LANXESS improves the performance of its plastic metal hybrid technology

MUMBAI, 29 March, 2018 (HPN) :  Plastic metal hybrid technology is an established method for manufacturing lightweight structural components developed by the specialty chemicals company LANXESS. This technology systematically combines the advantages of metal and plastic. It has been used for many years to manufacture automotive parts like front ends, pedal boxes and brake pedals. This hybrid technology includes glass fiber reinforced polyamide 6 for injection molding as well as a steel or aluminum sheet as metal component. LANXESS has now extended the use of its hybrid technology to metallic hollow profiles with round or rectangular cross sections. “Compared to sheet metal, hollow profiles show significantly higher dimensional stability as well as increased torsional strength and stiffness,” explains Lukas Schröer, project manager for lightweight structures in the High Performance Materials (HPM) business unit. “We believe that this new ‘Hollow Profile Hybrid Technology’ enables the manufacturing of components such as cross car beams, which up until now were not resilient enough using classic plastic metal hybrid technology.”

Simple and affordable manufacturing process

For its hollow profile hybrid technology, LANXESS developed an economical, one-step process that has to meet multiple challenges: “It needs to be possible to smoothly and fully automatically place the metal inserts into the injection molding tool. Due to their production process, these metal inserts exhibit dimensional tolerances, which can damage the tool. In case of undersized inserts leaks in the tool system may result,” explains Boris Koch, hybrid technology specialist in the HPM business unit’s technical application development. Additionally, in order to avoid the profile to collapse due to the high levels of melt pressure during the injection molding process, the metal insert has to be supported. Another challenge was creating a long-lasting, form fitting bond between the plastic and the metal in all directions. According to Koch: “The result of our development work is a process that is suitable for large scale production, only requires an investment in standard injection molds and machines, makes short cycle times just like standard injection molding possible, and is just as simple as the classic hybrid technology using metal sheets.”

A wide range of applications

In addition to cross car beams, this new hybrid technology offers significant potential for use with other structural components with high mechanical demands. “With respect to lightweight automotive components, we’re thinking about seat structures, front ends, tail gates, and mirror brackets in trucks. But we also see potential for this technology in the manufacture of furniture, ladders, and strollers,” says Schröer.

LANXESS offers customized polyamide compounds as injection molding materials for its hollow profile hybrid technology. “This includes particularly easy-flowing material varieties for complex ribbed structures and shapes as well as highly filled types of polyamide 6 that, thanks to their outstanding mechanical properties, take the structural performance of hybrid components to a higher level,” explains Koch.

Outlook: use of die-cast and extrusion molding inserts

LANXESS is currently working on expanding hybrid technology to simple and competitive die-cast or extrusion molding inserts. “Even hollow profile inserts made of fiber-reinforced composite can be used in the new hybrid technology,” says Koch. “This allows manufacturers to achieve further weight reductions in the mass production of structural components.”ENDS

LANXESS posts record earnings for 2017 and a good start to the new fiscal year

¶LANXESS posts record earnings for 2017 and a good start to the new fiscal year¶Sales up 25.5 percent to EUR 9.66 billion in fiscal year 2017¶Strong volume increase in all segments¶EBITDA pre exceptionals up by 29.6 percent to EUR 1.29 billion¶EBITDA margin pre exceptionals improved from 12.9 percent to 13.3 percent¶Net income pre exceptionals increased by 53.9 percent to EUR 379 million¶Dividend for 2017 proposed to rise by 14 percent to EUR 0.80 per share¶Outlook for FY 2018: EBITDA pre exceptionals for “New LANXESS” expected slightly above previous year¶CEO Matthias Zachert: “We achieved a lot strategically and operationally in the last fiscal year, laying firm foundations for the future.”

MUMBAI, 29 MARCH, 2018 (HPN) : Specialty chemicals company LANXESS continues its profitable growth path. The company ended fiscal year 2017 with record earnings. LANXESS has also made a good start to the new year.

