Cover Story

Infrastructure:The Rs 53,000 cr Question 

  The infrastructure finance programme is responding to the emergence of a new paradigm—the shift from the public to private sector in the provision and financing of infrastructure services. The impetus for this turn to the private sector came initially from fiscal difficulties and widespread disenchantment with the performance of state-owned utilities. Today, the driving force is the massive infrastructure investment requirements developing nations face over the next decade, to cope with population growth and removal of barriers to economic growth and international competitiveness.

Increasingly, private sector participation in the provision and financing of infrastructure services is a common policy objective in countries across the world. Governments are now turning to the private sector to finance, build, operate, and transfer new oil and gas projects, power plants, toll roads, telecommunications facilities, ports, and airports. Project finance transactions typically are governed by a nexus of long-term formal contracts, including a concession agreement stipulating a property rights transfer from the government to the project company, performance contracts between project company and contractors, operators, and familiar loan contracts between creditors and the project company, written between the host country government, project promoters, creditors, operators, contractors, and input suppliers.

The economy is on the downslide. The very essential ingredient to a flourishing economy- the infrastructure, is in a sad state with lack of basic amenities like good roads. Since 1984, Indian infrastructure development has been put on the priority list, and talked about in every forum and budget, but has unfortunately got muddled and lost in the power dispensations at the Centre and the states. Although projects worth Rs 2,796 billion have been announced in the infrastructure segment since the beginning of 1995-96, not even 9% have been completed. Despite the huge requirement of Rs 53,000 crore in the next five years, financing for this segment is not forthcoming at the desired pace.

Need to contain deficit:

Even though there have been considerable economic achievements during the last decade, many challenges still remain. Interest payments now consume about half of total revenue, up from one-third, ten years ago. The combined deficit of central and state governments of 9% of GDP is untenable. Public investment has dropped from around 10% of GDP 20 years ago, to around 6% today. Economic and financial reforms are critical to the opening up of the economy including containing the budget deficit, and taking politically unpopular decisions to increase prices, speed up privatisation, and impose new taxes and user charges.

Since the early 1990s, India has undertaken a series of policy measures to improve the macro economy and structural reforms designed to move the economy to a more market-oriented system, in which the private sector is expected to play a larger role. The reforms have covered investment, including the opening up of the domestic market to foreign investment, exchange rate policy, trade regime, tax system, and financial sector and capital markets. The private sector has responded vigorously to the new opportunities created by the reforms. Among others, it is noteworthy that there has been a considerable growth in both private savings and investment, indicating the strong supply-side response to deregulation and liberalisation. The rate of growth of the Indian economy has increased from 0.8 percent in 1991/92, when the country suffered a balance of payment crisis, to 7.7 percent in the mid-1990s. Even though the growth has slowed down somewhat since then, India recorded a 6 percent growth in both 1998 and 1999, weathering well the negative impact of the Asian crisis.

Private sector investment lacking:

Though the government has taken the initiative to attract private participation in various infrastructure sectors like power, roads and telecom; actual investment in these sectors during the nineties has been dismal. The government’s total national debt at Rs. 1.25 million crore and annual borrowings of Rs. 0.12 million crore, preclude substantial direct budgetary investments in this vital sector. The country thus has no solution, except for finding an equitable massive privatisation concept, which would bring in public investment off the government.

Growing interest in road sector:

There has been growing interest in the private sector for road sector financing.

While the first major Build Own Transfer (BOT) project using the direct tolling approach, [the six-laning of the Jaipur-Kisangarh stretch on NH 8 ] received lukewarm response with only one bid, the first major project using the annuity approach, the four-laning of the Panigarh_Palsit stretch on NH2 received wider response. Six other four-laning projects on annuity format have also evoked strong private sector response, as evidenced by the fact that 9 to 13 applicants have been qualified to bid for each of these projects.

Government commitment to higher investment:

With the passing of the Central Road Fund Bill, the government’s commitment to higher investment is reflected. This Act provides statutory status to the Central Road Fund constituted by a resolution of Parliament in 1998, from the Re 1 cess on petrol and high-speed diesel. It also enables the Union Government to formulate criteria for allocation of funds for the development and maintenance of national highways and to sanction schemes for state roads and interstate roads of economic importance. The total accruals from the cess on petrol and diesel in the FY 2000-01 is estimated at Rs 6,000 crore.

Focus on National Highways:

Road sector activities gathered momentum with increasing focus on the National Highways Development Project (NHDP), which aims at strengthening and expanding the national highway stretches on the ‘Golden Quadrilateral’ (connecting the four metros) and the North-South (Jammu-Kanyakumari) and East-West (Porbandar -Silchar) axes. Funds for these projects are being raised through a number of channels such as budgetary allocation, multilateral borrowings (World Bank and Asian Development Bank), market borrowings by NHAI and private participation. For the first time ever, the NHAI raised Rs 500 crore through private placement of tax-free bonds.

Infrastructure Development Finance Corporation (IDFC) has so far funded 35 projects in the area of ports, roads, power, telecommunication etc in the private sector. The present focus, which is on Government Budgetary investments and multilateral/bilateral funding for infrastructure growth, should shift, and we should be moving towards “Project Finance.”

Infrastructure: Key to revival

Infrastructure growth holds the key for revival of the economy. A boost and a push given to its development will increase the offtake of core industries like steel and cement and thus augment the demand in other sectors too. Sadly, there is no proper incentive to boost these projects. The major incentive available is the tax holiday. The budget proposes a ten-year tax holiday for the core sectors of infrastructure namely, roads, highways, rail system, water treatment and supply, irrigation, sanitation and solid waste management systems, which may be availed of during the initial twenty years. In the case of airports, ports, inland ports, waterways, industrial parks and generation and distribution of power, a tax holiday of ten years is being proposed to be availed of during the initial fifteen years. The period of commencement of business for power and industrial parks is also being extended up to March 31, 2006.

Tax Incentives for SEZs

In order to encourage development of industrial infrastructure, the budget proposes to give further tax incentives for the development of Special Economic Zones (SEZ). The concessions available for infrastructure by way of a 10-year tax holiday will be available to developers of Special Economic Zones on the lines similar to those available for developers of industrial parks. The income from long term investment in the development of SEZs will also be exempt. Budget 2001 has recognised urban water supply and solid waste management as core infrastructure sectors, and has extended the tax holiday for these projects. Transfer of such facilities to the government or a statutory authority for it to qualify for tax concessions will be done away with from April 1, 2002.

