SAIL focusing on expanding dealer network in rural India

Rourkela, Feb 25 (PTI) The Steel Authority of IndiaLimited (SAIL) is now giving special emphasis on expanding itsscope of business in rural India, company sources said today.

Towards that aim, SAIL plans to rope in at least twodealers in every district of the country.

To enhance efficiency of its retail activity, they areconcentrating on availability of materials in small customisedlots and bundles, sources said.

To enhance product knowledge and popularise steelconsumption among present and prospective buyers, SAIL hasbeen holding frequent meetings of dealers with masons,structural engineers and architects.

SAIL has also introduced the "exclusive dealer" schemewhich has helped to strengthen the activities of the networkspread across the country. They also plan to opencompany-owned retail shops which will serve as model stores interms of service, products and information.

Over 2500 strong countrywide dealer network ofMaharatna steel company, spread over 635 districts coveringall states and union territories of the country has achieved agrowth rate of 8.7 percent in retail sale during the firstnine months of the current financial year by achieving 5.04lakh tonnes of sales and registering a double digit growth ineastern and northern regions. .