Henkel India – S Sunil Kumar, president

The pandemic engendered new opportunities. Driving digital transformation is one of the pillars of Henkel’s strategic framework to win the 20s through purposeful growth. They were able to not only accelerate the pace of digitalisation on the customer front but also within the organisation by increasing collaboration and access. Time was well utilised to engage with customers digitally. Value selling was enhanced and showcased strong differentiation by using digital tools, and most importantly prepared employees to become future ready through e-learning and digital upskilling.

Henkel’s adhesives business in India caters to multiple verticals. One of these is the essential goods segment, and therefore channels were activated to start manufacturing for these. The government was highly supportive and helped in unlocking these operations with guidelines in place. No customer line stopped due to any supply related issues.

Health and safety of employees is paramount. The standard operating procedures at manufacturing sites were changed keeping the health and safety of employees. Plants were equipped with sufficient quantities of PPE, sanitisers and disinfectants, screening devices, etc. before starting operations. Continued investments in digitalising manufacturing operations and further building capabilities helped.