Urban Infrastructure Demand:

Urban Infrastructure demand has also risen sharply. The Eleventh Finance Commission, which submitted its report in July 2000, drew attention to the deteriorating civic services. The recent rise in demand is due to rapid urbanisation and rising income, but supply has not kept pace. Services have lagged behind due to poor maintenance resulting from resource constraints. The Commission has called for greater efforts to increase tax revenue and rationalise user charges, to cover operation and maintenance expense. It has also highlighted the need for accelerating the devolution of funds and a concomitant transfer of staff from state governments to local bodies in line with the 74th Constitutional Amendment.

Optimistic of keeping the price level low, Finance Minister Yashwant Sinha has assured that the government would step up its initiatives in the infrastructure sector, which would spur demand and offset the negative impact on exports after the September 11 terrorist attacks in the US and the consequent action in Afghanistan. “We will step up our initiatives in the infrastructure sector which will spur demand in the domestic sector. The increased demand would enable us to sell goods in the domestic market, which we are unable to sell in international markets,” Sinha emphasized.

States tap private capital:

Traditionally, the Union government strove to maintain regional parity in economic development. But with the unfolding of economic reforms, regional development is bound to differentiate. The reform programme since 1991 has attempted to provide avenues to the states to tap private capital in a number of new sectors like power, irrigation, ports, roads, besides the manufacturing sector. A state’s economic performance is now directly linked to its capability to attract private capital to promote growth. This change in environment allows states to undertake comprehensive economic reform programmes in order to create an enabling environment for rapid economic growth. To promote efficiency; industrial policy in the changed circumstances will have to be harmonized with reforms in other inter-linked areas such as taxation, public enterprise restructuring, environment, labour markets, institutional reforms and regulation, power sector reforms and industrial policy reforms at the Central level. As more states strengthen their institutional capacities and are willing to undertake rapid economic reforms, they would begin to reap the benefits. This has happened in China and can happen in India too.

Economic development fostering social progress:

Gujarat is an example of improved economic status fostering social progress. Most social indicators have shown improvement in the past five years. Gujarat has taken the lead among Indian states in acknowledging the important role of infrastructure for socio-economic development. The Gujarat Infrastructure Development Board (GIDB)-the first of its kind in India- was established under the Programme to facilitate and co-ordinate development initiatives in the infrastructure sectors. This board has prepared a detailed master plan, “Gujarat Infrastructure Agenda - Vision 2010”, identifying public and private infrastructure projects within an integrated framework and taking into account inter-sectoral linkages. Assisted by the Programme, the GOG has also developed and implemented policy, institutional, and regulatory frameworks for the state roads and ports sectors, and prepared a power system master plan.

Thus to effectively promote private sector investments in infrastructure, a country/ state should be prepared to: lFormulate a sector specific infrastructure development policy covering power, roads, ports, airports telecom etc.

lEnact regulatory frameworks for these sectors;

lPut in place transparent procedures for awarding of contracts with built-in controls such as competitive bidding.

Relying only on the private sector would not help to meet the infrastructure funds crunch. The funds involved are huge, such large amounts would not be available from the domestic private sector. Moreover, private investors would not like to invest in low return segments like water supply and drainage. They are even not for the sectors that need long term maturity like the construction sector. Commenting on why they have not entered the construction finance sector, Girish Naik, senior manager, IL&FS states, “Our funds have short term maturity, whereas construction sector needs finance with long term maturity. Thus there arises the mismatch between our obligation and realization of our resources.”

Govt lead in funding imperative:

Thus it becomes imperative for the government to take the lead in funding the infrastructure projects. It could disinvest from these projects once these projects are implemented. While over the medium term, the outlook is encouraging, for India to improve this picture and accelerate growth, economic reforms are needed. Critically, India’s long term output growth is linked to policies that address the current fiscal deficit, continued high tariff barriers, and non-performing loans and other structural problems in the banking and the private sector. India also needs to deepen fiscal and power sector reforms, and improve governance. The government/public/lender/promoter should come together and arrive at an acceptable consensus. In order to achieve the necessary rapid economic growth, India must address the issues of large fiscal deficits, inadequate infrastructure, lack of skilled labour, and insufficient domestic long-term financing. Infrastructure Financing should thus be considered a national priority.

Technology

GFRP A Valuable Composite in Construction 

  Glass Fibre Reinforced Plastic [GFRP] consists of two basic elements: glass fibre as a reinforcement, is used to improve the mechanical properties of the cured resin and provide a usable product. Generally E-glass (lime borosilicate glass/electrical grade glass) fibre is used. Matrix as a binder is used to bind the fibre together and transfer the stress to the individual fibre. It protects the fibre against abrasion, high impact, and exposure to adverse environmental conditions. Fibre-Matrix Interface is an important bond to resist stress due to uneven thermal expansion, shrinkage of resin during curing and to provide load transfer from matrix to reinforcements. Generally, the content of glass and resin is about 45% and 55% in GFRP respectively. Role of GFRPs in the construction industry Composite materials have, over the years, gained increased use in industries like chemical process industry, food processing industry, oil and gas producing industry, petrochemical industry, water and wastewater treatment, etc. It is mainly due to its high strength to weight ratio, better stiffness, resistance to corrosion and other weather conditions, etc. Similarly, GFRP have tremendous potential to be used in the construction industry because they offer a combination of properties not available in any other conventional material. It is estimated that about 25% of total reinforced plastic production in the world is used in the building and construction industry. Glass fibre reinforced plastic has an expected level of performance to fulfil the various attributes, such as structural serviceability, durability, habitability (thermal, acoustic, optical properties, etc.) compatibility, hence it is considered as one of the major construction materials. GFRPs have various properties that make them suitable for the construction industry. Properties of GFRP lThe components of GFRPs have durability and dimension stability even under severe mechanical and environmental stress. lIt has less weight and high strength in comparison to conventional materials. lIt has better resistance to discoloration, weathering and corrosion. lIt is considered a healthy material because it doesn’t affect the quality of the stored materials. lIt can resist a temperature of upto 2000C and hence is suitable for industrial construction. lIt can be fabricated in any shape, form and architectural design. lIt has high impact resistance and low repair and maintenance cost. lIt can be holed, repaired and replaced. lIf offers options of inherent pigmentation, coating and painting. lIt transmits a great deal of light, and hence provides a unique combination of a strong enclosure with adequate daylight. Applications of GFRPs in construction Constructional applications of any material require structural stability, in addition to functional and aesthetic importance. Examples of GFRP, a material, which combines all three properties are as follows : i) Scrubbing Tower lThe Coromandal Prodorite Ltd. fabricated a scrubbing tower in Chennai in 1985 using various components of GFRP. Glass fibres and vinyle resin have been used by hand lay up technique to manufacture its components. It is believed that it is the largest scrubber in India using GFRPs without any steel reinforcements. It has provided satisfactory performance during the last 10 years. lThe Industrial Plastics System, Lakeland, fabricated a 3 mt diameter and 17 mt high scrubbing tower in Florida, USA in 1989. It can withstand winds of at least 160km/hr since wind loading is a major design factor for it. Here filament winding technique has been used. ii) Dome Construction A dome with a diameter of 14mt. and a height of 8mt has been made of GFRP for a new mosque in Leicester, U.K. by Torelad Ltd. The dome is believed to be the largest in the UK outside London. The dome is constructed in 72 sections and it draws much of its strength from ribbing built into the moulds used. iii) Structure of Dubai Airport It is a typical example of GFRP construction for achieving the complex architectural structures. Roadside telephone booths, traffic control stands, towers, shops, mobile bathrooms, toilets, etc. are the recent construction of polymer based building materials including GFRP. The structures have aesthetic and functional importance. Cost The economic viability of construction in GFRPs is a challenging task. The cost of glass fibre is Rs. 100/kg but other fibres such as carbon and boron are available at the rate of Rs.10,000/kg (approx.). Hence glass fibre is suitable for various products in the construction industry. 