EBITDA pre exceptionals rose by 29.6 percent in fiscal year 2017 to EUR 1.29 billion, the highest result in the company’s history. In the previous year, EBITDA pre exceptionals amounted to EUR 995 million. The operating result was therefore at the top end of the forecast range of EUR 1.25 billion to EUR 1.3 billion.

The main drivers of the strong rise in earnings were higher volumes in all segments as well as the strong contribution of the Chemtura businesses acquired in the previous year. The EBITDA margin pre exceptionals increased from 12.9 percent to 13.3 percent, moving another step closer to the mid-term margin target. From 2021, the average margin is expected to be between 14 percent and 18 percent. Group revenue also rose substantially by 25.5 percent to EUR 9.66 billion in the last fiscal year compared with EUR 7.7 billion the year before.

Net income totaled EUR 87 million, after EUR 192 million in the previous year. This decline was due to significant one-time exceptional expenses, particularly for the integration of the Chemtura businesses and consolidation of production networks and value chains as well as a one-time charge arising from the U.S. tax reform. Adjusted for these exceptional items as well as amortization of intangible assets, net income was up by 53.9 percent from EUR 246 million to EUR 379 million.

The reported key financial ratios are in line with current market expectation. 

“We achieved a lot strategically and operationally in the last fiscal year, laying firm foundations for the future,” said Matthias Zachert, Chairman of the LANXESS Board of Management. “With Chemtura, we successfully completed our biggest acquisition to date, and also significantly improved the quality of our portfolio even more. In this set-up, we achieved the best earnings in LANXESS’s history so far while further enhancing the Group’s profitability.”

Higher dividend proposed for 2017

The strong business performance in 2017 should be reflected in a further increased dividend. The Board of Management and Supervisory Board will therefore propose a 14-percent higher dividend of EUR 0.80 per share to the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting on May 15, 2018. This would correspond to a total dividend payout of around EUR 73.2 million.

German sites strengthened, growth regions expanded

Along with its acquisitions, LANXESS also accelerated its organic growth in 2017. The Group invested around EUR 550 million in its global plant network, including around EUR 235 million in the German sites. It also made progress with its aim of achieving a greater regional balance of its business in 2017. LANXESS continued to expand its presence and its sales in the growth regions of North America and Asia. North America increased its share of global sales from 17 percent to 19 percent, while that of Asia-Pacific rose from 26 percent to 28 percent. This means that the Group now generates almost half its sales in these two market regions.

Sales and earnings up in all segment. 

Sales of the Advanced Intermediates segment came to EUR 1.97 billion in fiscal year 2017, 13.1 percent above the prior-year figure of EUR 1.74 billion. EBITDA pre exceptionals increased by 2.8 percent to EUR 335 million compared with EUR 326 million a year earlier. A solid rise in volumes for intermediates generated this positive performance, offset by weak demand in the agricultural sector and adverse currency effects. The EBITDA margin pre exceptionals was 17.0 percent, against 18.7 percent in the previous year.

Sales in the Specialty Additives segment almost doubled, soaring by 90.7 percent to EUR 1.60 billion compared with EUR 841 million in the previous year. EBITDA pre exceptionals again grew strongly by 76.8 percent to EUR 267 million compared to EUR 151 million a year earlier. This strong earnings performance was the result of the integration of the Chemtura additives business. Higher volumes also had a positive impact on earnings. The EBITDA margin pre exceptionals was 16.6 percent, against 18.0 percent in the previous year.

Sales in the Performance Chemicals segment rose by 10.5 percent from EUR 1.30 billion to EUR 1.44 billion. EBITDA pre exceptionals amounted to EUR 252 million, up 13.0 percent on the prior-year level of EUR 223 million. The improvement in earnings was mainly attributable to the strong volume growth. The Clean and Disinfect business that LANXESS acquired from Chemours in 2016 also made a substantial contribution to earnings. Accordingly, the EBITDA margin pre exceptionals rose to 17.5 percent from 17.1 percent in the previous year.

