CHENNAI: TVS Supply Chain Solutions (TVS SCS) (NSE: TVSSCS, BSE: 543965), a leading global supply chain solutions provider and one of India’s largest and fastest-growing integrated supply chain companies, today announced the formation of a joint venture with ALA Group, an Italy-based aerospace and defence supply-chain integrator, to address opportunities in India’s fast-growing aerospace and defence sectors. TVS SCS will hold a 51% stake in the JV, while ALA will own the remaining 49%. The JV is expected to emerge as a significant growth driver for TVS SCS in India, with cumulative revenues projected to exceed ₹2,000 Cr by 2031.

Following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding earlier this year, TVS SCS and ALA Group witnessed strong engagement and active interest from multiple industry participants across the aerospace and defence ecosystem. This momentum accelerated the decision to formalise the partnership through a dedicated joint venture platform.

Aerospace and defence supply-chain solutions globally are characterised by specialised procurement, inventory management, and mission-critical fulfilment capabilities, making them structurally higher-margin businesses with strong returns on capital employed (RoCE). Quality companies in this sector have consistently delivered strong profitability metrics, with PBT margins in the range of 8-9%, reflective of this high-value segment.

The JV will initially focus on opportunities in India, while TVS SCS and ALA will continue to evaluate opportunities to support aerospace and defence supply-chain requirements across select international markets over time.

R. Dinesh, Executive Chairman, TVS Supply Chain Solutions, said, “This joint venture marks our entry into the high-growth and globally significant aerospace and defence supply chain market. India is emerging as one of the most important growth engines for the global aerospace and defence industry, driven by localisation initiatives, strategic investments, and expanding international collaborations between India and key global aerospace and defence ecosystems.

He further added, “ALA brings deep domain expertise, strong global customer relationships and proven capabilities in specialised aerospace and defence supply chain solutions, which complement TVS SCS’ extensive network, digital capabilities and execution strength. Together, we are building a scalable and future-ready platform for global aerospace and defence companies to serve Indian requirements for both the aerospace and defence sectors.”

Vittorio Genna, Vice President and Co-Founder, ALA Group, added, “India is one of the world’s fastest-growing aerospace and defence markets, driven by increasing defence modernisation programmes and expanding global partnerships. We have strong customer relationships across the aerospace sector, and many global companies in this sector are actively evaluating and expanding their presence in India, creating significant opportunities for specialised supply chain services.

Through this partnership with TVS SCS, we will be well-positioned to support the evolving requirements of our global customers in India. In TVS SCS, we have found a partner with deep market understanding, a strong domestic network, proven execution capabilities, and a trusted brand. Their strong operational and technology-led execution capabilities, combined with extensive supply chain infrastructure, make them an ideal partner to build a scalable and differentiated aerospace and defence logistics platform.”

Says Vikas Chadha, Global Chief Executive Officer, TVS Supply Chain Solutions, “The industry is characterised by stringent certification, compliance and traceability requirements, creating a need for specialised supply chain capabilities. Our strong presence in India, extensive supply chain infrastructure, and experience in working with complex customer and regulatory ecosystems, together with ALA’s global aerospace and defence expertise, create a compelling platform to help customers navigate these complexities more efficiently. Given the specialised and high-value nature of this business, we expect the venture to become profitable within its first twelve months of operations and be a meaningful contributor to our growth and profitability in India.”

Mauro Romano, CEO of ALA MENA, said, “Our experience across global aerospace and defence programmes has demonstrated the growing importance of integrated procurement and inventory management solutions. India represents a strategically important market for long-term growth, and this partnership provides a strong platform to support customers with localised and globally integrated supply chain solutions.”

The joint venture will specialise in end-to-end integrated supply chain solutions, including sourcing and supply of aerospace and defence components, kitting and sub-assembly operations, as well as consolidation, imports, warehousing, and delivery. India’s defence logistics market is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 8.6%.