  Varied Applications of GFRPs in Construction Industry Pre-fabricated items Pre-fabricated items such as various components of pre-fabricated houses, parking sheds, watchmen cabin, store room defence shelter, door and window frames, roof sheets, etc., can be made of GFRPs. Substitute to timber The use of GFRP can check exploitation of timbers in construction industry. The various form works can be made of GFRP. Similarly, GFRPs have full structural capabilities along the fibres and hence they can substitute for timber in construction. Although they are expensive in comparison to traditional materials, they can be assembled and dismantled easily. Advanced applications of GFRP in construction There are some attractive and advanced GFRP products available in the international construction market. i) Cladding, partition and panelling GFRP sheets can be used as a cladding material and GFRP fancy sheets can be used for internal partition inside the buildings. Similarly, GFRP sheets in various designs, colours, texture, form, can be used in wall panelling and ceiling. They can be easily machined, bolted and riveted. ii) Utility of GFRPs in disaster prone areas It is said that earthquakes don’t kill, but buildings do. In disaster prone regions, particularly in cyclone and earthquake affected areas, the collapse of structures lead to a heavy death toll, due to the dead load of the roof, slab, wall, etc. Non-engineering construction, faulty design, faulty architectural treatments, poor construction quality and workmanship, etc, are also to blame. If various components of a building are made of GFRP, in disaster prone areas there is a definite possibility of decrease in mortality as the structure would be lightweight and hence result in less damage. iii) Outdoor landscape elements Glass fibre reinforced plastic can be used for outdoor landscape elements such as lamp posts, benches, colour boards, etc. GFRP chairs, tables, for restaurants, auditorium, theatres, etc. are also used. Retaining of embankment by using GFRP perforated sheets and GFRP overhead tank (Absence of any bacterial growth, odour, colour & taste) are widely used and popular these days. Conclusion The building and construction industry is an important user of GFRPs. Glass fibre reinforced plastic exhibits combination of the properties not available in any other conventional material. It has several advantages over other metals used in construction, and hence it is the most suitable material where steel has been predominantly used in the past. It has high anisotropy value (different elastic properties in different directions). Hence it introduces an element of flexibility in architectural design. The applications of GFRP in construction are dependent on its material behaviour and economical viability. The superior strength and stiffness of GFRP can be used to full advantage in structural applications only when its various material behaviour such as creep, fatigue, buckling etc. and its resistance to weather conditions are well understood. Material behaviours due to internal composition such as fibre orientation, fibre fraction, size & thickness of the components, etc. limits its applications in specialized fields. GFRP products are more expensive than conventional materials but they may be economical in the long run, if further investigation is done in proper selection of materials, manufacturing techniques, designing of the components, assessment and improvement of its performance, and other characteristics. References 1. Agrawal B.D. and Bruntman L.J. (1980), Analysis and Performance of Fibre Composites, John Wiley and Sons Inc., New York. 2. Lyons, Arthur R. (1997), Materials for Architects and Builders: An Introduction, Arnold Publications, London. 3. Marshall I. H. (Editor – 1982), Composite Structures, Applied Science Publishers, London. 4.Milewski J.V. (1997), Handbook of Reinforcements for Plastics, Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York. 5. National Aeronautical Laboratory (1992), Composite Roundup, A Quarterly Journal, September – December 1992, Bangalore. 6. The Proceedings of the 6th India-Japan Joint Seminar on ‘Manufacturing Science of Advanced Composite Materials,’ February 20-25, 2000, IIT, Kharagpur. 7. Weatherhead R.G. (1980), FRP Technology, Applied Science Publishers, London. Prof Pawan Kumar, Assistant Professor, Department of Architecture, Birla Institute of Technology, P.O. – Mesra, Ranchi – 835215 [Jharkhand] Dr A.K. Shrivastava , Professor, Department of Applied Physics, Birla Institute of Technology, P.O. – Mesra, Ranchi – 835215 [Jharkhand]. 

Special Report

Enhancing Construction through E-learning: 

  E-learning or on-line learning, combining communication, education, information and training, can be an effective tool in raising competency levels in the construction industry. Through this, employees can upgrade their skills, as well as gain knowledge of the latest techniques and technologies says MONICA AUNDHKAR – HCC Infotech Ltd.

In a society characterised by the feverish pace of scientific and technical progress, lifelong learning and cooperative problem solving are necessary prerequisites for the continuing development of individuals and the community. E-learning, also known as online learning or web-enabled learning, is the future of learning. E- learning takes place over the internet, in an environment not bound by time or space.

