Muhammad Pervez Akhter takes over as Executive Vice President of Shakarganj Mills Limited.

Muhammad Pervez Akhter joined Shakarganj in 1981 as a Shift-Chemist. Through successive promotions he became a General Manager during the earlier part of his 25 years with Shakarganj. After becoming a Senior Vice President in 2005 his commitment, sharp insight and dedicated work ethic resulted with Mr. Akhtar in the recently vacated post of the Executive Vice President of Shakarganj Mills Ltd.

Muhammad Pervez Akhter pledges to steer the industry by giving it a new momentum through innovative and foresight. 

As a promising member of the Shakarganj team Mr. Akhtar has availed many opportunities for personal and professional development through training and educational courses locally and abroad. This includes Diploma in Business Management from LUMS and various foreign tours to Japan, South Africa, India a few to mention.

The entire Shakarganj team welcomes Mr. Pervez Akhtar as the incoming Executive Vice President.

Shakarganj pays homage to a pioneer Muhammad Awais Qureshi

Muhammad Awais Qureshi is a sugar technologist and has served  the sugar industry in Pakistan for nearly 50 years. His association with Shakarganj Mills alone has spanned 28 out of Shakarganj’s 41 years. Under his management, Shakarganj has grown from toddling organization to a leader in the sugar industry.

He retired as the Executive Vice President.

Best Corporate Report Award 2008

Another feather in the cap, Shakarganj bags the

Shakarganj has reiterate its legacy of securing distinctions in various sectors by winning Best corporate report award.

The Joint committee of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan and the Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of Pakistan organized the ceremony for the 9th Best Corporate Awards 2008. It was held on 15th June 2009 in a local hotel at Karachi. Mr. Salim Raza, The Governor of State Bank of Pakistan was the chief guest. Mr. Mehboob Qureshi Chief Financial Officer SML received the award.

It has become a norm with high-profile corporate companies to aspire and strive hard for winning the Best Corporate Report Award because it is a benchmark for excellence in corporate reporting. Shakarganj has been a proud recipient of this award 4 times.

Shakarganj in the spot light to Chair the Conference on Industrial Biotechnology Organized by NIBGE Faisalabad & NCB Islamabad

National Commission on Biotechnology (NCB) recently arranged a Conference entitled “Development and Commercialization of Biotechnology Products” from 19-20 June, 2009 at National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE), Faisalabad. The theme of this conference was to bring forth the locally developed/under development biotechnological products, processes or materials in the country.

In this important national conference delegates from all over Pakistan both from public and private sector participated. Three sessions on Agriculture, Health Sciences and Industrial Biotechnology were organized. Twelve Scientific papers were presented in agriculture session and four in health session.

Muhammad Awais Qureshi, Executive Vice President, Shakarganj Mills Ltd Jhang / Member National Commision on Biotechnology chaired the 3rd session of the conference on Industrial Biotechnology. Seven scientific papers were presented by environment scientists of the country. He managed the session within the scheduled time. On winding up the session he gave his view on the various presentations and appreciated the valuable scientific work conducted by the scientists. He emphasized the need to boost sale of the value added products. This indicator was considered to be reflective of the quality of product. He stressed the conversion of Filter Cake to valuable Bio-compost by the sugar mills and shared his experience of using Distillery liquid waste as waste material to generate Biogas and eventually produce electric power.

Dr. Kausar Abdullah Malik, Dr. Anwar Naseem and Director NIBGE appreciated the efforts of Shakarganj for the production of environment friendly products at industrial scale.

They expressed gratitude to Muhammad Awais Qureshi for sparing his valuable time and chairing the industrial biotechnology session at NIBGE.

ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH AND SAFETY (EHS) POLICY

As a leading manufacturer of sugar and sugar by-products, Shakarganj ensures that all its operations continuously improve the Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) performance by providing safe workplace and products, conserving natural resources and, preventing pollution. It ensures that the facilities and products meet or exceed applicable government requirements while maintaining optimal working conditions for the workforce.

