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| Varghese Thomas, Cryptams Confectioners, Thodupuzha |
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For the last 10 years or so, the cost of a toffee has remained steady at 50 paise. Keeping this price constant in the face of increasing cost of production as well as competition from multinationals is a rare feat that Cryptams Confectioners is doing.
According to Varghese Thomas, one of the 11 expatriates working in Saudi Arabia who thought of starting a confectionary unit, the secret of success is in the united and innovative effort by native industries. The company, which started operations in 1987 at Kanjirampara Road, Thodupuzha, has done just this. Soon after starting production and marketing its candies, toffees and other items, the company became the number three in the market. After diversifications into biscuit manufacturing and value added products, it is now able to export its products to the US and the Gulf besides other states of India.
The company which directly employs 350 workers, has been the recipient of many awards like Keral State Productivity Council award, FACT M,K.K.Nair Productivity award, Alappuzha District Small Scale Industries award, performance award of Central Excise and Customs etc. According to Thomas, the history of companies like these is a fitting reply to those who argue that Kerala is not the right destination for entrepreneurs. He reveals that being a man of the rural background has helped him a lot in his endeavour.
The united vision of the 6 directors and the broad awareness of the workers have together resulted in success of the company. However, Thomas is quick to add that success is to be judged by the criterion of at least a lifetime achievement.
Courtesy: M.K.Rajasekharan, Mathrubhumi, March 24, 2003
Contributed by: Administrator
