Mysore sandal soap maker to get a new facility. The Karnataka state cabinet has approved the proposal to establish a new production unit of the state-owned Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited (KSDL) in Vijayapura at a cost of ₹227.91 crore. This comes as the company looks to push more into exports. KSDL posted a turnover of ₹2,016 crore, and ₹507 crore in net profit for the fiscal. Additionally, the PSU has recorded production of 47,494 tonnes.
Large and Medium Industries and District In-charge Minister M. B. Patil said that KSDL, which offers a range of 94 quality products including the iconic Mysuru Sandal Soap, enjoys strong demand not only in North Karnataka but also in neighbouring States such as Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra. Keeping this in view, a new soap manufacturing unit will be set up on 50 acres in the Ittangihal Industrial Area of Vijayapura. This is expected to promote industrial growth, generate employment, and expand market reach in the region, he said.
Of the total project cost of ₹227.91 crore, ₹30 crore has been earmarked for land acquisition, ₹77.88 crore for construction of the production facility, ₹24 crore for infrastructure, ₹70.80 crore for machinery, ₹8.63 crore towards tender premium, ₹8.63 crore for contingencies, and ₹7.97 crore for other expenses. The land cost has been fixed at ₹59.30 lakh per acre, Patil explained.
The proposal to establish a KSDL production unit in North Karnataka had been under consideration for over a year.
He added that several initiatives have been undertaken over the past three years to take the organisation to new heights, including efforts in branding, promotion, marketing, quality management, export operations, and e-commerce.