The company ensures the implementation requirements ensuring health, safety and, freedom of association, disciplinary practices and compensations as well as policies against child and forced labor, discrimination.

The company uses a life cycle approach in its efforts to minimize the EHS impact of its products and services right from the extraction of raw materials till the end product. At Shakarganj we educate, motivate and engage the staff to contribute to its EHS commitment and to comply with this policy.
Furthermore, we encourage contractors, suppliers and consultants to adhere to the same standards as the company does. This ensures prompt reporting of any incident, adequate internal and external monitoring and measurement of its EHS performance and regularly provide assurance that processes and management systems are working effectively.

Environment, Health & Safety (EHS) Training at Shakarganj

EHS Training of Shakarganj employees was held in two phases. Phase- I of Annual EHS training conducted at SML, Jhang from 7th to 22nd April , 2009.

 The objective of this exercise was theoretical and practical training of staff regarding operational safety, firefighting procedure, first aid techniques and safe driving. Phase II was be held in May 2009.

The training was conducted by EHS team of SML Jhang. Fourteen batches comprising of 23 people each were trained by the EHS team at SML in the first phase.

Mr. Mohammad Saifllah, V.P (Operation) inaugurated the opening of session. Mr. Zahid Mahmood Qureshi, General Manager (Plant), Management Representative SA-8000 presented a brief overview of program. Mr. Ehsan Arsahd, Shift Engineer conducted the detailed session.

A practical demonstration was also performed by the participants.

Shakarganj Mills Limited signs 3rd POWER PURCHASE AGREEMENT with FESCO

Shakarganj Mills Limited signed another Power Purchase Agreement with Faisalabad Electric Supply Company on January 14, 2009. Under this agreement Shakarganj Mills will supply up to 2 MW of electric energy. This power would be supplemented to 11 KV systems.

The agreement was signed by Mr. Ahmad Saeed Akhtar, Chief Executive Officer FESCO and Mr. Mohammad Awais Qureshi, Executive Vice President Shakarganj Mills Limited.
This is the third Power Purchase Agreement between FESCO and Shakarganj, as two were signed last year on February 23, 2008 and on August 19, 2008, of 7 MW and 18 MW respectively. It is catering industrial and domestic needs of the consumers of Jhang through Jhang Grid Station and 18 Hazari Grid station.

The above efforts made at Shakarganj Mills amount to produce and supply 27 MW of electricity for National Grid.

 

FPCCI Best Export Performance Award to Shakarganj

Shakarganj, a leading manufacturer of Ethanol, carries out a major chunk of Pakistan’s Ethanol export around the globe. About 80 percent of our product is exported to European, American and South East Asian markets, making a positive contribution towards country’s foreign exchange earnings.

Ethanol Division is all set to show better performance every year. Over 60 Million Liters of Ethanol were produced during year 2007-2008 which is a record in the history of Shakarganj. Our exports during 2007-2008 were of the order of Rs.1,416,000,000 (Rs.1.4 Billion). The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry awarded FPCCI Best Export Performance Award to Shakarganj for the year 2007-2008. This is the third time Shakarganj has been awarded this prestigious award in 4 years.

The 32nd FPCCI Export Awards ceremony was held on 22nd December 2008 at Pearl Continental Hotel, Karachi. Prime Minister Islamic Republic of Pakistan Syed Yusuf Raza Gillani was the Chief Guest. Sindh Governor Dr.Ishratul Ibad Khan, Chief Minister Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah, Commerce Minister Amin Fahim and Minister for Textile Industry Muhammed Farooq Saeed were also present at the occasion along with top bureaucrats, leading businessmen and social elites.

Mr.Zahid Mahmood Khan, General Manager (Ethanol) received the Export Trophy Award from the Prime Minster of Pakistan on behalf of Shakarganj.

