Over two decades ago, Baerlocher India (BIA) embarked on a remarkable journey characterized by interconnectivity and complexity. While Asia emerged as talk of the town destination for the polymer industry and with India opening itself to the global economy, India witnessed new resin plants being set up by industry stalwarts. It was the perfect time for Baerlocher to embark its presence in India. Its “local in presence and thought” philosophy was truly witnessed as it established a laboratory under guidance from Baerlocher Italia for conducting research in collaboration with Germany for products to be used globally. This confluence of international collaborations laid the foundation for the establishment of BIA. Emerging as a research and development center in Mumbai during the 1990s, it has since grown into a sprawling corporate complex, comprising two production sites and a vast network of 20 sales partners across India.

Presently, BIA boasts a dedicated workforce of over 170 employees, contributing to the operational efficiency of its plants in Dewas. This robust team has enabled a remarkable production output that surpassed the significant milestone of 30,000 MTA in 2019. Looking at the resilient Indian economy and believing in the story of India Inc., BIA set up its second plant taking its saleable capacity of products to 80,000 MTA by 2023.

However, the journey to this success was not without its challenges. Baerlocher initially established connections with India through interactions with raw material suppliers and potential customers as early as the 1980s. Having a strong presence in Asia with its plant in Malaysia, Baerlocher leveraged its strong global technical knowhow for meticulously building a network of interested parties, agencies, and distributors in India. BIA stands on the shoulders of Rainer Grasmück, Baerlochers former Global Head of SBU PVC, alongside Baerlocher Malaysia's first Managing Director, Malpaso Cheng who took on themselves to establish Baerlocher’s presence in India. During this time, most supplies were sourced from Baerlocher Malaysia.

BIA was founded in 1997. The company started with a laboratory and office space within the premises of a prominent fatty acid manufacturer, utilizing the facility for fundamental research activities, and providing service to the local PVC processors. A significant turning point occurred in June 2000 when BIA acquired a stabilizer manufacturing unit in Dewas, a place located approximately 600 kilometers from Mumbai in the state of Madhya Pradesh with a capacity of 4000 MTPA. However, a lot needed to be done to bring this plant – manufacturing solid and liquid stabilizers – to the international standards. Adaptations to safety and quality standards were imperative, while efforts were made to modernize and expand production capabilities. The persistence and dedication paid off, as within a span of three years, BIA achieved ISO certification and safety standards as mandated by Germany.

Today, BIA not only holds a leading position in the domestic market but also serves as a vital supplier to many sister companies within Baerlocher global network. This remarkable journey, from humble beginnings to industry leadership, exemplifies the staunch commitment and dedication that have propelled the growth of BIA.

Dewas boasts a remarkable feature within its premises – a shrine of Lord Ganesha placed in the administration building's garden. Jayen Modi, the Managing Director since 2011, explains the significance of Lord Ganesha as the deity of knowledge, wisdom, and new beginnings, as well as the remover of obstacles. Prior to commencing any fresh endeavor, a puja or prayer is offered to Lord Ganesha. The integration of religious ceremonies and traditions assumes a significant role in the daily work routine, fostering a sense of unity. Festivals like Diwali, Dashahara, and Navratri are joyously celebrated together, further reinforcing a shared cultural spirit.

During his first visit to Dewas, CEO Arne Schulle was captivated by this aspect of the organization. Upon his arrival, he eagerly participated in a ceremony at the shrine and this ritual has now become a customary part of his visits, leaving a lasting impression. Notably, the presence of Buddha Trees – individual trees dedicated to employees and adorned with name tags, adds a distinctive touch to the surroundings.
 

However, BIA's celebrations encompass more than religious events. Independence Day and Republic Day hold a prominent place on their calendar, marked by festivities that involve participation of the employees along with their families. The Indian flag is proudly hoisted, and the focus remains on unity, cultural diversity, and mutual respect, fostering an atmosphere of solidarity. 
Another feature is an annual gathering of all employees which include diverse team activities, a communal lunch, and a cultural program arranged by the staff themselves. Musical performances, sketches, pantomimes, and more adorn the stage, culminating in prizes awarded to the outstanding artists. Additionally, at Dewas, they also organize events centered around other important matters such as Safety Week or Environment Day, highlighting their commitment to vital issues beyond mere celebration.

Advocating for ecological consciousness and sustainability, Jayen Modi places significant emphasis on these principles. Looking ahead to 2033, his visionary goal for BIA is to become a carbon-optimized and water-positive company, while continuing to be the leading supplier of sustainable additives for the polymer industry. Given the remarkable achievements thus far, this aspiration appears not only ambitious but also attainable.

Jayen Modi highlights an important milestone in BIA’s history, specifically in 2008 when the company became the first in India to manufacture calcium-based stabilizers. This capacity was enhanced in 2012 and more importantly a new investment of 20,000 MT of calcium zinc stabilizers was established in January 2020. This development proved instrumental when the Indian government in the recent past notified phasing out the use of lead stabilizers from the PVC pipe industry. BIA was able to offer a proven sustainable solution, aiding numerous customers in transitioning to lead-free production. The successful implementation of environmentally friendly alternatives from its global experience and local industry requirements further solidified BIA's standing as an industry leader. Currently, Jayen Modi and his team have extended their sustainability focus beyond production to include an "Extended Producer Responsibility" – an effective end of life management – for BIA's packaging materials. They are also actively pursuing EcoVadis certification and exploring avenues for sustainable construction, solar and biomass energy utilization, as well as rainwater harvesting. This comprehensive strategy is yielding positive results, enabling BIA to thrive even in a price-sensitive and highly competitive market.

Jayen Modi attributes this success to the core values rooted in Baerlocher's culture, stating, "the strong sense of ownership of our people and desire to continuously deliver value to our customers is the 'mantra' for success in our market”. The substantial growth experienced by BIA serves as a testament to the efficacy of this approach. As evidence to their progress, the company – while holding the function to celebrate group’s 200th anniversary in October 2023 – will also inaugurate the new Dewas-2 production plant, further solidifying its position as a pioneer in the industry.