Building on proven Defence and Utilities Credentials

TVS SCS brings deep supply chain experience from its long-standing Defence and Utility sector operations in Europe, and accounts for over 30% of the company’s Europe business. The company has been supporting the UK Ministry of Defence and leading defence prime contractors for several years, managing approximately 250,000 NATO Stock Numbers (NSNs) and fulfilling around 1 million defence demands annually through a global supplier base of over 1,000 vendors. Its defence operations span land, sea, and air platforms and are governed by stringent quality, security, and compliance standards, supported by digitally enabled logistics systems that enhance visibility, resilience, and operational readiness. TVS SCS also works closely with defence prime contractors on multi-year programmes, reinforcing its credentials as a trusted global defence logistics partner.

ALA Group, on the other hand, brings more than 35 years of experience as a specialised aerospace and defence supply-chain integrator, supporting leading OEMs, MROs, and defence programmes across Europe, North America, and selected international markets. Headquartered in Italy, ALA operates a global network of commercial offices and state-of-the-art logistics and kitting facilities, supporting major global aerospace and defence platforms and programmes. The various players in this sector are Airbus, Boeing, Dassault Aviation, Safran Group, Rolls-Royce, Collins Aerospace, and Thales Group, among others. Many of these global aerospace and defence companies are also expanding their partnerships and joint ventures with Indian companies as part of their long-term localisation and manufacturing strategies in India.

The ALA Group supports a wide range of aerospace and defence platforms across air, land, and naval domains, providing certified spare-parts distribution, inventory optimisation, kitting, Direct Line Feed, consignment stock, and defence-grade logistics engineering services. ALA’s operations are governed by stringent quality, security, compliance standards, and operational readiness. This proven capability positions ALA as a trusted partner for complex, regulated aerospace and defence supply chains, enabling scalable and compliant solutions across multiple geographies. ALA is also at the forefront of technology, investing heavily in cybersecurity and maintaining exceptionally high-level security infrastructure. It is the only company in the Aerospace & Defence sector to track and certify products with legally binding value using patented IAC (Instant Automatic Certification) technology worldwide.

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PUNE, Maharashtra, 3 July 2025 – Lokmanya Hospitals, Asia’s pioneering institution in robotic-assisted joint replacement surgery with 50+ years of legacy, today announced a transformative strategic expansion following an investment by Unaprime Healthcare LLP.  The Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) floated by Unaprime Investment Advisors has acquired approximately 84.5% stake in the Maharashtra-based speciality hospital chain, positioning Lokmanya to emerge as Maharashtra’s most advanced multi-speciality and quaternary care hospital network.

The transaction includes Unaprime’s acquisition of the stake previously held by Tata Healthcare Fund, along with substantial primary capital infusion to fuel the organization’s ambitious expansion plans. Unaprime Healthcare is backed by prominent domestic Limited Partners and family offices, including Dr. K. Ravindranath of Global Hospital, who had been a pioneer in bringing organ transplantation to India, and Manpreet Sohal, a healthcare transformation expert.

STRATEGIC TRANSFORMATION OVERVIEW

Under the strategic leadership of Managing Director & Group CEO Manpreet Sohal and guided by Chairman of Lokmanya Hospitals, Dr. Narendra Vaidya & Dr. K. Ravindranath- who has been the pioneer in bringing multi organ transplantation to India, will execute an ambitious expansion from 300+ beds to 800+ beds within 3-4 years while establishing world-class Centres of Excellence in cardiac sciences, neurosciences, comprehensive cancer care, General and GI surgery and multi-organ transplantation across Pune and key cities in Maharashtra.

STRATEGIC VISION: A PREMIER MULTI-SPECIALTY & QUATERNARY CARE CHAIN

By 2029, Lokmanya Hospitals will emerge as one of Maharashtra’s premier multi-specialty and quaternary care hospital chains. With a deeply integrated approach, the organization brings together advanced Orthopaedic care, cutting-edge Neurosciences, Cardiac sciences, General and GI surgery, oncology, trauma and critical care, along with state-of-the-art capabilities in organ transplantation and precision robotic surgery. This comprehensive service spectrum, supported by super-specialized expertise, creates a differentiated value proposition serving as a referral center while capturing premium market segments across Maharashtra’s major cities.

Manpreet Sohal, Group CEO & Managing Director: “This strategic partnership with Unaprime Healthcare represents a transformational moment for Lokmanya Hospitals as we evolve into Maharashtra’s premier multi-specialty and quaternary care hospital chain. The substantial investment enables us to combine our proven expertise in robotic surgery with comprehensive quaternary care capabilities, positioning us as a Maharashtra healthcare destination. Our expansion into multi-speciality and quaternary care addresses critical healthcare needs across Maharashtra while establishing sustainable competitive advantages.”