 

Crushing Campaign Inaugural Ceremony

Crushing campaign 2008-2009 has been started on November 24, 2008 at Shakarganj Mills Ltd Jhang. Mr. Anjum M Saleem, the Managing Director has graced the inaugural ceremony. A large number of staff members and growers were also present. Sweets and prizes were distributed among the winners.

Unanimous Dua was conducted for safe and smooth operations of the campaign.

 

First ever Pakistani Company “Shakarganj” treads the victory stand, winning Intel-AIM CSR Award by Asian Forum at Singapore on November 21, 2008.

Intel and the Asian Institute of Management, have jointly given Intel-AIM Corporate Responsibility Award to Shakarganj, in acknowledgment of Shakarganj’s astounding performance on CSR spheres. Shakarganj has every reason to be puffed up with pride as it has emerged as the first Pakistani Company to prove its substance on international standards in Asian region.
 
 Mr. Altaf M. Saleem, Chairman Shakarganj Foundation, accepted the crystal trophy from Anjan Ghosh, Intel's Regional Director Corporate Affairs for Asia-Pacific.  The Award is presented to one organization or individual every year to recognize successful integration of responsible behaviour into their way of doing business and demonstrating impact through sustainable CSR actions. It carries a grant of USD 25,000.

This year there were 170 nominations for the Asian CSR Awards from 15 countries, including major multinationals and top national corporations.  Shakarganj was chosen from among 25 nominees for the Intel-AIM award by panel of judges having international fame.

Expressing his satisfaction, Mr. Altaf M. Saleem, said, "This is an honour for Pakistan, and is a tribute to the vision and diligence of the management and staff of the company.  Shakarganj Mills is committed to ethical business values from       day-one. Our company mission guides us to be conscious of our responsibility to the communities around their needs and us.”

 

Shakarganj Energy (Pvt.) Ltd. agreed to sell 18 MW electric energy to FESCO

Shakarganj Energy (Pvt.) Ltd. agreed to sell 18 MW electric energy to FESCO, Faisalabad on August 19, 2008 for a period of two decades. The agreement in this regard was signed at FESCO Headquarters Faisalabad.

Mr. Ahmad Saeed Akhtar, Chief Executive Officer FESCO and Mr. Muhammad Awais Qureshi, Director Shakarganj Energy (Pvt.) Ltd. signed the agreement.

Senior officials from FESCO and Shakarganj Energy were also present at the contract signing ceremony.

Shakarganj Energy (Pvt.) Ltd. would make 18 MW power available on Take and Pay Basis at a voltage of 11 kV to FESCO. This would come from Bagasse Based Power Generation Facility, Dargai Shah, District Jhang.

 

An evening with District management

A team of 21 CSS probationers of District Management Group batch-35 visited Shakarganj Mills Jhang on Friday 15th August 2008 for orientation under the supervision of their faculty member Mr. Muhammad Siddique of Civil Service Academy. Following dignitaries of District Management, Jhang also accompanied the visiting team.

            1.         Mr. Asad Islam                                   DCO
            2.         Mr. Javed Islam                                  DPO
            3.         Mr. Shahid Niaz                                  DO (R)
            4.         Mr. Sajjad Zaffar Gondal                   DOC

The Executive Vice President of Shakarganj Mills Mr. Muhammad Awais Qureshi, Senior Vice president Mr. Muhammad Pervez Akhter, Chief Financial Officer Mr. Mehboob Ali Qureshi and Vice President Administration Major (Rtd) Hameed Ullah Awan welcomed the guests. Mr.Avais Qureshi briefed about role of Sugar Industry in economy of Pakistan. He indicated international scenario of shifting to Biofuel in details. Mixing of dehydrated alcohol with petrol could bring down the cost of motor fuel to an economical level apart from its advantages to provide cleaner fuel.

