Balmer Lawrie-Van Leer Ltd - Stock Valuation and Financial Performance

Balmer Lawrie-Van Leer (BLVL) was incorporated in 1960 under the Companies Act, 1956, originally known as Indian Flange & Manufacturing Company and was engaged in the manufacture of Tri-sure closure systems. The name was subsequently changed to Tri-sure India. It was converted into a public limited company in 1975.

With the ownership pattern changing over a period of time, in 1993, Balmer Lawrie & Company and Royal Packaging Industries Vanleer NV emerged as major shareholders either directly or through subsidiary. Consequently the company was formalized as a joint venture between Balmer Lawrie & Company and Royal Packaging Industries Van Leer NV (Van Leer Industrial Packaging -a business of Greif Bros. Corporation, USA) with close to 80% of the equity held by them and the balance with the public.

Consequent to the formation of the joint venture in 1993, the name was also changed to Balmer Lawrie-Van Leer along with expansion of capacity of closure products and addition of new activities such as plastic containers. It went in for a public issue on 26th April 1994. The shares of the company are listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE).

BLVL capitalizes on the strength of both the major promoters to supply to it the necessary know-how, information and data in connection with the manufacture and marketing of its products.

Major promoters of the company:

Balmer Lawrie & Co -- A diversified multi-activity, multi-technology, multi-location conglomerate with interests in Industrial Packaging, Greases & lubricants, Leather & functional chemicals, Turnkey projects, Tea exports, Travel & tourism and Cargo & logistics. It is also the largest manufacturer of mild steel barrels and drums in India with a market share of around 60%.

Royal Packaging Industries Van Leer NV -- A global leader in industrial packaging. In 2001, US based Greif Bros. Corporation acquired Van Leer Industrial from Huhtamaki Van Leer. Greif Bros. Corporation is a global leader in industrial shipping containers and products.

Products:

• Steel Drum Closures -- The Tri-Sure Closure System provides total protection and security for all drum-packaging applications. Besides it acts as a safeguard, reducing the risk of spillage and protecting the environment. 
• Plastic containers -- These containers, ranging from 10 litre to 235 litre, are used primarily in the chemical, lubricants and food processing industries.

It manufactures and exports high density containers like:

• Valerex 20 (V20)
• Valerex 200 (V 200)
• Smart pack
• UniCUBE
• Blow Moulded Container
• Liner
• The Tri-Sure Metel System
• Open Head drum

Manufacturing Facilities:

• It has a Trisure Closure manufacturing plant located at Mahul, Chembur. Manufacturing capacity was expanded in a progressive manner from 4 million sets per annum in 1995 to 15 million in 1999 to meet demand in India and export markets of Middle East and South East Asia. Customers of Trisure Closures are steel drum manufacturers and steel drum users.
• Plastics Division at Turbhe, Navi Mumbai manufactures various packaging products as follows: - Valerex 20 (V20), Valerex 200 (V 200) , Blow Moulded and PAIL (Smarkpack).

Company’s plants are certified by LRQA for ISO-9002 and have evolved efficient systems to ensure a 'continuous improvement' culture. Prompt response to customer complaints assures immediate corrective/preventive action paving the way for a long and mutually beneficial relationship.

In compliance of BASAL II norms the companies Short term and long terms bank facilities have been rated by ICRA Limited and has been assigned 'LBBB+' (L triple B plus) for long term loans and A2 (A four plus) for short term facilities enjoyed from the bank.