Godrej & Boyce launch ‘EON’, range of frost free refrigerators

Company News

MUMBAI, September 8

Godrej & Boyce Mfg. Co. Ltd. (GBMCL) – Appliances Division, has huge plans to enhance its strong position in the Consumer Appliances market by introducing several new innovative consumer products in the next few months. All these products across 5 appliance categories (Refrigerators, Air Conditioners, Microwaves, Washing Machines and DVD Players) will have distinct features that meet the various market needs of the discerning purchaser today.

These plans were shared by Mr. George Menezes, COO, GBMCL (Appliances Div.), at the launch of Godrej’s new EON Range of Frost Free Refrigerators that have outstanding features never been witnessed in the Indian refrigerator market before.

The EON: Seven new wonders of the refrigerator world

Already synonymous with revolutionizing the Indian Refrigerator market with technologically advanced, trend setting products, the new EON range brings in a new dimension in refrigerator design and manufacturing where Style and Substance are an essential consideration in the consumer’s purchase decision.

The EON is a product of intense customer research, with the objective of giving the customer a perfect balance of several elements that go into the purchase decision, from space maximization, ease of internal access, most efficient cooling, to ergonomic design for stunning exterior and interior looks and price. In fact, many of these features created for the EON range will be available for the first time in both the Indian and International market and are likely to set a new trend of ‘must haves’ in every refrigerator sold in future.

Commenting at the launch of EON, Mr. George Menezes, COO, GBMCL (Appliance Div.) said, “Godrej has always been known for providing its customers innovative quality products. The appliance market has changed tremendously in recent times and consumers are looking for more variety in design and features before purchasing an appliance. At Godrej we will use innovation as our main platform for the future to manufacture appliances that satisfy the varied needs of the huge and growing appliances market.”

Added Mr. Kamal Nandi, Vice President, GBMCL (Appliance Div.), “Though we have set trends in the market with our past refrigerators, the EON has been extensively researched with consumers & trade to incorporate features which have never been introduced before. Our research showed that convenience and pride of purchase played an important role in the purchase decision, so we completely redesigned a refrigerator to give due balance to all these aspects. We are confident that the EON will be well received in the market and we look forward to continuing our surge of innovative products for our consumers.”

The EON is being launched all across the country and will be available at Godrej’s countrywide network of more than 10,000 outlets and 42 Lifespace showrooms. Over the next 3 months, the launch will be duly supported by an appropriate media campaign using, Press, TV, Radio, Outdoors and Retail Display.

Business Plans

Mr. George Menezes also shared, “The Godrej Appliance Division, one of the leading players on the Indian Appliance scene, is strongly consolidating its position in the market place. What makes it unique from others is its ability to create differentiation in its products and services. With its strong roots in Research, Design and Development, the company has focused on pioneering new technologies to meet the changing needs of the Indian consumer. In each of the categories, viz., Refrigerators, Washing Machines, Air Conditioners, DVDs and Microwave Ovens, the company has beefed up its operational efficiencies as well as enhanced its back end processes which has driven its topline and helped it grow its customer base. The Godrej Appliance brand is growing stronger by the day. Our turnover has grown by more than 15% over the last year and we plan to touch the Rs. 1000 Crore milestone soon. Innovation in products and services has been the main growth engine for the company and we will introduce innovations every quarter. ITREC, ZOP, Force 4 and now EON are all new benchmarks in the industry and the coming year will also see a slew of new revolutions from Godrej.”

About Godrej & Boyce Mfg Ltd:

The Godrej Group is one of the largest manufacturers of Home Appliances in India and has always delighted the consumer with relevant technology in wide range of efficient products. In 1958, Godrej was the First Indian Company to manufacture Refrigerators and has become synonymous with the category. Godrej pioneered the launch of Polyurethane Foam (PUF) in 1989 that soon became the new benchmark for the refrigerator industry. Recently, Godrej launched ZOP Technology in refrigerators which ensures protection against rust and combined this with a never before - ten year warranty for rust protection. In 1996, Godrej entered into the Washing Machine category and has gained a significant share in it. With Microwaves and Air Conditioners and DVD Players in its product basket, Godrej has become a full line Appliance Player. The turnover the Appliances Business for 2005-06 stood at Rs. 750 Crores.

For more information about Godrej Appliances please visit www.godrej.com or contact

Godrej & Boyce Mfg. Ltd.- Appliance Division

Bharat Gothoskar

Sr. Marketing Manager

bsg@godrej.com

022-67966055

Madison Public Relations

Saisangeeta / Pooja Das

98208-60638 / 98205-58692

022-56548342/43

Saisangeeta/pooja@fort.madisonindia.com