Mr. Pervez oriented the gussets with profile of Shakarganj. Question answer session took place at the end of presentation

 

SML’s Participation in the Annual Agricultural Workshop under PSST forum     

Pakistan Society of Sugar Technologists (PSST) organized The Annual Agricultural Workshop on the topic of “Profitable cultivation of sugarcane” on July 12, 2008 at Serena Faisalabad. More than one hundred numbers of delegates from sugar mills operating in the center of Pakistan participated in this workshop. The eminent experts of the related field presented the research papers to cover the main theme. From SML, Dr.Shahid Afghan Director General of Shakarganj Research Institute and, Malik Manzoor Hussain Vice President Agriculture, presented the research papers on the topics of  “Post-freezes deterioration of sugarcane crop”, and “Pre and post harvest losses of sugarcane crop” respectively.   Malik Kazim Ali, Manager Shakarganj Research Institute presented his research paper on another aspect of the main theme, “A review on need of bio composting and organic farming”.

 

Shakarganj chairs the Annual Technical Workshop (PSST)

Pakistan Society of Sugar Technologists is a fraternity of sugar technologists/ agronomists working in sugar mills, allied industries and research institutions of Pakistan. It arranged Annual Technical Workshop on the topic of “Energy Conservation” at PC Lahore on July 5th 2008.  Mr. Muhammad Awais Qureshi Executive Vice President SHAKARGANJ MILLS LTD (SML) presided over the workshop. Foreign delegates from Brazil, Germany, and over one hundred Sugar Technologists from Pakistan participated in it.Mr. Muhammad Pervez Akhtar Senior Vice President, Mr. Muhammad Siddique Sahi General Manager (Power) and Mr. Muhammad Saifullah General Manager  (E & I) represented SML.

The eloquent speakers presented five research papers on the topic. Mr. Sajid Naqvi, a well-known sugar technologist delivered the keynote address. Mr. Zubair Ahmad Director General Central Power Purchase Agency presented the Power Purchase policy of PEPCO. Its pros and cons were discussed in detail. The Chairman wrapped up the meeting with the comments that the sugar industry in Pakistan can assist the nation with the supply of electric power during their crushing campaign. Long-term strategy of power generation on year round basis may also be considered if due weight is given towards use of auxiliary fuels.

 

MBA Executive programme at Lahore University of Management Science(LUMS).

SML adamantly followed the course of taking initiatives to build the capacities of its employees. Under this capacity building programme, Mr. Zahid Mehmood Qureshi(General Manager Plant) has recently been selected for two yearsMBA Executive programme at Lahore University of Management Science(LUMS).

Interview was conductedon June 5th, 2008. He is leaving to join LUMS on August 28, 2008.

 

Annual Environment Excellence Award 2008 (AEEA)    Laurels for Shakarganj

National Forum for Environment & Health (NFEH) organized 5th Annual Environment Excellence Award 2008 on June 2008 at Karachi. Various sectors of industry like Cement, Oil and gas, Chemicals, Energy, Engineering, Fertilizer, Textile and Sugar were invited.

Engro Ashai Polimer, Indus Motor, KSB Pumps, Pak Arab Fertilizer, Shell Pakistan, Oil & Gas Development, Pakistan PTA, Nestle, National Refinery, Shakarganj Mills Limited were the most prominent among many enlisted companies in this award.

The panel of judges comprising of Scientists/Technologists nominated by NFEH from various reputed organizations. Shakarganj Mills was acknowledged and awarded for dazzling contribution for the promotion of  health care and protection of natural environment by creating awareness among all segments of society.

 

Presentation on ‘Supply Chain Management in Sugar Industry’ at LUMS

Shakarganj Senior Vice President Pervaiz Akhtar and E&I General Manager Muhammad Saif Ullah delivered a presentation on ‘Supply Chain Management in Sugar Industry’ at the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) on March 19, 2008. 

During the hour-long presentation, the SVP briefed participants in detail about the Supply Chain Management process at the Shakarganj Mills Limited. He said, “Our experience in executing mega projects spans several decades, and we are committed to taking every leap - even the bumpy road - to achieve our goals.”

