MAY 2013
aspects of technical operations. All engineers and supervisors of civil, planning, safety, and quality departments are put through a preliminary training program during the induction phase. Quality, safety, and cleanliness are the three words the Academy promises to add to the trainees’ vocabulary and make sure they learn to practice it.” This unique centre or academy has been set up in Bangalore to nurture employees at Sobha and build their skills base. Sobha has focused attention on
Time to look at methods – not just profits
who prides themselves on the construction of high quality homes. However, the manner in which they maintain their standards is different to other Indian builders. Sobha pays attention to detail and in doing so has standardized the production of most of the fittings they put in their homes. Be it the doors, windows, road paving or the skills of the stonecutters; as a company they have made sure that every detail is taken care of. It is this extreme attention to detail that has resulted in them being voted ‘CNBC’s Builder of the Year’ last year.
Their pride on ‘being green’ is also evident. Rainwater harvesting is of course part of each development as are percolation pits to replenish the ground water. Sharma says, “More than 40% of our construction area is dedicated to green spaces. Apart from focus on natural light and ventilation, we use materials with recycled content, solar lighting, water efficient fixtures, energy efficient lifts and equipments, reflective ceramic tiles, insulation materials, heat-resistant paints and
heat-repellent glasses. Storm water management techniques are also used to prevent soil erosion. Such initiatives are highly appreciated by our customers.”
While ‘being green’ and ‘corporate social responsibility’ may be incredibly altruistic and benevolent, they are also ticks in a lengthy checklist of compliances required by law. How far a company decides to go is their call. In Sobha’s case, they seem to go above and
Initiatives like the Sobha academy set them apart
beyond what is required on the paperwork. Where they really set themselves apart though is through initiatives like the Sobha academy. Sharma explains, “In order to make Sobha’s staff more proficient, the Technical Training Department at Sobha designs and coordinates modules which relate to the various
their tradesmen, who are integral in maintaining their standards. These workmen are a key resource in the company’s project sites around the country. Workers tend to come from underprivileged areas of India. Trainees are given intensive training in specific areas, like tiling, granite masonry, gypsum works or waterproofing. In a country where such vocational training is severely lacking and the credentials of any worker are often in doubt, this is an encouraging start in creating a higher standard. Sharma says, “Due to the keen attention paid to workforce training, the company’s employees perform efficiently during project deliveries. This constant focus on the development of its staff has been a major driving force of Sobha’s success”.
We asked, what next for the
company and their future plans for growth? Their answer is that they are looking at a new sales volume of 4.20 million square feet which is valued at INR 26 billion for the financial year 2013/14 and a project pipeline of 8.9 million square feet. They also have their eye on new territories: places like Kochi, Kozikhode (Calicut), Hyderabad and Noida / Ghaziabad. When I attended the Sobha event in Gurgaon last month I was struck by the number of women in high positions at Sobha. In this part of the world, women rarely set foot in this industry. Not at Sobha, where they had clearly harnessed the best potential, irrespective of gender. A sign that they intend on doing the best job they can do and are willing to break the mold to do so.
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