E-learning can be in various forms, that could range from virtual training centers to interactive multimedia, to onsite training and knowledge management. The scope of e-learning is tremendous in all industries, as it is perhaps the easiest way to go back to school (virtually). e-learning has made it easy to connect people worldwide and for these people to meet other people with similar interests, create constructive bonds, gain knowledge, and share experiences beyond geographical boundaries.

Role of e-learning in the Construction Industry

Imagine these scenarios: a civil engineer who has worked for 25 years on various construction sites and finds himself lacking in some new technologies; a civil construction company wants to educate its employees on its construction standards and methodologies; a skilled technician has just been moved from one site to another, giving the site project manager nightmares as deadlines have to be met. All these are problems that can adversely affect the smooth running of a construction company and this is exactly where e-learning makes an impact. Had the person on site been provided with e-learning solutions, (computer based training), he would be able to resolve many problems.

The civil engineer would find it difficult to find his way back to an institute or college and definitely find it difficult to study in a classroom with students half his age. The solution would be, to opt for an e-learning course, which would enable people with similar experiences to come together, freed from the constraints of time and space, and form meaningful personal relationships.

Similarly, if a civil company follows a certain set of construction methodologies on the site e.g. various mixtures of concrete and their proportions, then an ideal computer-based training would be the one which would provide all this information in advance. This information can be shared within the organization so that people are more in tune with the company, which would help reduce overall confusion. The construction industry uses different types of cranes on site. The information about their working, and other technical information can be provided through e-learning module. A computer-generated crane can provide a virtual tour, whereby it can show how a crane can be operated and how its different parts work. Technical information on different cranes and their functions can also be made available.

Through computer-based training, the site in-charge can train technicians who may not be fully trained on how to operate, run and maintain equipments. Thus a few mistakes can be avoided, and time, money and effort can be saved. The computer-based training can actually provide the person with all the relevant details; it would provide the check lists for each activity, the do’s and don’ts, solutions for frequent problems, technical details of the equipments, 3D animations, video clips of various activities that need to be highlighted.

Taking this one step forward, the HR personnel can track and certify its various employees using a computer-based online assessment test. A database of all its employee skills can determine the training that needs to be imparted and in case of emergencies on the construction site, this database can provide information on the skilled personnel available to solve the problem.

E-learning technology would thus bring education to the home, work place or site office. A site civil engineer in a remote part of India can certify himself from such e-learning centers from any part of the globe.

Today technology may be limited to persons with internet access or would be determined by the bandwidth of the net which would mean an agonizing wait for the matter to be studied. The days are not far, when, with the advent of the latest technology, a student may complete his entire education from the net in an e-learning school.

E-mail:monica@hccinfotech.co.in

 Hallelujah - It’s raining shops! 

  - 

  The much-awaited boom in real estate is all set to happen. And, it’s the retail sector that’s fuelling it. CONSTRUCTION WORLD takes a look at the opportunity this throws open to the building material industry and the construction business.

In the far-flung north-eastern suburb of Mumbai at Mulund, two new shopping malls are fast coming up. The Central Business District of Nariman Point is not left behind either – the Piramal Group plans to set up their second ‘Crossroads’ – a complex with shops, entertainment area, a food court and possibly a multiplex.

1,2,3...and counting

Four large malls are expected to begin operations in Gurgaon, on the outskirts of New Delhi, by the middle of 2003. Its satellite town, Noida too is set to play home to numerous shopping cum commercial projects, speciality restaurants; even a multi-format technology store, which was just launched.

Once the pensioner’s paradise, Pune is now rocking to a young beat. Music shops promoted by the RPG Group and Times Music occupy large areas in prime locations. Furniture salons (Gautier at Shivajinagar, and Monalisa on M.G. Road) have sprung up. And Shivajinagar, with its wide roads and availability of larger tracts of land could soon become the new shopping and entertainment destination.

In Bangalore, just pubs are passé. Opium, a speciality restaurant-cum-pub occupies 3,500 sq. ft. in Carlton Towers; Barista has set up three coffee shops at Brigade Road, Commercial Street and Lavelle Road; while Toys Kemp, the organised toy retailer has opened two more showrooms. Citizen Watches has opened three exclusive outlets in the country; and – pun intended – there’s more in store.

Retail boom

The face of the country is changing. And, it’s visible enough for all to see. Almost like a rash, supermarkets and malls are springing up at every important street corner in every metro and mini-metro from Chandigarh to Kochi, Gandhinagar to Guwahati. It’s boom time – once again – for everyone connected with the construction industry, from real estate sellers to material suppliers to architects and interior decorators and designers. Only that the boom hasn’t come from the more traditional manner of setting up homes and factories, but retailing.

Organised retailing

Organised retailing has been a very recent phenomenon. It was earlier seen only in fabric with large mills building their own exclusive stores. Slowly, the retailing establishments extended to departmental stores, food stores and readymade garments. KSA Technopak (a joint venture between the global consultancy firm Kurt Salmon Associates and Technopak) estimates the current worth of the organised sector at Rs. 5,000-crore, and predicts a six-fold growth to Rs. 30,000-crore by 2005. A.T. Kearney Consultants peg it even higher at Rs. 1,60,000 crore by 2005; while the CII-McKinsey report is even more optimistic, projecting organised retail activities in India to touch Rs. 14,10,000 crore by 2010.

The organised retail sector in India is currently at a nascent though dynamic stage. But, as put forth by a recent McKinsey report, the potential for development of retail outlets in India is extremely high. “India,” states the report, “is the last large Asian economy to liberalise its retail sector. In Thailand, more than 40 per cent of all consumer goods are sold through supermarkets, convenience stores, and department stores. A similar phenomenon has swept through Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand and Indonesia. Even in China, more than a tenth of all consumer goods are sold through modern retail formats – a proportion that is growing rapidly.” The sleeping giant that is India is also ready to be awakened, as can be noted from the box, which gives an overview of the main players along with their expansion plans. Not surprisingly, as a glance would reveal, these include big groups like Tatas (who have already made a success with their foray through Westside), ITC, Piramal Enterprises (Crossroads), S. Kumars (Landmark) and the RPG Group. The latter now has a turnover of Rs. 156 crore from organised retailing, and is expected to pump in Rs. 120 crore into its expansion ventures, which include 61 Foodworld stores, 15 Music World and 18 Health & Glow outlets. An upbeat Sanjiv Goenka, Vice Chairman, RPG Enterprises, talks of “going to new places when expansion in existing cities is completed.”