Sales in the Engineering Materials segment increased by 29.4 percent from EUR 1.06 billion to EUR 1.37 billion. EBITDA pre exceptionals amounted to EUR 219 million, up by a substantial 37.7 percent on the prior-year level of EUR 159 million. This was driven by the urethanes business acquired with Chemtura as well as higher selling prices and volumes. Accordingly, the EBITDA margin pre exceptionals increased from 15.1 percent to 16.0 percent.

In the ARLANXEO segment, sales were up by 19.2 percent to EUR 3.23 billion against EUR 2.71 billion a year earlier. EBITDA pre exceptionals amounted to EUR 385 million, 3.2 percent higher than the prior-year level of EUR 373 million. Earnings were affected by the continuing challenging competitive situation, highly volatile raw material prices and the weak U.S. dollar. The EBITDA margin pre exceptionals came in at 11.9 percent, against 13.8 percent in the previous year.

Outlook for 2018: Accounting without ARLANXEO

The positive performance of 2017 has continued with a good start to the new year. For 2018, there will be an accounting change at LANXESS: The rubber joint venture ARLANXEO will be reported as a discontinued operation from the second quarter of 2018. In the other four segments combined under the name “New LANXESS” - Advanced Intermediates, Specialty Additives, Performance Chemicals and Engineering Materials - the Group expects a slight overall rise in EBITDA pre exceptionals. Excluding ARLANXEO, this key ratio was EUR 925 million in 2017. 

The Group will specify its earnings guidance together with the announcement of its first quarter figures. The quarterly statement will be published on May 4, 2018.ENDS

 

The All India Gem & Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC) announces Manthan Gems & Jewellery Conclave 2018 on April 5- 6, 2018

MUMBAI (HPN) : (L-R): Mr Ashok Minawala, Past Chairman, Mr Manoj Kumar Jha, Director and Convener, Manthan and Mr Saiyam Mehra, Director, from All India Gem and Jewellery Domestic Council, addressing at a press conference today in Mumbai to announce “Manthan Gems & Jewellery Conclave 2018”.

Mumbai, March 27, 2018 (HPN) : The All India Gem & Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC), formerly known as All India Gems & Jewellery Trade Federation (GJF), announced Manthan Gems & Jewellery Conclave 2018 on April 5- 6 at Hotel Sahara Star, Mumbai. Leading and notable luminaries from various walks of life will share their views on varied topics like Leadership is about creating leaders, Creating a lasting brand, Disruptive innovation – impact on a brand, From good to great, The changing dimension of women entrepreneurship, Gen next of jewellery, Ethics and business, The business of luxury, Design through inspiration, The changing dimension of technology, the IPO journey – creating value that lasts. With speakers like Shri Saurav Ganguly (legendary cricketer), Shri Manoj Dwivedi (Jt. Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, Government of India), Industrialist Shri Suresh Narayanan, CMD, Nestle, Shri Vivek Chaand Sehgal, Chairman Motherson Sumi Systems, Shri Devendra Shah, CMD Gowardhan, Shri Shriprakash Shukla from Mahindra & Mahindra group, Sudhanshu Mittal, Director, Nasscom, Asher O., MD, Malabar Besides, Abhishek Lodha, MD, Lodha Group, Gaurav Singh Kushwaha, CEO, Bluestone, Suvanker Sen, ED, Senco Gold, Fara Khan Ali, Designer.

GJC’s Manthan 2018 conclave is one of its kind initiative for the benefit of the Gems and jewellery industry. Participants will know the insights about how to grow business while learning the ways and means to implement and successfully execute it to earn multiple benefits. It is an annual platform for knowledge sharing and the flagship event will help in promoting a common platform to share expertise & knowledge. The conclave will set the 2025 Growth Vision for India’s gems & jewellery sector, a one-of-its-kind initiative, which will provide insights to jewellers about how to grow their diverse businesses in a sustainable manner; implement and successfully execute their strategies to earn multiple benefits. Major topics to be deliberated at the conclave are “Winning the new age customers”, “Generation next Jewellery sector-Growth without losing your essence”, “Woman make better entrepreneurs-A perspective” and “Challenges and opportunities in brand building”.

