Talbid village for drinking water management
- CCTV and benches donation to school
- Donation of competitive examination books to library at Ghonashi village
KEPL
- Blood donation drive with contribution from 120+ employees
- Imparted training session and lecture to college students on Industrial Hydraulics and Career Guidance
- Society perception survey conducted with sample size of 150+
TKSL
- Tree plantation at Nagaon village
KCPL
- Removal of paint from walls of ancient temple of Sagareshwar to restore archaeological design
- Bio-Diversity Project in Pune
- School Infrastructure Development of Rural Schools
- Prevention of HIV transmission
- Infrastructure Development for Educational Institutions
RELATIONSHIP CAPITAL
We extend our commitment to responsible business practices by integrating fair working conditions and good environmental practices throughout the value chain. We strive to find business partners that share our values concerning human rights, labour standards and health & safety.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
No. of Suppliers
5,500+
Active Suppliers
846
No. of MSME Suppliers
16,250+
Channel Partners in India and Overseas
10,000+
Total Suppliers
96%
Share of local sourcing (Within India)
650+
Authorised Service Centres across India
05
No. of APOEM Facilities
84.3%
Customer Perception Index
65%
Business spend of value chain partners covered under ESG assessment
CHANNEL PARTNER MANAGEMENT
BUILDING HEALTHY PARTNERSHIPS WITH CHANNEL PARTNERS
We have a large set of committed business partners who are associated with the Company since generations. This provides the network with a sense of pride and honour, apart from being a win-win business partnership. Our sales philosophy is to ensure that the interests of our partners and our own are well taken care of. We also ensure that these partners are a part of the network with a long-term business goal, and this is not merely a transactional association. As a part of the business excellence drive and our commitment towards customer delight, we endlessly work towards building a strong and mutually beneficial relationship with our channel partners.
Engagement activities
- Best performers are annually appreciated within and outside India
- Technical and behavioural trainings are conducted at plants, regional offices and the offices of our channel partners
- Annual functions, regional conferences and business meets are organised to understand feedback and perception
- Product promotion campaigns and marketing activities are organised with customers and channel partners
- KBL-KBC Quiz, a knowledge building initiative for partners, is conducted using a dedicated app; and winners are felicitated by the Chairman & Managing Director during the Annual Dealer Conference
- Partners are regularly assessed, their performance is gauged, and they are provided guidance on business performance, with adherence to commercial policy and other expectations
- Participation in exhibitions/targeted advertisement
- Go-to-market (GTM) drive is conducted to ensure synergy with business partners
- One-to-one discussions are organised with dealers to obtain market feedback
Building the Network
Addition of more geographical footprints
We are in continuous process of widening and deepening our footprint. Through channel partner health and geography coverage exercise, grey and white spaces are identified for sector-wise new partner additions.
The APOEM Strategy
We have 5 APOEM (Authorised Pump-set Original Equipment Manufacturer) facilities pan-India (3 in North, 1 in West and 1 in East), which has been adding unmatched value for our customers. Our APOEM facilities are equipped with some of the unique features-
- Best-in-class services
- Ex-stock availability of entire range and capacity of pumps and motors
- Inhouse performance witness testing facility
- Support for installation and commissioning
Sustainable Benefits to KBL
- Increased market reach and market share
- Customer satisfaction
- Optimum and timely support to customers
- Cash liquidity
Stakeholder Engagement-Annual Dealer Conference (ADC)
- Annual Dealer Conference is organised for sales/service partners every year
- This forum enables all channel partners to interact with our leadership through a formal Q&A session
- Regional level dealer meets/reviews are organised to improve synergy between KBL and its dealers at the regional level
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT-ENGAGEMENT AVENUES
KBL Gen-Next program
To motivate and engage the next generation of our channel partners in the business, we offer Gen-Next team members regular training programmes through reputed institutions, including Indian Institute of Management (IIM).