Retail formats

As can be noted, a variety of retail formats from supermarkets to hypermarkets to speciality stores are being planned. There are three categories of retail stores segments: the “ready-to-go” electronics sector, the clothing sector, and the fresh groceries sector. The new malls will be constructed to basically sell products in these three categories, with electronic goods sales stores taking the prime slot, as per the McKinsey report. Already, Viveks, a recognized name in multi-brand stores in Southern India, has 26 stores lined up in its expansion plans in this category. Retail stores specializing in clothing may proliferate less, as the low penetration of brands and the popularity of traditional clothing “conspire to make this a difficult market to enter,” to quote the McKinsey report. The fresh groceries supermarkets “would be feasible only as part of the second wave, except in a few big cities,” once again due to Indian habits and perception of fresh foods.

The flip side

Still, despite the predicted growth in retail stores, there is a flip side to it, as noted by Knight Frank in its recent research report. “The challenges that retail players face are…high rentals, archaic property laws, low purchasing power, conservative spending habits, shrinkage and value-driven consumers waiting for discounts to buy goods, which cuts into the retailers margins.” So, while large business houses and multinationals eye real estate to set up shops and entertainment complexes, which the new burgeoning Indian middle-class seeks, they are held back by the pitfalls which may not see their investments turn to El Dorado. The one way that retailers can meet these challenges is by expanding to meet the desirable economies of scale, and be able to establish some bargaining power with the branded goods manufacturers. This expansion drive of the organised retailers will create demand for retail real estate and keep retail development ventures buoyant.

While larger players have gone in for ‘anchor’ approach (i.e. one major tenant at the mall, like Pantaloons, which has been leased 70,000 sq. ft. of 2,30,000 sq. ft. at Sahara Group’s mall in Gurgaon), smaller retail players agree to pay property owners a percentage of sales generated from the leased space, or a minimum guaranteed amount, whichever is higher. More investments in retail sector will be made if landlords charge retailers fair rentals that would make their businesses financially viable.

While there is an urge to set up retail stores, there are yet a couple of factors that impede the real estate business from prospering in a big way from this channel. One of the main impediments is the restriction of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the retail sector; perpetuated further by lobbying by small retailers. Lifting it, however, need not mean that investments would pour in. The FDI policy needs to be framed in such a way that it becomes attractive to foreign players to invest in India. Till then, global players are entering retail market through the licensee route, e.g. Marks and Spencer; by setting up franchisees, as has Tricon, the parent company of Pizza Hut, or like McDonald’s through a 50:50 joint venture with an Indian partner.

Another hurdle that needs to be tackled is the issue of property taxes. The introduction of a property tax system based on the market value of the property as against the earlier practice of calculation based on the age of the property is likely to lead to difficulty in structuring fresh leases. Clear guidelines which will address the issues of change in levies and who will bear the burden in case of the change have to be formulated.

The rush is on

In Mumbai, for example, which is expected to add 2 million sq. ft. of organised retail space by the end of 2003 (as per Knight Frank estimates), retailers are making a push to get to the developments, which have the first entrant advantage in a location and offer the best rental deals for longer time periods. Shoppers’ Stop for example, one of the pioneers in retailing, having opened the first-of-its-kind retailing outlet in Mumbai over a decade ago, now has nine locations in seven cities (Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Pune, Jaipur, Hyderabad and Bangalore), including three in Mumbai (at Andheri, Ghatkopar, and Bandra). And, even while market talk abounds of Shoppers’ Stop being in trouble, its CEO, B.S. Nagesh aims to set up 7 more such retail outlets by 2004 – two in Delhi (at Gurgaon and West Delhi), three more in Mumbai (at Mulund, Kandivli, and South Mumbai by next Diwali), and one each at Bangalore and Kolkata. On the other hand, developers are rushing in to make sure that they are among the first entrants in a catchment area with good retail potential.

International class

For the construction industry at large, the surge in retailing spells tinkle-time. Increasingly assertive consumers are sowing the seeds of a retail transformation, and almost egging on companies to give them shops on par with international standards - both in terms of goods sold, and the manner in which they are displayed. Construction of new and swankier-than-thy-neighbour stores translates to big bucks for all concerned with setting up of the malls, entertainment complexes and stores. Significantly, the activity is not restricted to metros alone. Citizens of smaller cities in India too are growing up to the experience, and are being pandered to. The Rajan Raheja Group, for example, late-starters in the business, came into Mumbai with their 30,000 sq. ft. Globus store, only after they had opened three such retail outlets; the first being at Indore in M.P. in 1999, a comparatively much smaller city than Chennai, which was next to receive the Globus experience.

Plus, there is an additional fall-out from this activity. The unorganised retail sector, expecting to face stiff competition from this new activity, is also investing in renovation and refurbishing its outlets. Corner shops in Mumbai are improving their fit outs, laying out goods in a more organised way, and re-doing their shops so as to provide their customers with a comfortable shopping environment.

Opportunity knocks

There are ample opportunities in infrastructural development that are also being thrown up by the ‘Retail Revolution’. Knight Frank in its report is not overly optimistic on the prospects of Gurgaon as a shopping and entertainment destination, as the infrastructure here needs substantial improvement. “Expecting people to travel to reach destinations for shopping and entertainment seems a little far-fetched,” it notes, justifying its opinion. On the other hand, Knight Frank is bullish on the prospects of Noida, as “it has a promising catchment area, and it is well connected to South Delhi by the expressway.” The McKinsey Report too echoes similar inhibitions on growth of retail stores in India. “About 40 percent of India’s high-income urban population lives in Mumbai, Delhi, Calcutta, Chennai and Bangalore,” it notes. “This fact raises the question of whether it is necessary to go beyond these cities to capture the value of the Indian market.”

Regardless of this, the boom time for the building materials construction industry is certain to last till at least 2003. But, will the bubble then burst, with consumers pinched by the slowdown in global economy unable to keep so many retail establishments buoyant? Will it be back to the kirana shop, and the friendly neighbourhood dealer who gives a discount, and even promises free home delivery? The jury is yet out on that. But, as the proverbial wisdom goes, “make hay while the sun shines”.

