Influx to invest Rs 100 crores in next three years

Pune, Dec 9: Buoyed by the success of its six companies, Pune-based Influx group will invest Rs 100 crores to cross a turnover of Rs 1,000 crores from the present Rs 200 crores in next three years.

Acclaimed as one of the fastest growing groups in India, covering various businesses ranging from Retail to Information Technology, the group has developed a strong corporate governance model based on core values of excellence, knowledge, care integrity and team work.

Interacting with a group of visiting reporters from Bangalore to the corporate headquarters here, Group Chairman and Managing Director Shivaaji Chamkire explained that the current customer base of four lakhs would be increased to over ten million in next three years. An ISO certified group, with quality as its top most priority, the organisation had spread its operations in 22 states.

Explaining performance of all the six companies, he said, the Influx Infotech company had set up an Offshore Development Centre in Bangalore for its software marketing activities. The company offered a wide range of innovative IT products and its 'TOTAL Accounting Software' was rapidly becoming a favoured choice of professionals across the country.

Armed with high-end infrastructure and an experienced back-end team, the company had already implemented a project in Karnataka Chief Minister's office to ensure paperless transactions through a software and was negotiating with Orissa government for introducing the same, he added.

Replying to queries, Mr Chamkire said the group was planning to set up 1,000 learning centres across the country in one year to create computer awareness, especially among the rural youths and provide them with lucrative jobs. He said the Influx Mart had set up 31 supermarkets across the country and planned to open 100 more in near future.

These were mid-size supermarkets designed to satisfy the shopping needs of new age customers, he explained adding that the supermarkets were loaded with over 7,500 fast moving consumer products to cater to the needs of customers.

Besides, the company, on its own, had developed over 50 products with utmost care keeping in view the customers interest, he added.

He said the company had plans to reach out to deep pockets including rural segment and offer them with retail experience.

The company was searching for franchises to set up Supermarkets in Bangalore. Sophisticated retail outlets similar to supermarkets would be opened in Davangere, Haveri, Shimoga, Gadag, Harihar and Chitradurga in Karnataka soon besides two already in operation in Karwar and Dharwad.

A huge mall would also commence its operations in February next in Sangli in Maharashtra, he added.

Answering a question, Mr Chamkire said the group was not averse to acquire small and mid-size companies if there were good opportunities.

He said the Influx Insurance Services company was associated with Aviva for marketing its products in India. The group would also find a suitable foreign insurance company in next three years.

He said the group was also interested in having tie up with national level tourist operators to promote tourism across the country.

It had also experienced the feel of the celluloid world by producing two Marathi language films, soon to be released, in which noted singer of yesteryears Asha Bhosle had sung a couple of songs after a gap of several years.

The group was also interested in producing quality Kannada films if it came across quality stories and talented directors.

UNI