The Hindu Business Line : Keltron arms record 14 pc rise in production

THE five component manufacturing subsidiaries of Kerala State Electronics Development Corporation (Keltron) have recorded an overall production growth of 14 per cent in 2003-04.

The flagship Keltron Component Complex Ltd (KCCL) at Kannur achieved 13 per cent market share in the country in aluminium electrolytic capacitors during the year. Out of a market of 1,500 million capacitors, its share accounted for 204.5 million capacitors, according to Mr V. Ramkumar, Chairman, Keltron.

The turnover of KCCL showed a marginal increase of three per cent despite an average price fall of nearly eight per cent during the year. It was Rs 31.08 crore against Rs 30.14 crore in the previous year. After contributing Rs 6.2 crore to the exchequer, the company broke even during the year.

The other component manufacturing subsidiaries of Keltron, with a total investment of Rs 32 crore, posted a combined turnover of Rs 39.21 crore compared to Rs 38.72 crore. Of them, Keltron Magnetics Ltd, Kannur, producing polyester capacitors, improved its performance by 15 per cent with a turnover of Rs 2.95 crore.

Keltron Crystals Ltd, manufacturing piezo electric crystals and lead tabs, registered a turnover of Rs 1.08 crore. However, Keltron Resistors conceded a negative growth of 35 per cent in terms of turnover on account of about 50 per cent fall in price and 30 per cent increase in the cost of inputs, Mr Ramkumar said.

Keltron Electro Ceramics Ltd, Kuttipuram, too, succumbed to market pressure with the result that its turnover declined by 11 per cent from Rs 3.85 crore to Rs 3.4 crore.

As part of entering new business areas, KCCL is looking at high temperature class and long life capacitors in the automobile segment. Keltron Electro Ceramics has already diversified into NTC thermistors, metal oxide varistors, buzzers, electronic flashers and surge protectors. The company has also developed transducers with the support of National Physical Oceanographic Laboratory.

More Stories on : Performance | Electronics | Kerala

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page