A STEELY VISION

Kalliyath Abdul Kadher Haji founded Kalliyath group. Led by Dr Kalliyath Abdul Gafoor (managing director, Kairali Ventures), along with his children, Humayoon Kalliyath, executive director, production & operations), and Pahali-sha Kalliyath, additional director, sales & marketing, Kairali TMT is today a formidable brand of Kerala. The duo shares with Aswin Nandakumar, the history of their company, their journey as well as the future plans.

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Tells us about the history of your company?

Our great grandfather Koya Mulla started his business in Tirur 129 years ago and then it was followed by Abdul Kadhar Haji and then by Khalid Haji and by Dr Kalliyath Abdul Gafoor. Then he diversified the business into the steel sector and started steel trading business. Dr Gafoor was once called by a famous newspaper as 'The Steel King of Kerala'. In 1998, we applied for steel manufacturing unit at Palakkad and started functioning on December 28, 2000, in addition to the factory in Salem.

The only thing we didn't change was the quality and service in production. To enable high standards of production we imported machines and equipment from Germany. We brought to Kerala the first and probably the only fully automated rolling mill in Kerala. It is because of our commitment to quality that SAIL (Steel Authority of India) chose Kairali TMT to be their only conversion agent in Kerala. We Use EQR German Technology while producing TMT Steel Bars ensures that everything you build using Kairali TMT is strong and safe. Our factories in Palakkad and Salem are capable to deliver the best steel in the least required time period without compromising on quality at any stage.

After taking over the responsibility of a company from father, there has been a slew of innovations. Could you talk the series of the innovations that you got in the company?

Apart from the introduction of advanced machinery, we have brought in many automation in factory administrations. The rebranding is going through its new phase. If you remember we were the first company to actually brand a steel company. Many brands even copied the same colour combination! Our earlier logo has been transformed yet again. Before we used the shade of crimson and yellow. Now after the second level of rebranding, we have brought in a different shade that goes in line with vision.