| "We are yet to receive around Rs 1.5 crore of subsidy that we were promised by the West Bengal government. Although the government has always been saying they would give us the subsidy component in cash, we are yet to receive anything. The government's major reason for not being able to honour its commitment was lack of funds," explained K D Paul, chairman, Saj Industries. |
| "We have already put in around Rs 12 crore in the plant we have also purchased land at the food park that will be used to manufacture pastries or cakes as we find it suitable," he added. |
| Saj has grabbed around 12 per cent of the biscuit segment in the state and would like to expand its operations. For this, it would require additional funds to the tune of Rs 3 crore. |
| "Saj had offered the government the subsidy in lieu of the land to which the government did not agree," he explained. The ministry concerned promised some funds within the next few months. |
| Saj was hoping to corner around 30 per cent of the market share in the state in the next three years. Its share would be 20 per cent by 2005 March, said Pal. |
| Saj Industries had entered into a co-manufacturing agreement with Nestle Ltd for manufacturing noodles. Nestle would sell the product in West Bengal. |
| "We are talking to Nestle for co-manufacturing more of their products for the state market," Paul added. |
| Paul said that Saj had entered into another co-manufacturing agreement with Britannia, its arch rival in the biscuits business, to manufacture certain special products for them. |
| "Britannia offered some products to be manufactured at our plant but given our limited capacity, we might not be able to take up the offer," Pal added. |
| Saj had firmed up plans of launching its products in states like Karnataka and Tamil nadu. |
| "We will consider entering into a co-manufacturing agreement with local manufacturers there," explained Vijay Kumar Singh, managing director of Saj. |
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