KBL-KBC Quiz Contest
- KBL-KBC Quiz Contest is a knowledge-building initiative for our dealers and their sales team, wherein all the dealers and their sales team members are eligible to participate in the contest
- Winners are felicitated during the Annual Dealer Conference
Business Influencer Meet
- Business Influencers meets for mechanics, plumbers, farmers, and distributors are organised with the help of regional dealers. This gives an opportunity to engage with the target audience and increase market penetration. The activity is launched with an objective of enhancing brand presence and visibility
- Brief presentation of products, aftersales services and loyalty programmes, followed by individual interaction brings direct business during the event
- One-to-One discussion is carried out with the participants to understand their expectations and to seek their feedback on the market front
- Festival arches are installed to promote the brand
- Activities are organised at resonating the brand with culture values of the target audience
SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT
OPTIMALLY MANAGED SUSTAINABLE SUPPLY CHAIN
Reduce, Reuse and Recycle (3 R’s)
- We are committed to reducing resource consumption and to minimise waste, while considering the life-cycle cost of products
- We seek to implement the hierarchy of preference to reduce, reuse and recycle resources throughout the procurement activity
- We are committed to buy recycled/part-recycled products to optimise consumption and stimulate demand for recycled products, by promoting collection and reprocessing of waste and working towards zero discharge to the landfill
Healthy partnership with business partners to complete supply chain tree
- Category structure in plant procurement to streamline supply chain process
- With the implementation of a category structure over the last three years, the Company can achieve an alignment of the Supply Chain function with the internal stakeholders and customers
- Strategic purchasing has gained speed as compared to the localised approach a few years ago
- Long-term strategies are chalked out, mapped, and implemented within the stipulated timelines
- This revised structure has helped to achieve significant milestones whether it is in terms of achieving production, projects, new product developments or other sustainable long-term activities
Sustainable Sourcing
- We have implemented sustainable sourcing policy and Integrated Management System policy to strengthen our sustainable sourcing drive
- We have identified 28 business risks related to market volatility, monopoly, process risk, forecasting, rejections, and supplier expertise, with mitigation plan in place
- Awareness is created and training is imparted to suppliers on sustainability initiatives and Environment, Occupational Health & Safety requirements
- Commitment and acceptance to supplier code of conduct is ensured from all suppliers during the supplier registration process on the following areas:
- Environmental Protection and Conservation
- Compliance with Laws and Regulations
- Labour and Human Right Standards
- Occupational Health & Safety
- ESG disclosures through ESG assessments
Entering into partnerships
This strategy has resulted in sustainable benefits based on JV projects:
- Collaboration for procurement of energy-efficient motors
- 10% YoY growth in motor business
Benefit to KBL
- Motor with CE marking and VFD suitability without price implication
- Slanted Terminal Box for better Ingress protection
- Higher Efficiency than described in IEC standard for most of the ratings
- Superior products with longer life due to better design and quality
- Resulted in cost reduction, managing risks better, generating new sources of revenue, boosting the brand value
GREENING THE SUPPLY CHAIN
- Maximising benefits by encouraging our suppliers to adopt our environment practices, as per sustainable sourcing policy
- Undertaking procurement activities with suppliers who share our values
- Encouraging suppliers to deliver products/services with minimal negative impact on the environment and adopt safe practices in the cycle from production to delivery
- Preference for procuring products that are eco-friendly, energy-efficient and less polluting
- Encouraging and guiding suppliers for disposing goods to authorised agencies in an environmentally friendly manner
- Reusing packing material received from suppliers
- Encouraging logistics optimisation and waste reduction using 3-R (Reduce, Recycle & Reuse) approach
- Reducing environmental footprint by means of material, energy and water conservation initiatives
- Promoting sustainability awareness and assessments at supply chain through training programmes, webinars and assessments
ESG FOCUS FOR VALUE CHAIN
Monitoring and managing environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance within the Company’s operations is an upfront task. However, understanding the level of ESG compliance and performance across the whole value chain is even more challenging
Not understanding the ESG levels across the value chain can result in severe reputational, and even financial loss, for the organisation. Also, a stronger ESG performance will potentially give us a competitive edge with sustained business growth.
Considering ESG challenges and risks in the value chain, ESG awareness and assessment has been started for key value chain partners. They are being made aware of the importance of ESG and its compliance for the long run, and gaining business objectives in an indirect way.
Sustainable packaging and utilisation of recycled raw material
We have procedures in place for sustainable sourcing, and 30% of our inputs are sourced sustainably. We encourage procurement from small producers of local communities surrounding us and facilitate them in joining us in our quest for inclusive and sustainable growth. We are committed to purchasing recycled material as a step towards resource conservation.
