News

Chellarams and Woolworths Announces Joint Venture Business in Nigeria

Written by Balendran MidhushaanMarch 5, 2013
Chellarams and Woolworths Announces Joint Venture Business in Nigeria 

 Date: March 5, 2013

One of Nigeria’s long standing business giants and leading conglomerates, Chellarams Plc, has just entered into a joint venture business partnership with Woolworths, South Africa. The partnership which resulted in the establishment of Woolworths Retail Stores Nigeria Limited was consummated recently at the Isolo office of Chellarams Plc, with the signing of the memorandum of understanding and other necessary documents.

Woolworths Retail Stores Nigeria Limited is set to commence business in Nigeria with the planned opening of 3 stores in Nigeria in December 2011. In addition, and as a futuristic agenda, 7 more stores would be added to its chain of stores in the next three years; making a total of 10. The first 3 stores will be located in the Palms Shopping Mall in Victoria Island, the new Ikeja City Mall and Polo Park Shopping Mall, Enugu.

Speaking to gentlemen of the press after pens were put to paper by both parties, the Woolworths Divisional Executive: International, Mr John Fraser and the Group Managing Director of Chellarams, Mr Suresh Chellaram, expressed their confidence in the joint venture investment between Woolworths and Chellarams Plc in Nigeria. This confidence stems from the fact that Nigeria has a large population, with growing middle class and upper income groups, as well as the development of retail shopping centres.

“Our joint venture means we can deliver to customers the best retail offering possible tailored to local market needs. Our partners bring knowledge of local trading conditions and we bring the quality, value, innovation and fashion our South African customers know and appreciate. It’s the best of both worlds,” said Mr. John Fraser.

Woolworths has refined and improved its merchandise offering for customers in selected African countries. Customers can now look forward to a larger selection of fashion and general merchandise that suits their needs. These includes formal wear, casual wear, beauty products and home furnishings that are fashionable and trendy for men and women and children.

Woolworths is one of the largest chains of retail stores in South Africa with over 350 stores and a turnover of over $ 4 billion. Woolworths South Africa, which opened for business in 1931, is affiliated with Marks and Spencer of United Kingdom. It aims to open a further sixteen (16) stores in African countries this year; taking the total number of stores to sixty (60) in the current financial year. It currently operates stores in the following ten (10) African countries: Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho, Swaziland, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Mozambique.

Chellarams Plc, which was established in Nigeria in 1923, is a diversified organisation with operations in wholesale & distribution, manufacturing, engineering, tourism, quick-service restaurants and power generation. Chellarams partnership with Woolworths is another milestone in its effort at diversification, as well as fulfilling its vision of providing competitive products and services in every home in Nigeria and beyond.

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Chellarams Receives NIS, ISO Certification

Written by Balendran MidhushaanMarch 5, 2013
Chellarams Receives NIS, ISO Certification 

 Date: March 5, 2013

In recognition of Chellarams Plc trademark of high quality goods and services to customers as well as its contribution to the Nigerian economy, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has presented the Certificate of NIS ISO 9001: 2008 to the company.
The firm has therefore joined the elite club of International standard Organisation (ISO) certified companies in Nigeria.

At the presentation ceremony which took place at Chellarams’ compound in Lagos last week, the Director-General of SON, Dr. Joe Odumodu, lauded the firm’s commitment to providing quality management system and products required by international standards, which basically led to the certification award.

He noted that the company was certified as a result of its conformity to the laid down rules strictly followed it. “This is an indication that you are living up to expectation, and have been consistent in keeping the standard which culminated in the approval of the certificate of NIS ISO by SON,” he said.
Odumodu, who was represented by the Executive Director, Laboratory Service of SON, Louis Njoku, at the ceremony however urged the company not to relent in its effort to uphold the quality management process which prompted the award of the certificate.

The SON boss hinted that Chellarams was now in the league of firms with improved quality game by upgrading from SON MANCAP certification to the internationally recognised ISO 9001:2008 certification.

According to him, “By this achievement, this company has joined the lofty class of Quality Management System certified companies in Nigeria. This is a great stride in pursuit of excellence to provide quality products to consumers and this is worthy of commendation by well-meaning business community; on this note, I salute you on this milestone achievement.