Mr. Nitin Khandelwal, Chairman, GJC, said, “With Manthan 2018, we shall launch our vision 2025 program for the indigenous gems & jewellery sector. India’s gems and jewellery business is a sterling example of Make-in-India contributing around 7% of the country’s GDP. It provides jobs to more than 46 lakh people of the country, thus making significant contribution to the country’s socio-economic framework. Manthan 2018 will be the first amongst many more by GJC to usher in a new phase of evolution for Indian jewellers.”

Mr. Manoj Kumar Jha, Convenor-Manthan, GJC, said, “An event of the sheer scale, magnitude and ambition of Manthan has never been conceived or witnessed ever before in India. The best Indian brains from all walks of life will win the hearts, minds and souls of participating jewellers by sharing invaluable pearls of wisdom. Manthan 2018 will help jewellers to march towards building organized sustainable businesses with standardized systems and processes. It will help them cope up with the challenges of the changing mindsets of ever evolving consumers; and help gems & jewellery sector entrepreneurs build more complaint, transparent and professional enterprises.”

Mr. Shaankar Sen, Jt. Convenor-Manthan, GJC, said, “GJC is an elite and apex body of the country and have firmly stood over the years for industry’s issues and challenges. GJC has also been serving as a bridge between the Government and the trade, and undertaking various initiatives on behalf of and for the industry. Through Manthan 2018, GJC also seeks to ignite the gems and jewellery industry to transform businesses and double earnings in the next five years.”

All India Gems & Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC) is an apex and responsible body for the domestic Gems & Jewellery Industry since 2005.  As a self-regulated trade body, GJC since the last 13 years has been serving as a bridge between the Government and trade as well as undertaking various initiative on behalf of and for the industry. It represents over 4,00,000 players comprising manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, distributors, laboratories, gemmologists, designers and allied services to the domestic gems & jewellery industry. The gems & jewellery industry is a hand crafted and labour intensive with over 1 crore strong labour force directly and indirectly engaged in the jewellery manufacturing industry in the domestic sector. It adopts 360 degree approach to promote and protect the industry interest.

GJC also initiates various promotional activities to further retail businesses as well as manufacturing segments through various dedicated platforms designed for the purpose. With the view to develop skills, promote entrepreneurship and expand career opportunities, GJC undertakes various educational programmes for skills upgrade of artisans, retail segment, etc., offers sponsorship to deserving design students and works closely with various gem and jewellery institutes to encourage talent and facilitates opening up of opportunities for an emerging workforce.

GJC also undertakes various CSR activities on behalf of the industry workers to promote and ensure safe and secure working environment for its large workforce.ENDS

Thomas Cook India Launches Hello Series-a One Week Getaway featuring a single standalone destination

Mr. Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa & Passport / HPN

Mumbai,  March 26,  2018 (HPN) : Thomas Cook (India) Ltd., India’s leading integrated travel and travel related financial services company, has introduced a unique “Hello Series” portfolio of group holidays offering an in-depth exposure to a standalone exotic destination- at an affordable price point.

India’s group travellers are coming of age and Thomas Cook India’s consumer analytics has revealed two interesting trends from its group traveller segment: a significant and rising demand (over 36%) for mono-destination itineraries that explore a destination in-depth as against ticking off multiple  bucket-list destinations in a single trip. In addition, the company’s data also highlights an increasing preference among India’s group travellers for fresh, new and exotic destinations.

Thomas Cook India’s Hello Series was hence conceptualized as a weeklong getaway for travellers wanting to discover the nuances of exotic destinations at leisure, along with the comfort/reassurance and affordability of an escorted group tour.

