Blue Star - Experts & Thought Leaders

Air conditioning and commercial refrigeration major, Blue Star Limited, has launched 75 new models of room air conditioners in its Platinum Jubilee year. These superior and stylish models also include energy-efficient inverter ACs capable of delivering 30% extra cooling over and above its rated capacity. This enables faster temperature pull-down even in larger rooms during peak summers thereby consuming less power and leading to significant savings on account of lower electricity bills. This superior performance is due to Blue Star’s unique heavy duty design of the outdoor unit that weighs around 46 kg for a 1.5 ton 5-star inverter AC. External voltage stabilizer Consumers can also avail attractive 0% finance with easy EMI options and cash back offers The range of these inverter ACs starts from Rs 33,790. Further, consumers can also avail attractive 0% finance with easy EMI options and cash back offers vide tie-ups with banks and finance firms. All Blue Star inverter ACs are backed with an assured comprehensive warranty for the first year, and a long term warranty of 10 years for the compressor. Blue Star has also unveiled a new line-up of super-efficient inverter ACs with a high ISEER of 5.30 which consumes 18% less power compared to the existing 5-star ACs with an ISEER of 4.50, thus setting a new benchmark on the energy-efficiency front. In addition, the new innovative range offers distinct features such as precise temperature setting in steps of 0.1°C and 0.5°C, sound proof acoustic jacket for the compressor for extra quiet performance, Dual Rotar Technology for faster cooling, and a built-in voltage stabilizer designed to operate smoothly from 160 V to 270 V without the aid of an external voltage stabilizer. Smart Budget Management Blue Star’s inverter ACs with Wi-Fi enabled feature are smartly operated through its customer-centric mobile app which, in addition to its capability to remotely monitor and control the machine, also allows consumers to personalize their AC profile, group the ACs for better control, and optimize settings as well as integrate this app with home automation systems. Besides, this app also has ’Smart Budget Management’ embedded in it which enables users to smartly manage their budget, track their AC usage trends, as well as schedule their ACs with respect to different time and sleep curves. Blue Star’s share in the 5-star air conditioners segment is higher than that of the industry, signifying that the Company enjoys a preference amongst discerning consumers who purchase premium products. The complete range of inverter models is equipped with eco-friendly refrigerants. UV purification systems Blue Star has also introduced a new range of innovative air purifiers with SensAir Technology Blue Star, which is celebrating its Platinum Jubilee, forayed into the residential segment in 2011 and has since, grown from strength to strength, year-after-year by outperforming the industry. Blue Star’s air conditioners are well known for quality, reliability and durability earning the trust of millions of customers. Blue Star has also launched a new range of air coolers under its ‘Windus’ sub-brand which is equipped with a unique Cross Drift Technology that helps in faster cooling in harsh and dry summers. The range comes with different water tank capacities starting from 35 liters to 75 liters and a price range from Rs 8,990 to Rs 13,490. To combat the rising pollution levels in many cities across India, Blue Star has also introduced a new range of innovative air purifiers with SensAir Technology, along with Nano-e, Plasma, and UV purification systems. Digital and smart products Blue Star has an AHRI-certified R&D facility which develops products of international standards that are best-in-class in the industry. Two psychometric labs for air conditioners have received accreditation from National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL). With enhanced capability in reliability and electronics, it has a strong foundation for digital and smart products. Blue Star has developed in-house capabilities to test and certify safety compliance of its products. The R&D function continues to have an approved status from Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR). The Company intends to increase its investment to Rs 50 crores in FY20 as against Rs 40 crores in FY19 on new product development as well as on its research and design initiatives. Modern and sophisticated products The Company has a strong installation and service franchise network to support retailers Blue Star is committed to develop customized, modern and sophisticated products which can compete with the best globally. As regards to distribution, in FY20, Blue Star’s room air conditioners will be available at 5000 outlets in 575 locations spread across the length and breadth of the country, vide exclusive as well as multi-brand sales outlets, sales and service dealers, retail showrooms, modern trade as well as on major e-commerce platforms. The Company has a strong installation and service franchise network to support retailers. Currently, Blue Star has 200 exclusive brand stores in the country, and plans to increase it to 250 stores by the end of FY20. Around 52% of Blue Star’s room air conditioner sales are from smaller towns since consumers in these markets are aspirational and prefer premium brands. Blue Star continues to be the largest after-sales air conditioning service provider in the country. Several customized smart applications All its services are ISO 9001-2008 certified. Currently, there are 