Can Akzo Nobel maintain growth in a volatile paint industry? Rajiv Rajgopal answers
«The forex has been relatively stable. So, we have got to see how this navigates. For us, we have got a very clear, focused strategy to deliver growth and be in the top two in incremental growth, as you have seen in the quarter that went by,» says Rajiv Rajgopal, MD, Akzo Nobel India.
Given that crude is such a crucial raw material for you, tell me the dip below 70, how is that impacting your life?
Rajiv Rajgopal: Look, as far as the crude is concerned, the dip had gone down to almost $68. It has come back to 70, so it is a little unpredictable at this point of time. Firstly, whatever little benefits that come, you would see it more accrue in the next quarter and more likely in the fourth quarter if this continues.
So, really early days, remember there are two variables when you look at pricing in the paints and coatings business. You have got crude and you have also got the forex.
The forex has been relatively stable. So, we have got to see how this navigates. For us, we have got a very clear, focused strategy to deliver growth and be in the top two in incremental growth, as you have seen in the quarter that went by.
We are focused on that at this point of time and between all our verticals of paints and coatings, we are trying to make sure we do it. How are we going about it? You may have just read. We have just announced an addition of 5,000 tonne capacity in our Gwalior for our powder business, that is one of our fast growing business and now with the capacity augmented at Gwalior, we should be able to serve