An important differentiator that the Hello Series offers travellers is the flexibility/freedom to top up the tour’s basic sightseeing with additional sightseeing elements/experiences, based on their specific interests/preferences.

The all-inclusive Hello Series (accommodation, airfare ex Mumbai, meals, visa & sightseeing) are attractively priced, starting from Rs. 56,500. The unique international destinations featured include Portugal, Russia, Japan, Azerbaijan, Ukraine, Armenia, Greece, Namibia and Kazakhstan.

The packages are available across Thomas Cook India’s omni-channel network: its online platforms (mobile & website), call centers & extensive offline outlets.

Mr. Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa & Passport Services said, “While India’s new age travellers are hungry to explore different facets of a single destination and at their own pace, they also need the reassurance of an experienced tour manager with the added comfort of a group tour. Our Hello Series will do all this and more—with unique flexibility of top-up sightseeing tours, and all of this at attractive price points!”

He added, “This unique tour package “The Hello Series” provides our customers with the opportunity to discover unknown lands, make friends with new people and spread more Hello’s around the globe.” ENDS. 

LANXESS India showcases its latest innovations for paint and coating industry

Mumbai, , 2018 (HPN) : German based specialty chemicals company LANXESS is presenting its comprehensive product portfolio for the paint and coatings industry at the exhibition Paint India 2018 from March 8 to 10, 2018 at Bombay Exhibition Centre, Goregaon, Mumbai.

The products showcased include the high-performance pigments from the lightfast, weather-stable and chemical-resistant Bayferrox^® and Colortherm^® lines, the organic and inorganic pigment preparations Levanyl^® and Levanox^® and the extensive Preventol^® and Biox^® range of biocides.

Inorganic Pigments – Premium chemistry for coatings

At the exhibition, LANXESS showcased the whole color range of iron oxide and chromium oxide pigments, and exhibited its sustainable, innovative solutions. The products of the Inorganic Pigments business unit (IPG) – marketed under the well-known brand names Bayferrox^® and Colortherm^® – cater to the paint and coatings, construction plastics and paper industries.

The paint and coatings market is very important for LANXESS as it is one of the fastest growing applications for the company’s specialty products. The ongoing urbanization in India creates a growing demand for the coatings industry.

High-quality pigments from LANXESS’ Inorganic Pigments business unit offer not only outstanding light fastness, high tinting strength, color consistency and weather stability but also an unmatched dispersibility.

New generation of iron oxide red pigments on the market

IPG is introducing its new product range of red iron oxide pigments.  The new grades, Bayferrox^® 510, Bayferrox TP 5278 and Bayferrox TP 5279, satisfy demand for more yellow-shade red pigments.  At the same time, they are produced by the Ningbo process, a uniquely sustainable manufacturing method based on patented technology, that meets the most stringent environmental standards.

Performance-wise, the new red grades meet the high standards of the well-known Bayferrox^® brand and provide unique benefits for paints and coatings producers.  Some of those product characteristics include high chromaticity and tinting strength; good optical appearance with respect to gloss and haze; and optimized milling parameters for easy dispersability even at low shear energy input.  Additionally, the Ningbo process significantly reduces the residual, water-soluble salt content of the pigments, making them suitable for corrosion-resistant coatings.

Speaking on LANXESS’s presence at the exhibition, Pradeep Kumar, Head of Indian Sub-Continent and ASEAN Region in the Business Unit Inorganic Pigments at LANXESS India Private Ltd. said, “With high performance grades Bayferrox^® and Colortherm^®, we provide a reliable and highly innovative basis to our customers, allowing them more efficient and sustainable processing for their high quality products. Paint India is an important platform and channel of communication for informing our customers and sales agencies in the coatings industry of new product developments.”