Trent has invested Rs 53 crore in Westside retailing

The company has already established seven Westside departmental stores measuring 20,000 square feet each, in Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Pune New Delhi and Kolkata. The company hopes to expand rapidly with similar format stores that offer a fine balance between style and price retailing. Future plans include establishing the Westside brand in all large towns with a population of over one lakh. Trent also plans to expand the Westside chain of lifestyle outlets to around 20 stores from the current eight, in the next three years. By the year 2003, the company plans to increase the overall retailing space to three lakh sqft from 1.2 lakh currently. The company earned a revenue of Rs. 35 crore in 1999-2000. Trent recorded a turnover of Rs 40 crore in the April-Sept 2001 period and is expecting a turnover of Rs 80 crore by the end of March 31, 2002.

Ms Simone Tata, chairperson, Trent Ltd, said: ‘‘We’ve already invested Rs 53 crore in Westside retailing and will invest around Rs 3 crore per outlet as we open more.”

Contact: Bombay House,

24, Homi Mody Street,

Mumbai 400 001.

Tel: +91-22-6127575

Fax: +91-22-6127097

Email:himanshu.chakrawarti@trent-tata.com

Rumy Shroff and Associates.

Ronnie Balsara , AssociatePartner, Rumy Shroff and Associates, architects of the newly opened, swank, multi-storeyed, Globus store by the Rajan Raheja group in Bandra, Mumbai spoke to Construction World about their foray into retailing with Globus and what it entailed.

On client’s requirements.

The clients had two stores already and they wanted this store to be the flagship store of their brand image.

On the materials used.

The flooring used had to be hardy since it is a high use area and we decided on marbonite since it is attractive and fell into place with the stark looks of the store. In the lobby area we have used granite on the floor.For the ceiling we have used armstrong accessible ceilings, since they give flexibility for relocating lighting fixtures and allow for easy maintenance.

On the look

We have used aluminium composite panel cladding for the exteriors. The atrium serves to visually link up the storeys We have extensively used both glass (toughened) and brushed stainless steel for giving the store a modern, attractive look. The elevator doors are made of glass so as to give a continuous feeling of space.

State-of-the-art

Two car elevators take cars to the basement parking area. Moreover, a lot of attention has been paid to safety measures. Globus has a sprinkler system, fire detection and fire fighting system and a no-objection certificate has been taken from the chief fire officer of the Mumbai Fire Brigade.

Other prestigious projects

Bajaj Auto’s corporate building, Pune, Corporate office of the UB group, Bangalore, R. Raheja’s corporate office, Corporate headquarters for Reliance Ind Ltd in Mumbai jointly with HOK international.

Industry Players

What is the reason that big groups like Tatas, ITC, Piramal Enterprises and S.Kumars are investing huge amounts in retailing? The answer is very simple. Now, just a couple of large organized retailers are in the market whose turnover crosses Rs. 100 crore. And in this sector anything above Rs. 25 crore counts you as a major player. Consultants like A.T.Kearney have predicted that by the year 2005 retailing will be worth Rs. 1,60,000 crore in India. Table 1 gives an overview of the large layers in this sector along with their expansion plans.

Major Players at a Glance

RPG: The expected growth and potential in this sector have prompted the bigwigs like RPG to go in for expansion plans. The RPG group, is expected to pump in Rs.120 crore into its expansion ventures and expects Rs.2000 crore turnover from retailing by the end of the year 2003. Its growth plan for its FoodWorld chain of supermarkets will be boosted by the decision of Dairyfarm (the retail division of Jardine Matheson), its technical partner to exercise its option of taking 49% in FoodWorld. According to Mr. Harsh Goenka, Chairman, RPG Enterprises, “moving into retailing was part of our plan to change our business mix from commodity based business to service based ones.”

Real Estate

Real Estate : Triggering Revival in 2002 

  Even as the government is marshalling efforts to bridge the demand-supply hiatus in housing, the terrorist attacks in the US have stunned the world and compelled expatriates to do a rethink on safety. The world economy, reeling under recession, is set for hard times, with governments resorting to austerity measures to put the economy back on the track. Corporates all over, are going in for mergers, delayering, cut in workforce et al. In such a situation, one sector that offers immense scope to kickstart the economy is real estate, says Vasudevan Nagarajan. 

  The government is increasingly realising the importance of the building and construction sector, as it results in direct and indirect progress and provides employment to over 285 industries. With a staggering shortfall of 33 million homes, the real estate sector in India will defy the market gyrations, given the requisite level of thrust to kick-start the economy. There will be multiple options for buyers to choose from. The economic downturn has brought in its wake a new generation of ventures in joint development. Property developers are sending repeated signals to land owners, and those having a track record, will find the going smooth in the days ahead.

There will be a greater thrust on infrastructure development and those who focus on similar areas will emerge as winners. The Karnataka government has constituted a single window agency to approve projects in diverse industrial sectors. Andhra Pradesh plans more transparency in real estate deals by roping in erring builders and initiating measures including discouraging courts from entertaining suits from developers. More state governments may follow suit which in turn will benefit the growth of real estate sector.

Increasing Transparency

Diary

Concrete "Durability & Quality Control At Site" 

  Date & Venue:March 4-6,2002 

  Add:ACC Ltd., RCD, CRS Complex,

L.B.S.Marg,

Thane(W) - 400 604.

Objectives:To enlighten the Participants about the shortfalls of non - durability considerations in the present construction industries and enhance the serviceability of the forthcoming structures by proper qaulity control at site.

FOR REGISTRATION: CONTACT .Mr. A K BANDYOPADHYAY , ASTT. MANAGER-TMT DIVISION, RCD,

PHONE: 022-582 3631 EXT. 440 & 451

FAX: 00-91-022-582 0962/582 1205/582 4395 ,

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Event:International:World of Concrete 2002 

  Dates:Jan 8-12 2002,New Orleans Hanley-Wood Exhibitions 

  Contact:Hanley-Wood Exhibitions, 426, South Westgate Street, Addison, IL – 60101, USA.

Tel: 1-800-837-0870, extn.: 2653, (outside US – 630-705-2653),

Fax:630-543-3112.

Website: www.worldofconcrete.com.