Nearly 50 MBA students were present during the presentation which was also attended by Business School Dean Dr Shaukat Ali Barah, and Supply Chain Management Head Dr Farooq Anwar.

The students appreciated the kind of systems implemented at the Shakarganj Mills, Jhang. At the end of the presentation, souvenirs were given to the speakers by the Business School Dean.

Shakarganj grabs distinction in Potted Plant Exhibition at Gardeners Club, Faisalabad

A four-day potted plants’ exhibition was arranged by the Gardners Club, Faisalabad at the Sitara Sapna City. Shakarganj Mills Limited, Jhang participated in the exhibition that started from March 22 to 25, 2008. Participants were divided into various categories; Shakarganj was put into Group-D – the division set for industries, clubs and hotels and this group had to carry out the following:

The Chenab Club, Gaya Soap, Civil Authority, Faisalabad, Floric Faisalabad and Serena Hotel, Faisalabad were also part of Group-D.

A colourful prize distribution ceremony was held at the club on March 24 in which Mr Altaf M Saleem was chief guest. Overall, Shakarganj secured 2nd position in the competition, including first in logo designing. On the occasion, a trophy and three shields were awarded to Shakarganj

A special trophy was awarded to Research Institute Director Dr Shahid Afghan for tissue culture of gerbera (cut flowers). Mr Khalid Hussain was awarded a shield for setting up the Shakarganj Botanical Gardens and managing the competition.

FPCCI Best Export Performance Award 2007

Shakarganj Mills Limited, Jhang has been awarded for ‘Best Export Performance’ for ethyl alcohol during 2007 by the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI).

80 percent the ethyl alcohol exported from Pakistan is produced at Shakarganj and Rs 598 million worth of ethyl alcohol was exported during 2007. During 1998-1999, Rs 67 million worth of ethyl alcohol was exported while in 2006-2007, export touched Rs 598 million.

EVP Muhammad Awais Qureshi received the award at the 31st FPCCI Annual Award Ceremony held at the Pearl Continental Hotel, Karachi in December 2007. The FPCCI holds the ceremony annually in recognition of the involvement of various organisations in the country’s burgeoning export trade.

Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Soomro presided over the ceremony attended by  FPCCI President Tanveer Ahmad Shaikh and various foreign dignitaries. The Shakarganj Mills Limited has been honoured with various trophies and awards over the past many years. Following is a list of awards received by the company from 1998 to 2007:

Academia-Industry Relationship

Shakarganj is a strong proponent of academia-industry relation. Keeping this in mind, it recently organized a company presentation at the Chemical Department of the University of Engineering and Technology (UET), Lahore on October 23, 2007.

Presenters included Vice President Human Resources Omar Malik and General Manager E&I Muhammad Saifullah.

The 90-minute presentation started with Muhammad Saifullah talking about the company profile while Omar Malik gave information regarding the employment features at Shakarganj Mills.
More than 300 teachers and students of the Chemical, Electrical, Mechanical, Computer Sciences and Chemistry departments participated in the presentation which was followed by a Question and Answer session.

At the end of the event, souvenirs were presented to 15 teachers.

20 years of service Zahid Mahmood Khan, GM Distillery, SML Jhang

Zahid Mahmood, the GM (Distillery), has completed 20 years of service at Shakarganj. He joined the organization on October 3, 1987 as a trainee technologist and over the years, with sheer hard work and dedication, got promoted to the rank of Distillery Technologist. Presently, he is working as the General Manager Distillery at SML, Jhang.

Zahid Mahmood has been provided with numerous learning opportunities at SML where he has been able to enhance his capabilities through training and educational courses. This includes Diploma in Business Management from LUMS and various foreign tours to countries like Japan Thailand, Saudi Arabia and Brazil.

Zahid Mehmood has been an integral part of the company’s success and expansion process which include the replacement of fermentation process, expansion of production capacity from 40,000 liters daily to 160,000 liters daily and the installation and successful operation of ethanol dehydration plant (Fuel grade).