We are committed towards adhering following aspects:
- Recyclable materials used in the plants
- Efforts made for switching to materials complying with ROHS standards
- New packaging methods developed complying to ISPM-15 standards
- Projects initiated for replacing wooden packaging (Rubber Wood, Pine wood, Ply wood) to Hybrid Boxes (Metal + Ply wood)
- Use of CI scrap in foundry has reduced pig iron consumption by 5%
VENDOR DIGITALISATION ACTIVITIES
We have digitised procurement portals and NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) from manual to e-portal, which has resulted in reduction of paper consumption and the turnaround time.
- E-Procurement Portal - RFQ to Payment – This portal covers the entire process of procurement starting with RFQ (Request for Quotations) till material delivery and payment. This can be accessed by all KBL users and around 5,000+ suppliers in phase 1, with plans to further extend this feature to other KBL Group companies in phase 2
- E-Procurement Portal - Vendor Portal - This portal covers all activities related to vendor onboarding, profile maintenance, mass communication, grievance handling, ESG assessment, technical evaluation, financial health, vendor ratings, auto reminders, auto mail triggers, and API with GST/PAN/Bank portals
- E-NDA – Non-Disclosure Agreements will be processed, verified, approved, communicated, and signed digitally, helping us reduce paper consumption and achieve quick results
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT: SUPPLIER MEET
We understand the need to have a positive engagement with our suppliers for improving their performance, along the KBL growth plan. To achieve this, we also organise supplier meets across our plant locations.
During these supplier meets, the suppliers are briefed about our business plans and our expectations from them. We also listen to their needs and expectations as an input to our procurement strategy. Suppliers are also appreciated for their extraordinary performance during the service and supplier audits by awarding them with trophies and momento as a token of recognition.
Further, suppliers are also given the opportunity to express themselves and present the projects/activities initiated at their plants. Key aspects on Quality, Safety & Sustainability and their importance are explained to them which helps boost their morale and lead to enhanced performance and positive commitment, helping the Company in its professional growth journey.
CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT
- Customer meets are conducted to build and strengthen customer relationships by actively listening to their concerns, providing valuable solutions, and ensuring a positive customer experience
- Business meetings provide a platform to collaborate and brainstorm strategies, plans and goals to help the business achieve its desired outcome
- At these business meetings, customers are encouraged to share their opinions on discussed topics to generate ideas and identify potential solutions. The success of the meeting relies heavily upon the collaborative efforts of all participants and their willingness to contribute openly and make informed decisions. Similar meets are orgainsed at the zonal and regional level
- As a part of our customer meets and intimacy programs, customers are educated on occupational health and safety. A brief presentation on our products and processes is delivered during the event
- Various seminars, events and exhibitions are arranged for promotional and branding objectives:
- IFAT
- India Nuclear Business Platform
- KISAN Event
- Indian Plumbing Professional League
- Africa Water Forum
- ACREX India
- Madhya Pradesh Summit
- PACC
- Plumbex India
- NTPC invited us to conduct a session on Cooling Water Pump Erection, Operation and Maintenance, along with sharing of few Case Studies. Senior Executives from all power plants of NTPC were present during this meet
Power Engineers Training and Research Center (PETARC) and NHPC
Set up in 1989, Power Engineers Training and Research Center (PETARC) is a full-fledged training centre of the Kerala State Electricity Board Limited (KSEBL). This is aimed at imparting technical, financial and management training to the Engineers and other officers of the KSEBL through Induction cum Statutory, Capacity Building, and Refresher programs.
Incorporated in 1975 under the Companies Act, 1956, NHPC, formerly known as National Hydroelectric Power Corporation Limited, is mandated to plan, promote and organise an integrated and efficient development of power in all its aspects through conventional and non-conventional sources in India and overseas.
Based on KBL’s long association with KSEBL for various small hydro projects commissioned, PETARC Institute Management and NHPC invited KBL Team to impart training to Engineers and Officers for PAT & PICO products and to understand KBL’s capabilities in small-hydro projects, which would be helpful in understanding various aspects of microhydro project identification.