E-mail: woc@hanley-wood.com

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Event:World of Concrete:World of Masonry 

  Dates:Jan 9-12,2002

Morial Convention Hanley-Wood Exhibitions Center New Orleans,Louisiana 

  Contact:Hanley-Wood Exhibition Co-sponsored by 20 leading industry associations Three supporting organisations

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 Event:Modern Trends In Steel Structures 

  Dates:Feb 8-9,2002. Nagpur Local Center 

  Contact:The Institution of Engineers [India] Nagpur Local Centre North Ambazari Road, Nagpur- 440 010

Tel:91-712-556231, 554387, 525617

Fax: 91-712-525617

E-mail: ieingp @nagpur.dot.net.in

info@acceinagpurcentre.com

Web:www.acceinagpurcentre.com

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Event:Samoter - Earthmoving and Building 

  Dates:Feb 13 - 17,2002.Verona,Veronafiere.Italy 

  Contact:Veronafiere Dr. Giovanni Colombo

Tel: +39/45/8298, 285/201/242

Fax: +39/45/8298237

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 Event:Machinery Exhibition:CONEXPO-CON / AGG 2002 

  Dates:Mar 19-23,2002.

Las Vegas,Conexpo,USA. 

  Contact:Conexpo-Con/AGG, 2002, PO Box 4088, Frederick, MD, 21705, USA.

Tel: (877) 2444432,

Fax: (888) 7762976,

Website: www.conexpoconagg.com

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Event: IFPE 2002 Technical Conference

  Dates: March 19-23,2002.Las Vegas, USA.

Organisers:National Fluid Power Association, IFPE Show Management. 

  Contact: IFPE Show Management, Suite 1,000, 111 East Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53202-4806, USA.

Tel: +1 414-272-0943,

Fax: +1 414-272-2672.

Website: www.ifpe.com.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Finite Elements in Civil Engineering Applications 

  Date:9-11 October 2002

Venue:Tokyo 

  Contact:Ms.Jamie Van Steenbergen,TNO Building and Construction Research,

P.O.Box.49,2600, AA Delft,The Netherlands.

Fax:31152843975

Email:Tokyo2002@bouv.tno.nl

Products

Smart UPS : Power protection for servers and networks 

  The general myth that UPS is generally for offices and not for homes is false as data generated at home may be equally valuable. Stabilizers don’t save precious data, nor do they shield the computer against the damages from power cuts.

The Smart-UPS from APC protects your data by supplying network-grade battery backup when power fails. With PowerChute plus software the uninterruptible power supply (UPS) will safely store data and shut down the network operating system before the battery is fully discharged, whether you’re there or not. SmartSlot internal accessory slot allows the installation of optional accessories to enhance the performance of the UPS. APC Smart-UPS is suitable for fileservers, minicomputers, UNIX CPU’s, internet hubs, telecommunications systems and other mission-critical applications. 

  Smart-UPS with XL extensions in their names and part numbers allow for expanding runtime by simply plugging in additional battery packs. Smart-UPS models with T extensions in their names and part numbers are specifically designed for protecting PBX equipment, high voltage servers, and other 208Vac equipment. 

 MR. Fiber for crack resistant, durable concrete 

  MR. Fiber, a 100% virgin polypropylene fiber additive is an advanced technology, secondary reinforcement system which prolongs the durability and service life of concrete and cement mortars. It is engineered to minimize plastic shrinkage and settlement cracking in concrete and mortar in both plastic and hardened states. In addition to providing substantial reduction in shrinkage cracking, MR. Fiber enhances ductility, increases abrasion and impact resistance, reduces permeability and improves tensile, compressive and flexural strengths of concrete and mortar.

Typical applications include industrial concrete flooring, slabs on ground, below-grade slabs, elevated slabs, concrete overlays, etc., for warehouses, factories, industrial plants, offices, hotels, commercial and residential buildings, schools, hospitals, breweries, power stations, airport hangars, refineries, shipyards, loading bays, subways, garages, workshops, laboratories, parking decks, bridge decks, heavy machinery floors, tunnels and canal lining, sewage treatment plants, marine structures, water retaining structures etc. MR. Fiber is also used in plaster, stucco, pre-cast concrete and shot-crete [gunite].

The advantages of MR. Fiber include being a superior alternative to welded wire mesh. It provides three dimensional rather than single plane secondary reinforcement as in the case of welded wire mesh. It saves time and money by eliminating the use [handling, cutting, placement] of welded wire mesh. It is cost effective, high acid resistant, alkali-proof, chemically inert and rust proof. Safe and simple to use , it has just to be added to the concrete or cementitious mix. It is compatible with all other admixtures and surface treatments. 

Interiors

Kanbay: New Age Office 

  The 1,50,000 square feet, new-age office of Kanbay Software Pvt. Ltd, nestled amidst the lush surroundings of Talawade, off the Mumbai-Pune Highway, has been designed to reflect the philosophies of openness and freedom. The plush interiors with unusual themes are contrasted by open spaces, lending a rustic feel.

The reason for selecting Talawade as the venue of the office was the vast open lush surroundings and the satellite earth station in the Technology Park here, reveals Kanbay chief executive officer Cyprian D’Souza. City-based interior designer Amala Sheth conceptualized & finalized the design scheme in May/June 2000 ; the construction began in August 2000, and the building with interiors was completed by September 2001.

The staff of 625 people are distributed in two buildings. The older one, which started operations in October 1995, has three work areas - Ganga, Saraswati and Yamuna, while the new building houses Sindhu, Narmada and Kaveri. The names of rivers have been chosen, as they are the source of all life - a metaphor for consciousness.

Says Amala Sheth, “The structure was designed looking both inwards & outwards - a kind of organic architecture, with a central atrium & a beautiful skylight bringing in a lot of natural light & enabling the entire volume to breathe. It is also designed to take phasewise additions to the campus, so that at no stage does it look incomplete. The alignment to the road is at an angle to maximize the frontage & the plan is free flowing, merging subtly into ongoing phases of development. Internally a dynamic steel stairway all the way up is an interesting deviation from the standard.”

“Curved surfaces tend to contain the mass of the structure more gracefully. Shapes and forms have been designed to break the monotony while not compromising on the functional aspects of the internal space, adds Sheth.”

An interesting feature of these workspaces is their circular shape. The idea behind this, as Cyprian explains, is to be able to see every angle of the room, while this particular design facilitates easy movement. Another feature unique to each workspace is the pillar in the center of the room. The attractively designed pillar with interesting images provides a pleasing, colourful ambience to the workspace.

Each work area has rectangular cubicles to accommodate around four to five programmers. The conference rooms, lining the circumference of the room, are replete with TVs, computers and whiteboards, thoughtfully designed for project team meetings, training programmes or conferences.