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News

Chellarams, Woolworths, Float N700m Firm new

Written by Balendran MidhushaanMarch 3, 2013
Chellarams, Woolworths, Float N700m Firm 

 Date: March 5, 2013

One of Nigeria’s long-standing conglomerated listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Chellarams Plc, has signed a joint venture business partnership with Woolworths of South Africa to establish Woolworth Retail Stores Nigeria Limited.

Both firms would be injecting N700 million into the Nigerian economy through the new company that will begin with three stores in December.

The three stores would be located in Palms Shopping Mall, Victoria Island; Ikeja City Mall, Lagos;  and Polo Park Shopping Mall, Enugu respectively.
Woolworth is a South Africa with large chains of retail  stores  and has 350 stores and  turnover of $4 billion.

On the other hand, Chellarams, which was established  in Nigeria in 1923, is a diversified organisation with operations in wholesale & distribution, manufacturing, engineering, tourism, quick-service restaurants and power generation.

The joint venture was consummated last week with the signing of the memorandum of understanding in Lagos.

Speaking   about the deal, the Woolworths  Divisional Executive, International, Mr. John Fraser and Group Managing Director of Chellarams, Mr. Suresh Chellaram, expressed confidence in the joint venture.

“Our joint venture means we can deliver to customers the best retail offering possible tailored to local market needs. Our partners bring knowledge of local trading conditions and we bring the quality, value, innovation and fashion our South Africa customers know and appreciate. It is the best of both worlds,” Fraser said.

He added that  the company was confident of  its  investment  in Nigeria and was very pleased with  the growth prospects of the Nigerian market.

“The country has a large population with significant and growing middle-and-upper income groups. We have found the right partner in Chellarams to grow the Woolworths brand in Nigeria,” he stated.

According to him, joint ventures with local partners, such as Chellarams, were the new business model for Woolworths’ expansion plans in other African countries. “We have moved away from the franchise model we had in some African countries. It is not only a better profit model for Woolworths, but it is also better for customers,” Fraser said.
On his part, Chellaram said the joint venture was another milestone in the company’s efforts to diversify.

“We are excited that we are bringing Woolworths back to Nigeria. We had won the franchise in 2002 but later shut down due to import restriction. But now we have joint venture, which is a better arrangement. Customers can now look forward to a larger selection of fashion and general merchandise that suit their needs. These include formal wear, casual wear, beauty products and home furnishing that are fashionable and trendy for men and women and children,” Chellaram said.

He disclosed that apart from the three stores the company would begin operations with,  seven more stores would be added to the chain of stores in next three years.

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Press Release

Chellarams Receives NIS, ISO Certification – THISDAY

Written by Balendran MidhushaanDecember 24, 2012
Chellarams Receives NIS,ISO Certification – THISDAY
Date: December 24, 2012

The standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) has presented the certificate of NIS ISO 9001: 2008 to Chellarams Plc, in recognition of the company’s trademark of high quality goods and services to customers as well as its contribution to the economy. The firm has thus joined the elite cub of international Standard Organization (ISO) certified companies in Nigeria.

At the presentation ceremony, which took place in Lagos the Director General of SON, Dr. Joe Odumodu lauded the firm’s commitment o providing quality management systems and products required by international standard which basically led to the certification  award. He noted that the company was certified as a result of its conformity to the laid-down rules. This is an indication that you are  living up o expectation, and have consistent in Keeping the standard which culminated in the approval of the certificate of NIS ISO by SON,” h said.

Odumodu, ho was represented at the ceremony by the Executive Director, Laboratory Service of SON, Louis Njoku, urged the company not to relent in its effort to uphold the quality management process which promoted the award of the certificate. The SON boss hinted that Chellarams was now in the league of firms with improved quality game by upgrading from SON MANCAP certification to the internationally recognized.

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Press Release

Firms Partner To Promote Cycling In Nigeria – The Guardian

Written by Balendran MidhushaanDecember 19, 2012
Firms Partner To Promote Cycling In Nigeria – The Guardian            
Date: December 19, 2012

In a bid to re-awaken  cycling Nigerians Chellarams Plc has collaborated with ?Y-Media Global Brands Communication Limited to sage this year’s Y-Media Park N Ride charity bicycle ride in Lagos. The 15-kilometre event, which held recently in the Ikeja axis of the state, saw over 200 participants, including children and adults, riding from Alausa through Alln Avenue, Opebi Kudirat Abiola  and Ikosi Roads before terminating at the take-off point in Alausa.

