ISO 9000’s definition of quality is the “degree to which a set of inherent characteristics fulfills requirement”.

So, we must consider the customer, the attributes of the product and the degree to which the product or service meets the needs of all stakeholders. Based on these characteristics we can define the quality of a product as “good”, “average”, “excellent”.

Adherence to a recognized quality standard is essential for dealing with certain customers or complying with legislation. If you sell products in regulated markets, such as health care, food or electrical goods, you must be able to comply with the health and safety compliance standards designed to protect consumer’s interests.

In today’s business environment, organizations face multiple challenges ranging from a global economic slowdown, challenging and agile competition, and technology that’s moving at lightening pace. And one of the ways in which an organization can build a strong, sustainable competitive advantage for itself, is via implementing Total quality management (TQM) practices.

A good night’s sleep is much more than just feeling fresh the next morning; it is about staying healthy, having a sharp memory and being productive. And believe it or not, air compressors have something to do with this vital function of your life.

Quality compressed air determines whether the springs inside a mattress are shaped well, the fibre inside a pillow is evenly distributed or the design on the fabric is printed accurately. Jaspal & Sons Co. Ltd., a Thailand based company with over 70 years in the home linen business, tells ELGi that high quality compressed air helps the company ensure that the mattresses, pillows and the range of bed linen that it produces meet global quality standards.

Blended with the finesse of an artist and aged in oak, whiskey evokes a kind of romanticism that no other drink (except wine, perhaps) can match. This golden liquid attracts collectors from across the world; some willing to spend over $500,000 on a single bottle! It is no wonder that distilleries across the world are competing to craft the perfect glass of whiskey that could be destined for greatness. Air compressors are aiding in modernisation, helping distilleries increase production and achieve higher quality standards.

When you think of the world’s finest distilleries, the mind wanders to the highlands of Scotland and Ireland. But that changed over the last decade when an unlikely contender emerged in the global market — Amrut Whisky. The company’s flagship single malt, Amrut Fusion has won accolades for its distinctive aromas: American magazine, Whisky Advocate, called it the “world whiskey of the year” and acclaimed whiskey writer Jim Murray rated it the world’s third best single malt in 2010.

The vocational program is not another CSR initiative for ELGi.  With skilled manpower increasingly scarce in the market, ELGi found it challenging to replace its older, skilled workforce from the market.  With aspirations to best its European and American counterparts on quality and reliability, ELGi needed talent that would align to its high quality standards and commit to long term careers.  Thus, similar to its manufacturing processes, ELGi elected to “vertically integrate” its talent pipeline via the vocational program to identify talented youngsters from challenging backgrounds to fuel the next generation of production line talent at ELGi.  The results? Over six years, ELGi has inducted 130 trainees from its vocational program.  With an average employee tenure of twenty years and the lowest attrition level in the industry, for ELGi, the vocational training program is sound business strategy.

In the scattered towns and villages surrounding Coimbatore, ELGi found a multitude of idle youngsters staring at a bleak future. This was prime ground for meaningful and effective community engagement to promote positive social change.

ELGi’s vocational training program applies to destitute students who have completed their tenth year of schooling.  A strict screening process that includes written and skill tests, interviews, medical checks, and background verification ensures that students with potential and promise gain entry into the course.  Over three years, the program provides these youngsters with technical training, basic engineering, and advanced production technology. Located on the sprawling premises of ELGi’s Air Compressor Plant (ACP) in Singarampalayam on the outskirts of Coimbatore, and spread over an area of 18000 sq. ft., the facilities include two multimedia class rooms and practical labs for training in machining, welding, and electrical work. A yoga hall, ample space for indoor games and an outdoor playground form other amenities.