Dr. Narendra Vaidya, Chairman & Chief Joint Replacement Surgeon: “Having pioneered robotic surgery in Asia, we now embark on our most ambitious journey to establish Maharashtra’s most advanced multi-specialty and quaternary care hospital chain. Our expansion ensures that patients across Maharashtra & neighbouring  states will have access to world-class quaternary care delivered with the precision and excellence that defines Lokmanya.”

Deep Mishra, Founder, Unaprime Investment Advisors: “Lokmanya’s commitment to establishing a comprehensive multi-speciality hospital with the highest standards represents a significant advancement for healthcare infrastructure. The combination of their established robotic surgery excellence with advanced transplant capabilities will create a unique healthcare destination serving patients nationwide while setting new benchmarks for clinical excellence and patient outcomes.”

Investment & Expansion Highlights:

• Strategic Investment: Unaprime Healthcare LLP’s acquisition of 84.5% shareholding, including fresh capital infusion, with further investment for growth
• Capacity Growth: Over 160% bed expansion from 300+ to 800+ beds within 3-4 years
• Geographic Footprint: Four hospitals in Pune with expansion plans and surgical tie-ups in Mumbai and Kolhapur
• Clinical Excellence: 150,000+ patients treated, 50,000+ knee replacements, 15,000+ robotic surgeries

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The specific program reaches the local catchment youth, women, eDAB (persons with disabilities), defense personnel, and people of the transgender community, to improve their employability within the e-commerce sector.

Hemant Badri, Senior Vice President and Head of Supply Chain, Customer Experience, and Re-Commerce, stated, “Flipkart is firmly committed to aiding millions of local companies on their e-commerce journey and contributing to the country’s inclusive economic growth. The Supply Chain Operations Academy (SCOA) seeks to provide students and prospective professionals with useful skills relevant to professions in e-commerce, retail, and warehousing. The initiative is dedicated to providing India’s youth with the skills required for the rapidly developing e-commerce sector. This program not only changes people’s lives, but it also shapes the industry’s future by directly addressing the urgent demand for a qualified workforce.”

SCOA offers youth the option to upskill without financial obstacles, making professional development accessible to all. Flipkart manages the curriculum, which provides a thorough and intensive learning experience customized to the industry’s dynamic demands. SCOA provides participants with industry-relevant skills, allowing them to gain experience in diverse e-commerce domains that suit their interests. The curriculum now includes a Warehouse Associate Training Module, which prepares students for essential operational positions such as Picker, Putter, Packer, Segregator, Sorter, Quality Check Executive, Data Entry Operator (DEO), and Issue Resolution Executive. This holistic approach aims to ensure that trainees are prepared to handle the changing demands of the e-commerce supply chain sector while also increasing the talent pool for one of India’s fastest-growing businesses.

Over the years, Flipkart has trained thousands of its supply chain employees across the country, which has helped them upskill themselves and find meaningful employment opportunities.

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PUNE: The Indian Institute of Materials Management (IIMM), Pune Branch organized the 9th Annual Supply Chain Management Awards Ceremony on at The O Hotel, Koregaon Park. The awards are held every year to recognize the best practices in Supply Chain Management (SCM) in Manufacturing and logistics sectors and healthcare institutions & conferred awards.

Dr. Pramod Chaudhari, Founder Chairman, of Praj Industries Ltd, was conferred with the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Mr. Harish Kumar Sharma, National President, of the Indian Institute of Materials Management (IIMM), Mr. Surendra Deodhar, National Secretary and Treasurer (NST) IIMM, the team of Pune branch Suhas Gawas, Chairman, Prasad Rao, Vice Chairman, Arjunsingh Rajput, Honorary Secretary, Suhas Gare, Honorary Treasurer, K R Nair National Councilor & VP West, Terrence Fernandes, National Councilor & Program Convenor, Mohan Nair, National Councilor, Amit Borkar, National Councilor & Shripad Kadam, Immediate Past Chairman, IIMM Pune, were present on the occasion along with the executive committee members and a  galaxy of dignitaries & guests.