Speaking at event, the Group Information Officer, Chellarams Plc, Dr. Harbahjah Batth, pledged his company’s continued support, nothing that his firm has been part of the cycling fiesta since 2010 when it debuted and had committed over 2 million both in cash N2 million both in cash and material to its successful hosting in the past three years.

To the group’s chief Operating Officer, Sanjay Pradhan support for the event was reiterated, adding that Chellarams Plc was sponsoring the yearly cycling exercise owning to its attendant benefits of keeping Nigerians fit and preventing the environment from the emissions of carbon monoxide, Commissioner for Transportation, Kayode Opeifa while commending the organizers and sponsors and sponsors, disclosed that the state government would soon introduce dedicated lane for bicycle riders to encourage more people to imbibe the habit of cycling as obtained in Asia.

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Press Release

Chellarams Bags ISO Certification – The Guardian

Written by Balendran MidhushaanDecember 19, 2012
Chellarams Bags ISO Certification – The Guardian   
Date: December 19, 2012

The standards organization of Nigeria (SON) has awarded Chellarams Plc the NISD ISO 9001:2008 Management System certification.

With the new development the food and chemical divisions of the group have now been internationally certified. Presenting the certificate to the company’s Chairman, Asiwaju Solomon Onafowokan, in Lagos at the weekend, Son’s Director General, Dr. Joseph Odumodu, who lauded the firm for the feat of bagging the award at the first attempt, tasked it on sustaining the quality which the brand had been identified, nothing that quality which the brand had been identified noting that quality is a moving target. Represented by the organization’s Executive Director, Laboratory Services, Mr. Louis Njoku, Odumodu reminded  the company that the award  was not a fait accomplish as it is subjected to six-month audits to ensure compliance with provisions of the certification, warnings that it could be withdrawn in the face of  intractable infractions and non-conformities.

He said: The relevance of quality management in the current competitive market environment cannot be overemphasized. The NIS ISO9001: 2008 Quality Management System approach provides a globally recognized and acceptable solution to the challenges associated with quality management.

The system has been placed on six monthly surveillance audit to ensure continuing suitability and effectiveness of the implementation of the quality management system. In the cause f the audit exercises, where non-conformities are observed and effectively corrected within specified time frame, the system will retain the certificate. However, the certificate. However, the certificate will be withdrawn if the structures in the place for certifications break down and necessary actions are not taken on observed non-conformances, Odomodu cautioned.

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Press Release

Chellarams Supports Seeing Is Believing Project – Business Day

Written by Balendran MidhushaanDecember 16, 2012
Chellarams Supports Seeing Is Believing Project – Business Day            

 Date: December 16, 2011

Chellarams recently reached out to the blind in the society by making a N1.5 million donation to support the seeing is Believing project. This they did at a fund raising programme organized by Standard Chartered, dedicated to raise fund raising fund for the blind in the society for the purpose of fighting against the scourge of blindness in Nigeria, as well as to help ameliorate the plight of the visually impaired in the society.

Peaking at the 2011 version of walk for standard; tagged Seeing is Believing, the group chief information Chellarams Plc, Harbanjan Batth, reiterated the commitment of Chellarams towards supporting any course that is geared towards alleviation the plight of the less privileged n the society.

According to Barth, we are a responsible corporate organisation, ready and willing to alleviate the sufferings of the less. privileged In the society. In a bid to actualizing this purpose  are ready to partner any individual, group or company, to help the disadvantaged People in the society.

Chellarams is a regular Contributor to the walk for sight project and has al ways been supporting the Standard Chattered bank.

This years walk for sight involved one thousand (1,000) participant engaged in a 4- kilometre walk within Victoria islan

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Press Release

Chellarams Supports Standard Chartered Fund Raising For The Blind – Business Day

Written by Balendran MidhushaanOctober 17, 2012
Chellarams Supports Standard Chartered Fund Raising For The Blind – Business Day  
Date: October 17, 2012

Chellarams in its usual responsive and collaborative approach towards ameliorating the problems and challenges faced by the less privileged in the society recently supported the seeing is believing fund raising walk organized by the Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Limited with a seven hundred and fifty thousand Naira donation to the course of the visually impaired in Nigeria.

