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Voltas turnaround strategy management case
1. VOLTAS LTD: FROM TURNAROUND TO BIG
BANG
Guide: Dr. Ameet Sao
Presented By:
ANKIT SARKAR: A13558922032
AYUSH PARASAR: A13558922023
2. COMPANY BACKGROUND
Established on September 6, 1954, by Volkart Brothers and Tata Sons Ltd., Voltas Limited was formed to oversee M/s. Volkart
Brothers' Engineering & Import Division operations in India.
From 1963 onwards, Voltas commenced manufacturing various equipment including air-conditioning, refrigeration,
mining, electrical, and agricultural machinery in Mumbai. Later, it shifted its compressor and chiller production to
Thane.
By 1985, Voltas bolstered its manufacturing capacity with the inauguration of a compressor and refrigerator facility in
Warora, Nagpur.
The company's shift from import-based operations to local manufacturing underscores its commitment to advancing and
innovating within India's engineering landscape.
Pradeep
Bakshi (MD &
CEO)
N N Tata (Non-
Ex Dir.)
Vinayak
Deshpande
(Non-Ex Dir.)
D. Sarangi
(Independent
Dir.)
B N Vakali
(Independent
Dir.)
Anjali Bansal
(Independent
Dir.)
3. CFO
Product & Business
Design Head
Product & Engg.
VP Finance
Finance
HR Head
Learning & Dev.
Marketing
Head
Trade Marketing
Sales Head
Sales
Operations
Head
Customer Service
Health &
Safety Head
Training & Dev
Strategic Organizational Structure
Brand
Overview
India’s leading air conditioning company.
One of Tata Group's top ten companies and a leader in commercial
refrigeration.
Divided into three business clusters. Unitary Cooling Products,
Engineering Products, and Electro-Mechanical Projects and
Services.
Three manufacturing units: (1) Thane, Maharashtra; (2) Dadra,
Dadra and Nagar Haveli; and (3) Pantnagar, Uttarakhand
In fiscal year 2021, consolidated total income was Rs. 9668 Crore
Mission :To be a leading provider
of innovative and sustainable
cooling, engineering, and
consumer electronics solutions,
delivering value to customers,
stakeholders, and society.
Vision: To continuously enhance our
capabilities, expand our market
presence, and drive technological
advancements to become the preferred
choice for customers seeking reliable
and energy-efficient products and
services worldwide.
COMPANY OVERVIEW
4. BUSINESS PORTFOLIO & EXPANSION
Air
Conditioning
Equipment
Heating &
Ventilation
Engineering
Air
conditioning
condensers and
condensing
units :
Domestic &
Industrial
Humidity
controls, air-
conditioning
types Coolers,
milk and water:
electric
Textile
Machinery,
Mining &
Construction
Equipment
Electromecha
nical Project
& Services
Industry leadership secured through innovation and
market presence.
Proactive strategy adapts to changing customer
needs.
Product diversification includes water coolers,
refrigeration, and consumer appliances.
Globally, it enters Middle East, Africa, and
Southeast Asia, leveraging urbanization and
infrastructure growth.
Voltas expands domestically, targeting Tier-II and
Tier-III Indian cities.
Involved in various
MEP projects,
Manufacturing &
Trading
Executed projects
in GCC countries
Established
presence in UAE,
OMAN, KSA etc.
Established their own
duct fabrication & pre-
fabricated module in
the middle east region
Global Expansion
5. MANAGEMENT & FINANCIAL OVERVIEW
Past Earning & Growth Analysis
Financial Position Analysis
Shareholding Pattern
6. DOWNTURN OF VOLTAS
Voltas faced challenges with its diverse business portfolio,
experiencing losses and unsustainable cost structures.
The company reported its first-ever loss in 1996-97, leading to
a missed dividend payment for the first time in 43 years.
Share prices plummeted from a peak of Rs 225 to Rs 21,
reflecting Voltas' decline in performance.
External
Factors
Intense Competition form Global players: Entry of
global giants like Carrier, LG, Samsung, National,
Electrolux, and Whirlpool between 1993 and 1997
intensified competition, causing Voltas to lose its
leadership position in the market, resulting in a
significant erosion of its market share.
Demand Shortfall: A 9% decrease in demand in 1996-
97 further exacerbated Voltas' challenges, leading to
reduced sales and revenue.
Financial Obligations: Low returns from business
operations caused Voltas' debt to double from 1.65 billion
in 1994-95 to 3.3 billion in 1996-97, increasing financial
strain and impacting the company's ability to invest and
innovate.
Internal
Factors
Overinvestment: Significant investments made by
Voltas between 1994 and 1997 stretched the company's
financial capabilities, potentially resulting in
overextension and diminished financial adaptability.
Diversification Strategy: During this period, Voltas
ventured into unrelated sectors, potentially redirecting
attention and resources from its core strengths, which
could have compromised operational efficiency and
effectiveness.
Loss making accusation: The acquisition of the
loss-making Hyderabad ALLWYN LTD. added further
financial burden and operational challenges to Voltas'
portfolio.
Workforce Issues: A significant portion of Voltas'
workforce, especially with a high unionization rate of
80%, contributed to operational challenges and
potentially hindered the company's ability to
implement necessary changes and improvements.