A souvenir was also released to commemorate the occasion.

The annual awards include recognizing the work of various companies in the manufacturing and logistic sectors through a jury selection process and the conferred awards. 

For best SCM practices in the manufacturing sector, Godrej  Boyce Mfg. Ltd. (Godrej Lawkim Motors) received the award in the large enterprise category while Suttatti Enterprises Pvt. Ltd. was given the award in the medium enterprise category.

MRC Logistics (India) Pvt. Ltd. received the award for best road service provider, while Om Vijayvargiya of Schaeffler India Ltd was presented the supply chain leadership excellence award. 

ICMR-National Institute of Virology which has been playing a pivotal role in the research of viruses was conferred with the best public sector organization.  Bhartiya Sanskriti Darshan Trust which is an integrated cancer research and treatment centre was awarded the best healthcare organization. The unsung hero award was conferred on Ekansh Trust, Founder Anita Iyer, whose main focus is on empowering people with disabilities and related issues.

Women make their mark in supply chain management.

To recognize the role of women in the Supply Chain, (in an organization & an individual working in an organization), the Pune branch instituted a new award category – Women Contribution in Supply Chain.

Women’s Contribution in Supply Chain award was awarded to Esquire Healthcare and Logistics Pvt. Ltd, Pune (Organization) and Sharmila Kesarkar, Head-Supply Chain, Jehangir Hospital, Pune, (Individual).

The prizes to the winners of the Kaizen Competition, the first of its kind organized by the Pune branch were also presented at the awards function.

Harish Kumar Sharma, National President, of the Indian Institute of Materials hailed the work of IIMM Pune and their contribution to the supply chain industry. He presented the President’s medal to Suhas Gawas, Chairman IIMM, Pune along with Arjunsingh Rajput, Suhas Gare, and Harshal Bardiya, the executive committee members of the Pune branch. 

Suhas Gawas, Chairman IIMM, Pune in his welcome address said that IIMM has a legacy of six decades with 54 branches. IIMM Pune was one of the first branches to recognize the work of individuals and organizations for their excellence in supply chain management.

The program was supported by Diamond Sponsor-Mileage Logistics Pvt Ltd, Gold Sponsors – MAN Logistics (India) Pvt Ltd and Bansali Metalloys, Silver Sponsors Ensigns Software and Communications, Cotmac Electronics & Genie Auto Products Pvt. Ltd, Bronze Sponsors Jainex Industrial Corporation, Anil Metals, Tranter India Pvt Ltd, Ashwani Metals and EagleBurgmann India Pvt. Ltd.

The program concluded with some light moments of humor from KR Nair.

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The announcement coincides with the COP28 United Nations Climate Change Conference taking place in Dubai. The growing participation in the program promises to greatly expand access to renewable energy in the semiconductor space. The first-of-its-kind program was first announced in July, with sponsors Intel and Applied Materials.

According to a recent study by the SEMI Semiconductor Climate Consortium, the semiconductor industry’s carbon footprint was equivalent to 500Mt of CO2 in 2021, with 16% coming from the supply chain. By transitioning suppliers onto lower-carbon sources of energy and supporting them in other decarbonization actions like electrification, the industry can make a significant impact on its overall Scope 3 emissions.

“We are delighted to welcome Google, ASM, and HP to the Catalyze program. Their decision to join supports the ambition to accelerate the decarbonization of supply chains,” said Jean-Pascal Tricoire, Chairman, of Schneider Electric. “Scope 3 emissions have proven a challenge to track and manage, but the Catalyze program enables companies and their suppliers to engage and collaborate in their energy transition and decarbonization.“

The Catalyze program strives to combine energy purchasing power across the semiconductor value chain to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy projects, provide suppliers with the opportunity to participate in the market for utility-scale power purchase agreements, enable any company that supplies to a Catalyze sponsor to join across the IT supply landscape, increase awareness of the availability of renewable energy in specific global regions where the semiconductor value chain is operational, and leverage numerous educational and digital technology platform engagements to drive measurable actions in supply chain decarbonization.

The growing participation in the Catalyze program promises to greatly expand access to renewable energy in the semiconductor space, to reduce the industry’s carbon footprint and overall Scope 3 emissions.

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