01-MAY-09
1) Your diversification into geosynthetics is a recent move. What are the factors which influenced you diversify into this new area?
GGPL part of BLISS Group has been in manufacturing of packaging bags for the last 45 years mainly made out of Polypropylene and Polyethylene. After 2 years of in-house research on geosynthetics we felt that there is great potential market for Geosynthetics in various applications mainly in areas like Highways, Coastal Erosion control, Power Projects, Landfills and Irrigation projects.
2) Explain your product portfolio in geosynthetics. Do you have any technical tie up with any other company?
We supply & install the complete range of geosynthetics like Geo-membranes, Geo-textiles, Geo-grids, Geo-nets, Geo-cells, Geo-synthetic Clay Liners, Geo-bags & Geo-composites. We also import from various other manufacturers based on technical grounds. We try to help our clients through our principle manufacturers, associate consultants & institutions.
3) Do you have presence all over India? Which are your major markets?
We have offices at Chennai, Bangalore & Nellore for servicing our clients in South and Mumbai, Delhi for North markets. Landfills are our main market however we have several leads in Highways & Coastal Erosion control projects which has a very high potential.
4 ) In India market for geosynthetics like geotextiles is evolving slowly. What are the steps taken by you to expand the market?
We are working in association with educational institutions, consultants to promote the techno-economic benefits of these products. We provide samples, case studies, project site visits and any other literature to the institutions. There are several organizations like Central Road Research Institute, Central Board of Irrigation & Power, Central Leather Research Institute, Indian Institute of Technology etc recommend and promote the benefits of geosynthetics for various projects.
5) Some manufacturers complain that due to some tax anomalies Indian geosynthetic products (mainly geotextile) are becoming uncompetitive in the market. Do you agree?
Mainly in the area of Non-Woven Geotextile we find very few manufacturers who are able to match the technical parameters as per project requirements due to out-dated technology, huge investments for up-gradation or new machinery and also the market conditions.
6) Please comment on the future prospects of geosynthetics in India.
Recession is going to have impact on Infrastructure projects. But still there will be a good growth in few applications like Canal Linings, Highways, Landfills etc. The success rate will also depend on initiation of various organizations like Central Pollution Control Board, National Highways Authority, Irrigation departments and Municipal Corporations in implementation of geosynthetic products for these projects.
7) What are your future plans?
We are exploring the opportunity of Joint-Ventures & Venture capitalists to expand our market share in the area of geosynthetic projects in India.
Source: http://www.projectvendor.com 
