Blue Bird Limited flying to North America

Mumbai, June 28 : Blue Bird (India) Limited, the Pune-based manufacturer of paper-based notebook products, has begun marketing its stationery products to Europe and North American nations.

This follows the Rs 400 crore company's successful venture in sub-Saharan countries of Africa last year in partnership with various international organisations such as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

The company, which is promoted by Nitin Sontakke, has reported increase in export demand for its products by the students from the countries like Ghana, Kenya and South Africa.

''We can provide such materials to other markets, including in Europe and North America, more cost-effectively than local printers in those areas...(and in the process), we will create stronger global brand recognition and greater revenue opportunities both within and outside India,'' according to the draft red herring prospectus (DRHP) filed recently with SEBI.

The company which has the highest market share of 48 per cent in the organised sector of the industry, is keen to expand the opportunities in the domestic market under the Blue Bird brand.

''We are also present and expanding our presence in southern India, including Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu,'' said sources.

BBIL has plans to set up 100 additional regional sales and marketing offices over the next five years, the release said.

The company is currently engaged in expanding its manufacturing capacity from 51,800 metric tonnes, by setting up a new manufacturing facility in South India and also expanding its existing facility in Pune.

All these expansion programmes would result into a capital expenditure of about Rs 500 crore in the next three years. To part finance the expansion programme, the company will soon enter the capital market to raise capital, the release added.

UNI