Established in 1948 as Sultan Chinoy & Company, the company was later incorporated as International Industries Limited. Having gone through several intermediary stages and carrying on various businesses including being managing agents, distributors and trading, International Industries ventured into an expanding career in trade, industry and technical services.
Having sponsored Pak Chemicals Limited (Sulphuric Acid and Salts) in 1949 and Pakistan Cables Limited (a joint venture with BICC plc) in 1953, International Industries ventured into the business of manufacturing high quality welded steel pipes in 1965. The first pipes to roll out were high quality electric resistance welded pipes, used as Electric Conduit.
Manufacturing was expanded to include Galvanised Pipe in 1983, with the birth of "IIL GI PIPE". This brand today is the hallmark of the highest quality and remains the market leader in Pakistan. International market sales (export) have grown over the last fiscal year.
The company is the sole exporter of welded steel pipe from the country and its list of destinations includes North America, Europe, Australia, the Caribbean, Africa, Asia and the Middle East.
Having gone public in 1984, International Industries today has equity of over Rs 1339 million. Turnover exceeded Rs 5 billion in the fiscal year 2003-04. Contribution to the exchequer exceeds Rs 1.2 billion.
The Company commissioned the country's first and so far only Cold Rolling Mill in the private sector in 1990.
This state-of-the-art computer integrated Austrian Mill produces high precision cold rolled sheets that are used for in-house consumption as well as sold directly. Pipes manufactured from this steel are synonymous with the highest quality.
In 1995 the Pakistan Standards Institute accredited International Industries and in 1997 it achieved certification under the International Quality Management System, ISO 9001 for its entire operation.
1998 saw it become the first manufacturing company in Pakistan to achieve international credit rating from Duff & Phelps Credit Rating Co, USA for issue of commercial rated paper.
International Industries continues to be a model for modern professional management in the country. With its aims of excellence, it has endeavoured to be a profitable and a growth oriented organisation. Provision of high quality services and products are the core of its business strategy, making it a reliable business partner and associate.
MILESTONES: Awarded Trophy for Best Export Performance for Mechanical Engineering Goods. Won the Karachi Stock-Exchange Top 25 Companies Award for the second consecutive year.
(The author is Managing Director International Industries Limited)