Speaking at this years event that took place in Lagos, on Saturday the 13th of October 2012, the group chief information officer of Chellarams Plc, Harbbahjan bath, emphasized the commitment of Chellarams to the annual walk for the blind fund raising project. Furthermore, he promised that Chellarams Plc, as a regular contributor would not renege on its resolve to always support any course that would support any course that would alleviate the plight of the blind and other less privileged in the society. He described Chellarams as a responsible corporate citizen that is ready to partner with any corporate body in any effort geared at making the society a better place; even in this era of economic downturn and quagmire.

The seeing is believes project, is a Standard Chartered Bank initiative to help tackle avoidable blindness in communities around the world; including Nigeria.

This annual fund raising for the blind has been held in Nigeria in the last seven years. This years event saw close to about one thousand (1,000) participants engaged in a 4 kilometer walk from Bishop Oluwole through Adeola Odeku and Back to the starting point.

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Press Release

Chellarams Unveils New Diary Product – The Guardian

Written by Balendran MidhushaanAugust 1, 2012
Chellarams Unveils New Diary Product – The Guardian        

Date: August 1, 2012

Chellarams Plc, has introduced into the market a diary product known as real Butter Oil.

With the unveiling of its latest product the group, which is fast becoming a one-stop shop for diary products, has equally avowed commitment for quality and real value for any products coming under its stable.

Speaking at the product’s launch in Lagos recently, the group’s Chief Information Officer, Dr. Harbhajan Batth said the move was aimed at satisfying the needs of consumers in Nigeria, as well as fulfilling the company’s vision of making available its products and services in every home in Nigeria and beyond.

He expressed the determination of the group to make the new diary product a household name and encouraged Nigerian to consume butter oil is a good source of milk, specially for lactose intolerant people and pregnant women. Butter oil stimulates the secretion of stomach acids to help with digestion and in the maintenance and repairs of the mucus lining of the stomach. In addition to its nutritional value, it is rich in antioxidants and helps in absorption of vitamins and minerals from other foods.

Furthermore, butter oil is known to promote all three aspects of mental function learning, memory and recall.

He continued, butter oil has a longer shelf life and does not need to be stored under refrigerated condition.

Butter oil or Ghee as it is known in India, is not common in Nigeria, although a form of it known as Mai Shanu could be found in the northern part of the country, However butter oil is a class of clarified butter that originated from South Asia.

The launched product is packed in plain transparent 500 grammes vacuum bags. Other dairy products marketed by Chellarams include Oldburger milk powder, Oldburger UHT milk and Oldburger cheese. The rest are Real milk powder. Real butter, Real cheese and the newly introduced Regal filled milk powder.

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Press Release

Chellarams Supports Ymedia Do Green Initiative – Business Day

Written by Balendran MidhushaanMay 3, 2012
Chellarams Supports Ymedia Do Green Initiative – Business Day           

 Date: May 3, 2012

The campaign for a greener and cleaner environment in Nigeria and the world over, is gradually receiving the attention of both the public and private sectors of the Nigerian economy. This was evident at the recently held Lagos energy seminar, organized by Ymedia, in partnership with its public and private partners, including Chellarams Plc.

The event which took place of Friday, April 13,2012 in Lagos, witnessed the presentation of interesting and educative papers by speakers from both government and private sector, namely P. Okonji, director of power, Lagos Ministry of minerals of Transportation, Lagos, Onimisi Adaba, Head of station, Staem Broadcasting Communication, Taiwo Adewole, environmental consultant anger, Tetra pack west Africa and Abbisola Aworinde medical director, May Clinics.

One poof the speqkers, Harbhanjan Batth, the group chief information officer of Chellarams Plc, who spoke on partnering with a green initiative.

In his presentation, Batth traced the history of  bicycle to the early  days when it was a major means of transportation before the advent of automobile, due to technological advancement. This he said affected he Nigerian bicycle industry, reducing the numbers of bicycles riders in Nigeria from 2million to 0.2million.

However he believes that the trend is gradually changing, with many people all over cycling because of its numerous benefits, which include the reduction in the amount of carbon monoxide emitted into the environment. He also stated the health benefits of riding bicycles to include: cardiovascular fitness, balance and flexibility of the body, endurance and stamina, stress relive and burning of excess calories.

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