Maruti Names Vikram Khazanchi As Manesar Chief

Published: Monday, February 20, 2012, 15:53 [IST]

Maruti Suzuki has conducted a major repositioning in its management four months after it suffered huge losses due to continuous strikes by workers at its plant in Manesar. The carmaker has named Vikram Khazanchi as the new chief of operations at its twin plants in Manesar.

Maruti Suzuki has also moved out several managers from Manesar to Gurgaon. The company is planning to begin talks with its workers over wage revisions. It is also planning worker friendly measures and is willing to communicate with them at different channels. Analysts say the change in management sand worker friendly measures will help Maruti Suzuki avoid the kind of strikes it saw last year.

LK Jain who was heading the Manesar plant will now oversee he upcoming engine and casting facility in Gurgaon. He will also focus on the company's strategic focus on developing new engines and other technologies. Other managers who have been moved out of Manesar are deputy production manager Mukesh Gupta and deputy personnel manager (HR) Manoj Jaiswal.

Although a company spokesperson has stated all these changes in management are routine, it is evident that Maruti Suzuki wants to revamp its management in Manesar. Particularly after the acrimonious relationship that existed between the management and the workers during the strikes. Maruti's profits have come down by 39% to Rs.995 crore for during the first nine months of the financial year. This is also the first time in 11 years the carmaker has reported a drop in production.

Article Published On: Monday, February 20, 2012, 14:44 [IST]

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