KOCHI: The state-run Kerala Electrical and Allied Engineering Co Ltd (KEL), which supplied power generators for the Prithvi, Trisul and Akash missile projects, is now looking to diversify its operations. Varkala B Ravikumar, KEL chairman, said the company will not be able to survive for long unless it made a foray into new areas.“Even though KEL is a company owned by the Kerala Government, we received very few orders from the state government in the last five years. However, neighbouring Karnataka reposed its faith in us and our products are used by the electricity board there.
The LDF Government has certainly ushered in change as it has prioritised public sector companies over private ones,” he said.Ravikumar said several new segments, including the manufacturing of smart meters, motors for electric vehicles, LED lights and solar panels are under consideration. “The state government is looking to install smart meters in households and we are working in this regard. Similarly, discussions are on with motor vehicle manufacturing units to make electric motors. We won’t be able to survive by merely manufacturing transformers and generators,” he said.
Though the company incurred a loss of `11 crore in the last financial year, Ravikumar sounded upbeat on KEL’s future prospects. “We have a workforce which is ready for all kinds of work. We will be aggressively marketing our product line to stand up to the challenges ahead,” he said. KEL is also credited with providing alternators for radar applications by the Army and the IAF as well as the Navy’s Antarctica expedition.