Reveals Sheth, “A standard workstation here is different; it gives each person his own semi-private workspace and yet within an open office format. The size per workstation is 5' x 5' & 2, and these are grouped together within one cubicle.”

The basement of the second building, very aptly named Nalanda, after one of the country’s ancient universities, houses the company’s self-contained technology learning center. The company has a dedicated 6,000 sq. ft. space to knowledge and learning, says Cyprian. The well-stocked library in the basement overlooks the sprawling lawns.

Situated at the back of the building is the multi-purpose courtyard used for yoga and meditation sessions. The courtyard is covered during monsoon, and facilities for indoor sports are arranged for employees to unwind and recharge themselves. 

The airconditioning system, Sheth reveals, is very energy efficient-important in these times of energy crisis.

“It is designed to operate at existing heat loads & is microprocessor controlled. Water is used as a cooling medium, which is very effective in Pune’s climatic conditions. Electricals too are planned with great precision, again to ensure energy conservation & with sufficient standby sources of power. Lighting, an important part of design has been meticulously designed for maximum efficiency without excessive use.

Curtain walling is provided only towards the north & east so that the radiation of heat inwards is minimum due to diffused sunlight. The west & south openings are provided with enough sunshade so that the load on airconditioning from sunlight is minimized without affecting the intake of natural light. Furnishings complement the colours & textures of surrounding surfaces.

Moving away from the building, around 100 meters away, is the 24-hour open-air cafeteria, catering to flexible working hours. The dining area has a rustic feel, with its wooden benches and thatched roofs, quite a distinct contrast to the chic and elegant interiors of the offices. More than just an eating place, the place also serves as the venue of meetings.

Beyond the cafeteria, across the lawns, a magnificent piece of architecture is the company’s new building, inaugurated by David Good, counsel general of USA. Designed like a pyramid with plush interiors and unusual themes, this new age structure will be built in two phases. The first phase of 90,000 sq. ft. which is complete, will provide workspace for an additional 500 associates.

Entering the pyramid-like structure, the first thing that strikes is the magnanimity and the vibrancy of the entire structure. The feeling of being in an atrium is accentuated by the glass walls that enclose each of the four floors. An interesting design in the architecture is that you can view any of the levels of the building from the center space. This symbolizes the organization culture of collaboration and openness.

The work areas here are named after mountain ranges of India. Mountains symbolize stability, victory and care. The sitting area on the ground floor with a bubbling water body and plants all around gives a soothing effect to the whole ambience, providing space for relaxation and reflection. Each work area is self-sufficient with facilities like pantry, restrooms, meeting rooms. The entire building has 16 learning and meeting rooms, which provide space for a participative management style.

One of the most fascinating sections is the top floor of the new building - the tip of the pyramid where it is believed that an energy pattern creates an influence on the human body and mind. A quiet reflective area, overlooking the open green farms, and hills in the background, this is an ideal space for meditation, prayers and contemplation. Designed with low-seating and a wooden floor, the entire space has a very oriental feel to it.

Reveals Sheth, The overall layout & design scheme as well as the colours & elements of nature are all instrumental in making this a workplace of diversity. The central atrium provides for an informal meeting area amidst tall plantation, rippling waters, sprawling wooden benches with daylight streaming gently into it.The walkways & ledges outside provide for good communication spaces while the cafeteria is designed to facilitate large gatherings. The colours, textures & materials used inside are varied & naturally inspired, which add to the spirit of the place. For eg. the Jaisalmer stone floor in contrast with high polished tiles & blue mosaic inlaid along the passages, interesting stone mosaic in the atrium, primary coloured tiles in the pantries & toilets etc. all add a great deal of character.”Says Cyprian, “It’s true that working in a world-class environment, employees are motivated to deliver good quality work. One can create a great work environment anywhere in the world… and we have done just that here in Talawade.” 

 Trutuf Laminated Glass: Reducing Risks 

  Laminated glass is being increasingly used as a material of construction. Trutuf laminated glass manufactured by GSC Toughened Glass Pvt. Ltd. is two or more panes of glass with one or more layers of polyvinyl butyral [PVB] sandwiched between them and treated. If the glass is broken, fragments tend to adhere to the PVB interlayer thereby reducing the risk of injury from falling glass and helping to resist further impact or weather damage.

An excellent barrier to noise, the product is ideal for airports, hotels, data processing centers, recording studios. The entire processing is done with computerized state of the art machines and technical assistance of m/s.Scholz of Germany, Du-pont of USA and Soliver of Belgium. Trutuf laminated glass screens out 99% of the sun’s damaging rays, protecting interior furnishing, displays or merchandise from the fading effects of UV radiation. During earthquakes, laminated glass remains in the frame, maintaining a protective envelope around the home or building to keep weather out and deter glass shards from flying. Laminated glass retains its colour and strength for the life of the building, yet is as easily cleaned as any conventional glass.

Contact: GSC Toughened Glass Pvt Ltd, R-50 Rabale Industrial Area, MIDC, Navi Mumbai- 400 701., Tel: ++ 91 22 7908218, Telefax: ++ 91 22 7908219, Email: gsc@gscglass.com, Delhi ph: 4581201,02 

  -- 

 Aqua-D Water Purifier: For safe and pure drinking water 

  Aqua-D water producer is a water purifier system that uses the principle of reverse osmosis to remove 95-99% of all the mineral and chemical contaminants from raw tap water. Aqua-D gives the quality of bottled water with the convenience of a faucet mounted on your kitchen sink.

Ordinary filters remove only insoluble or suspended impurities, whereas reverse osmosis purifier besides removing insoluble impurities also removes soluble impurities like salts, hardness & heavy metals.

Aqua-D™ (ISO 9002 certified) model no:JD-16LD-RO is a combination of hot and cold water dispenser and on-line purification system, which is controlled by microprocessor and has a very elegant and luxurious appearance. It is a suitable for use in offices, hotels, restaurants, homes and wherever there is a requirement for safe & pure drinking water. 

Contact: Importer and Manufacturer, Vera Exports International T-D/512, Upvan tower, Chincholi Cross Road, Malad [East], Mumbai, Maharashtra – 400 097, India – T/F: 91-22-8731001. E mail :vera_62@hotmail.com/info@veraexports.com, New Alliances Marketing Company, Tel: 022-5778286/5770457/5793278