Outdated Organizational Culture: Significant
investments made by Voltas between 1994 and 1997
stretched the company's financial capabilities,
potentially resulting in overextension and diminished
financial adaptability.
7. RESTRUCTURING STRATEGY
The ‘BIG BANG’
Strategy
The "Big Bang" strategy implemented by Voltas entailed a thorough restructuring of its business model in
response to challenges encountered by its Unitary Products Business Group (UPBG).
Market-Centric Shift: Through an extensive market analysis, Voltas decided to pivot its focus from engineering-centric operations to a
marketing-oriented approach, aligning with the dynamics of the Indian AC market.
Streamlined Operations: UPBG revamped its business model to prioritize profitability by adopting an asset-light, people-light structure. This
involved outsourcing manufacturing and optimizing operations to reduce costs and improve efficiency.
Robust Supply Chain: Manufacturing of air conditioner indoor panels was outsourced to Chinese suppliers, leveraging their capabilities and
partnerships with local OEMs to bolster production for the domestic market and minimize environmental impact.
Strategic Collaboration: Partnerships with companies like Fedders International facilitated access to R&D resources and technological know-
how, resulting in the development of competitive product offerings such as the Vertis brand.
Global Procurement: Voltas capitalized on a global sourcing agreement to procure components at competitive prices, positioning itself as the
most cost-effective manufacturer in India and enhancing its competitive edge.
Manufacturing Optimization: Relocating the manufacturing base from Thane to Dadra, a sales tax-exempt zone, enabled Voltas to pass on cost
savings to consumers, thereby stimulating sales growth.
Distribution Channel Improvement: Distribution channels underwent significant restructuring to eliminate underperforming dealers and
enhance operational efficiency.
8. BUSINESS STRATEGY
Generic Strategy
Product
Diversification
Contemporary
products, strong
after-sales, cost
leadership, talent,
teamwork,
innovation, revenue
diversification, R&D
investment.
Alternative
Strategy
Introduction of
new product
Brand Building
Wider service
network
Marketing Strategy
Niche Marketing
Consistent Value
Proposition
Corporate selling
& Employee
discount
9. SWOT ANALYSIS
Weakness
• Too keen on targeting the economy
consumer segment only
• Unable to target the Green conscious
customers
• Highly dependent on its parent
company.
• After sales services.
• Not well equipped.
Strengths
• Design and manufacture of industrial
equipment.
• Management and execution of Air Conditioning
• Voltas represents a number of global technology
leaders. serving diverse industrial sectors and
applications.
• Public works project
• Sourcing, installation and
• servicing of technology-based systems
Opportunity
• The high-end value driven proposition helps increase the
market share.
• Voltas is well known for its product differentiation
• Promote eco friendliness through their energy efficient
products.
• Changing dynamics of consumer behavior.
• Infrastructure facilities.
• Energy conservation building code.
• Reduction in excise duty.
Threats
• Due to increased price of inputs and continued price
erosion there is downtrend in the consumer durables
market.
• Inflation effect.
• Key international players.
• Currency fluctuations.
• Domestic companies.
Expansion strategy: Voltas has significantly expanded its domestic and international presence, showcasing a dedication to broadening its market reach and diversifying its product offerings.
- **Domestic Outreach**: Voltas has prioritized expansion into Tier-II and Tier-III cities within India, acknowledging the escalating demand for cooling and engineering solutions in these regions. Through the enlargement of its sales and service centers, Voltas seeks to enhance customer support, fortify its market presence, and seize a larger market share.
- **Global Expansion**: Venturing into burgeoning markets like the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia, Voltas capitalizes on opportunities propelled by rapid urbanization, burgeoning infrastructure development, and growing disposable incomes. By entering these markets, Voltas aims to meet the surging demand for its products and services while cementing its reputation as a trusted global brand.
- **Product Diversification**: Voltas has diversified its product portfolio to accommodate a broader spectrum of customer requirements. In addition to its core air conditioning offerings, Voltas now encompasses a range of engineering solutions, including water coolers, refrigeration products, and consumer appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines. This strategic diversification enables Voltas to tap into new markets and revenue streams, leveraging its established expertise and infrastructure.
- **Proactive Growth Strategy**: Voltas' expansion and product diversification strategies underscore its proactive approach to growth, demonstrating a commitment to adapting to the evolving needs of customers both locally and internationally.
- **Industry Leadership**: These concerted efforts position Voltas as a formidable player in the cooling, engineering, and consumer electronics sectors, solidifying its status as a leader in innovation and market penetration.
Niche Marketing: Voltas has kept their marketing objectives for niche segments. The specific marketing effect helps them staying focused with their product and customer demand
Multi Prolonged Strategy: Voltas marketing strategy is a long term approach. They have not changed their stand since the inception of the brand and continue to promote the same value proposition of economic energy consumption to their customer segments. This has helped them in creating a brand sentiment within masses and the featured product are helping them in getting into cutting edge competition.
Corporate selling at discount price to Employees: Voltas has adopted an amazing marketing technique of offering their AC product at reduced price to the employees of TCS. This promoted the brand within in house.