Colorants for a broad range of applications

The LANXESS RheinChemie business unit is presenting its products Levanyl^® and Levanox^®. Levanyl^® products are aqueous, solvent-free organic pigments which are lightfast, and possess high brilliance and noted above all for their fine dispersion and high transparency. Whereas Levanox^® is a family of aqueous, solvent-free inorganic pigment preparations, comprising selected high-grade inorganic pigments, which can be used in paints & coatings and detergents.

Sriganesh U P, General Manager India in the RheinChemie business in it added, “This exhibition is a great opportunity to showcase our quality products Levanyl® and Levanox®. We are well equipped to address market requirements stemming from the rapid urbanization in India.”

Biocides for paints and coatings

Rapid industrialization, economic activity and rising demand from urbanization especially the construction applications are driving demand for paints and coatings. As one of the leading manufacturers of biocidal active ingredients and biocide formulations, the LANXESS Material Protection Products business unit (MPP) offers a comprehensive range of products for the paints and coatings industry.

Along with outstanding technical service, the LANXESS Preventol^® biocides for coatings fulfill the key demands placed on such products: low toxicity, non-VOC (volatile organic compounds), non FA, cost-effectiveness and compatibility with other components of the coating. These products do not only preserve the good appearance of facades or patios, for example, but also safeguard the value of these objects in the long term.

Dr. Oliver Kretschik, Vice President Business Line Biocides in the Material Protection Products business unit said, “The Asian market has been growing at an exponential rate and has shown great potential for biocide products. LANXESS is the largest provider of biocides in India, and our Preventol^® line of products is equipped to cater to the growing demand of the large biocides market in the country.”ENDS

Over 450 brands to showcase at the 14th edition of Gem & Jewellery India International Exhibition (GJIIE) in Chennai

South India’s Mega B2B Gem and Jewellery Extravaganza by MJDMA and UBM India

Chennai, 12th  March, 2018 (HPN) : Madras Jewellers and Diamond Merchants Association (MJDMA) and UBM India are set to bring back the mega B2B show-  the Gem & Jewellery India International Exhibition ( GJIIE ) at the Chennai Trade Centre from 23^rd – 25^th March 2018. The fair is recognised as an integral part of the jewellery sector by associations and the industry at large, with support from eminent associations namely, MJDMA & Supported by 310 Trade Associations & Bodies.

The three-day expo which will be represented by over 325 exhibitors, will showcase the latest trends in this gleaming domain. The GJIIE continues to attract well-reputed local and overseas buyers, reinforcing the expo’s position as a proven and trusted sourcing hub for the industry.

The upcoming show will see jewellery wholesalers, retailers, importers and exporters, jewellery manufacturers, diamond, gemstone, pearl suppliers and traders, precious metal and jewellery mounting traders and suppliers, machinery manufacturers and representative from trade and governmental organisations, come under one roof to meet, connect, network and grow their business.  In addition to Tier I, II and III cities in India, the exhibition will have delegate representation from Malaysia, Singapore, Middle East and Asian countries, thus substantiating the international reach and presence of GJIIE 2018.

 This year the expo will witness participation by leading players from Chennai, Coimbatore, Bangalore, Kerala, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Delhi,  to name a few. Some of the exhibitor names includeEmerald Jewel Industry, Laxmi Jewellery, Jai Gulab Dev Jewellers, Prakash Gold Palace, Mohanlal Jewellers, J C Jewellers, RKR Gold, Rasi Jewellery, white Fire Diamonds, Peeyar Manufacturers, Angel Gold, Emy Exports, Mukti Gold, Chain N Chains, Swarn Shilpi Chains, Unique Chains, Sangam Jewels, Shanti Gold International, Matushree Gold, Anmol Swarn, Zar Jewels, Lotus Jewellery, Charbhuja Jewels, Ambika Jewels, Manak Jewellers, J K S Jewels, Damara Gold, Raia Jewels, M B Jewellers, Shringar House of Mangalsutra, Royal Chains, Shree Raj Jewellers, Pure Platinum, Jewel Park, Derewala Industries, Guru Kripa Jewellers, D Gem Mount, Navkar Sterling, ACPL Jewels, S K Jewels, D N Jewels, Sterling Ornaments, Classic Ornaments, Glitiani, Suman, Bijoux Argent, J P Jewellery, MRK Gold and MRK Silver, Arihant Mangal Silver, M M Gold Palace, Vithraag Jewels, Rajat Emporium, Om Ganesh Jewellers , Ashlyn Chemmunnoor Instruments, S R Scales, GIA, Shree Raj Marketing, ACZET, and Fischer Measurement Technologies, amongst others.

