Absorbing an alternative opportunity different from their existing Gold Jewellery business, Marudhar Plywood, Bangalore incepted their wood panel business in the year 1976. They always believe to work with the best brand and quality products. They are associated with SUNMICA since last 40 years, which has given them an advantage to grow and build reputation instantly during the beginning of growing times of their firm. The Ply Reporter talked to the promoter of Marudhar Plywood Mr. Mukesh Kumar accompanied with his father Mr. Prakash Chand about their incredible journey with AICA Laminates.
When and how did you enter into this business?
We had entered into the business of sales of Plywoods, Laminates & Veneer in the year 1976, as we were looking for an alternative to our existing Gold Jewellery Business.
How far has been your journey with SUNMICA brand?
We are associated with SUNMICA from the very beginning of our business Journey. I have completed over 40 marvelous years of service with this organization. Earlier were days of 1.5 mm thick laminates and all the dealers used to keep stock of that and the margins were better then, but now the business of laminates has changed and is a totally different game altogether.
How did you first come to know about this brand, and how important do you feel the brand SUNMICA has been for your business growth?
We started our business with the intention of keeping only quality and branded products from the day one, hence we started with Sunmica, Formica, Buckingham and Decolam Laminates which were the best brands and quality available in the market those days. Having SUNMICA in our stable has given us an advantage to grow and build reputation instantly during the beginning of growing times of our firm.
What are the best things do you like the most about SUNMICA brand?
The brand SUNMICA is very reputed and well known among the population of India whether young or old, everyone knows SUNMICA, in fact the brand presence and awareness is so strong that many a times people get confused and refer SUNMICA as General /Generic name for Laminate, people always ask for Sunmica first.
How do you find SUNMICA brand after change of hands since 2011?
The SUNMICA brand itself has evolved with many changes from time to time. The company after the change of hands since 2011 is now being owned by the pioneer laminate manufacturer AICA Kogyo Co. Ltd, JAPAN and since AICA has technological advancement in quality process and uses the best raw materials. It keeps on upgrading its range to satisfy the creative urge of Indian Interior Designers.
How important has been a long term association with a brand like SUNMICA for the growth of dealers?
Sunmica as a product and brand has played a crucial & important role in establishing our reputation and good name in the market.
With the changing modern marketing style to offer laminates to market with vibrant colours, textures, schemes, new launches with aggression. In this regard what is your perception about AICA?
In tune to the changing trends contemporary interior designing Aica has been constantly incorporated new variety in its range. Also there is a need for distribution channel incentive / schemes to increase the sales and promote the brand among the dealers and sub-dealers network which we can sure the company shall initiate soon.
Presently, Bangalore is one of the developed cities of India, where the people always look for modern and contemporary interior surface, how do you find brand AICA range in this market trend?
AICA has a decent range, with Japanese prints and textures the range and varieties have become better, it would be great if the entire Japanese prints and textures are introduced in Indian market.
The new varieties in shades and new contemporary designs and prints should be introduced every 6 months to keep up with the market dynamics.
How do you see the future of branded laminates in India post GST?
Market will improve and the costing will come down to make all the laminates priced reasonable.
What do you feel, is the best thing that has been offered by AICA in the last 3 years?
The best thing that has been offered by AICA in the last 3 years is as follows-:
1. Japanese series of textures and prints along with core laminate are best offered in last 3 years.
2. The availability in Bangalore has been excellent due to its large stocks in Bangalore Hub.
According to you what is the advantage of Japanese technology for your customers?
Customers are king, AICA is serving the king with the best of the latest technologies.
In your opinion, what new products should be added by the company in its product package in near future?
Exterior decorative surfaces Cladding and introduction of 7’ x 3’ & 8’ x 3’ Door sizes of laminates, which has a huge potential for Door Market in India.
Over 20 years of glorious service and still continue
Mr. M Rajeev has been associated with brand Sunmica since over 20 years. He began his journey in the company as Sales Executive in the year 1995 and since 2008-2009 he is the Regional Manager, Bangalore Region. He has significantly contributed towards expanding customer the base and network in his region by ensuring excellent customer service and logistic support to southern region from Bangalore Hub.
“Mr. Rajeev has always maintained and followed the ethics & system driven approach in line with objectives of the company.”