Date:04/01/2005 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/01/04/stories/2005010401370400.htm

Back Venus plans to export water heaters to S-E Asian markets

Our Bureau

Chennai , Jan. 3

VENUS Home Appliances is planning to export water heaters to South-East Asian countries such as Malaysia and Singapore this year.

Speaking to Business Line, Mr I. Ramkumar, Director (Sales), said that the company recently obtained international quality certification, following which it is planning to foray into international markets.

The company has also tied up with Bharat Gas to retail its gas heaters at the latter's outlets across the country.

Mr Ramkumar said that through this tie-up, the company would be able to reach several far-flung areas that suffer from acute power shortage, which would boost sales.

The company hopes to sell at least 2,000 units in the first month through this tie-up, especially in areas where power-cuts are rampant.

Mr Ramkumar said that apart from selling its gas heaters through the Bharat Gas outlets, the company would also conduct a series of training programmes with Bharat Gas distributors on the installation process and safety measures.

The gas heater market size, according to him, is approximately Rs 50 crore.

"However, it is a highly fragmented market with a large chunk comprising unorganised players."

The company, which recently made its entry into the approximately Rs 1,000-crore mixer-grinder market, is also planning to launch other home appliances such as fans this year, said Mr Ramkumar.

The company is looking at a turnover of Rs 35 crore this year and hopes to touch the Rs 50-crore mark in the next one year.