The key highlights of the expo include seminars by acknowledged thought leaders in the industry on topics such as “Spotlight on Synthetics” by GIA, “Role of MSME in Jewellery Sector”, “About Diamonds” by HRD, “Advance Technology in jewellery manufacturing” by Gold smith Academy, to name a few. The expo will also feature a ‘Hall of Fame’, an ‘Innovation gallery’ & an ‘Artisan’s Zone’ with a display of unique products, live jewellery making , miniatures and a Jewellery costume made from precious metals and gem stones.

Mirroring the personality of modern women themselves, jewellery choices are becoming increasingly distinct and personal. GJIIE has been an instrumental platform in analysing these trends and encouraging the leading and emerging players of the gems and jewellery industry to reach out to a huge number of domestic as well as international visitors with their premium collections. The expo will showcase heritage jewellery that includes Temple Nakshi Jewellery, Stone Studded Jewellery, and Bridal Jewellery such as Manga Malai, Kasu Mala, and Pachhi Designs modified by contemporary touch. The show will also display CZ Jewellery, Casting Jewellery, Hollow chains, exclusive Men’s jewellery and seasonal trending jewellery such as pearls, multi layered neckpieces, arm cuffs, bejewelled brooches to name a few.

Speaking on the announcement of the 14^thedition of the expo, Mr. Jayantilal Challani, President, MJDMA said, “The Gems and Jewellery sector plays a significant role in the Indian economy, contributing around 7 per cent of the country’s GDP and 15.71 per cent to India’s total merchandise exports. It also employs over 4.64 million workers. One of the fastest growing sectors, it is extremely export oriented and labour intensive. The market in India is also home to more than 5,00,000 players, with the majority being small players. GJIIE is an initiative by the trade and for the trade. We are delighted to see that the expo has participation from the deep interiors of the country, including Tier II and Tier III towns.”

Speaking on GJIIE, Mr. Rajesh Vummidi, Chairman, GJIIE said, “ With the overwhelming response received during our last edition in October 2017, the forthcoming 14th edition of GJIIE is going to be a bigger affair with great business opportunities. As organizers, MJDMA and UBM India have always aimed at getting the best clientele to participate in GJIIE through constant promotions and great road shows held in major cities as well as in Tier II and Tier III towns.”

Speaking on the announcement of GJIIE 2018,Mr. Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, UBM India said, “Gems & Jewellery industry has acquired prominence over the years in the country, given its dual utility of improving aesthetics as well as investment. Jewellery always had a cultural connect owing to the diversity of the country and thus its usage is rooted in geographical traditions. South India continues to be the leading consumer of gold within the country. The region has an enviable legacy in ornaments that will be showcased at the expo along with more contemporary trends of 2018. Consumers are seeking new, bespoke designs and the organised jewellers are able to fulfil their expectations better than local unorganised players.  UBM India’s endeavour through GJIIE 2018 is to support the established and upcoming centers of excellence in jewellery in the Southern region.”

UBM has been an integral part of the jewellery industry for nearly three decades, organizing similar renowned jewellery fairs worldwide. GJIIE is one of the four-city jewellery shows (Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad and Delhi) hosted throughout the year by UBM India. Spread across five halls, the expo will feature category-wise pavilions such as Elite pavilion, Gold pavilion, Silver & Gemstone pavilion and will also have a Machinery & Allied section.ENDS