800 expert service associates across the country, which the Company intends to increase to 1000 associates in FY20. As part of its Gold Standard Service Programme, the Company offers superior after-sales service equipped with several customized smart applications, modernization of tools and tackles as well as remote monitoring, besides others. Consumers in the room air conditioners segment are brand-conscious, preferring specialist air conditioning players. This has worked to the advantage of Blue Star since it enjoys the reputation of being a premium and aspirational brand, and its rich pedigree and high quality product array has been in conjunction with this image. In terms of advertising and brand communication, the Company has plans to invest about Rs 55 crores in the forthcoming summer season as against Rs 45 crores in FY19, with a set of TV commercials supported by ads in mainline dailies, cinema and hoardings. Integrated Marketing Communication Blue Star has been persistent with its strategy of Integrated Marketing Communication It also intends to enhance its digital marketing efforts in social media as well as the internet. The differentiated value proposition ‘Nobody cools better’ has resonated well with the residential audience, and will continue to leverage Blue Star’s superior expertise in cooling. Blue Star has been persistent with its strategy of Integrated Marketing Communication comprising mass media, field promotions, digital platforms, Press, events and social media, apart from one-to-one marketing which has helped fortify its brand equity amongst customers and consumers. Enhancing market share Speaking to the Press at a conference held at Chennai, B Thiagarajan, Joint Managing Director, Blue Star Limited, who will be taking charge as Managing Director with effect from April 1, 2019 said, “As in the past, we have again launched a stellar array of new products which are differentiated and stylish.” “Blue Star has always been committed to provide consumers with products that are highly energy-efficient and deliver extra cooling while consuming less power and has products at all price point in order to cater to a larger set of consumers. We continue to make significant investments in product development, after-sales service as well as brand building and are confident of enhancing our market share to 13.5% in this financial year.”

Air conditioning and commercial refrigeration major, Blue Star Limited, has announced several important Board level changes that were approved at the Meeting of the Board of Director. The Board has unanimously approved the appointment of Mr Shailesh Haribhakti as the Chairman of Blue Star with effect from April 1, 2019. He will succeed Mr Suneel M Advani, who will be retiring from the Board on March 31, 2019 in accordance with the retirement policy for Non-Executive Directors. Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements In its 75 years of existence, Blue Star maintained the tradition of being ahead of the curve in terms of corporate governance, much before the very terminology came into vogue. In 2019, the Company completes 50 years of being a listed entity in Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). The Company is pleased to appoint an Independent Director as the Chairman of the Board Much ahead of the April 1, 2020 deadline for complying with the SEBI’s revised Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements with regard to separation of roles of Chairman and Managing Director, and that the persons holding these responsibilities should not be related to each other, the Company is pleased to appoint an Independent Director as the Chairman of the Board. Mr Shailesh Haribhakti joined the Board of Blue Star in 2005 as an Independent Director and will be the first professional, Independent Chairman in the history of the Company. Prominent financial institutions He is a renowned Chartered Accountant, and among authorities on Audit and Tax related matters. He is actively involved with several prominent financial institutions and industry bodies, including the NSE, CII, IMC and ASSOCHAM. He is a certified public accountant, certified internal auditor, financial planner, cost accountant and fraud examiner. He is an independent Board member/chairman of a number of Indian companies including L&T Finance Holdings Limited, Mahindra Lifespaces, Future Lifestyle and ACC Limited. In recent times, some prominent Boards and Board Committees led by him have been recognized with coveted awards, which speak of his penchant for excellence in the areas of corporate governance and sustainability initiatives. Mr Haribhakti has been the Chairman of the Company’s Audit Committee and has been instrumental in strengthening the Company’s corporate governance practices, and plays a key role in overseeing the financial affairs of the Company. Culture of trust and empowerment Mr Advani has immensely contributed to the culture of trust and empowerment His detailed knowledge of the Company's business and strategy, and of the external market environment, coupled with his expertise, honed over four decades by heading his own business practice, have been invaluable for the Board and the Company. His elevation underlines the importance the Company and its Promoters have always given to professional management.   After spending 50 years in Blue Star, including 36 years on the Board of Directors, Mr Suneel M Advani will be retiring from the Board. He has served the Company for the longest period that any individual has. Mr Advani has immensely contributed to the culture of trust and empowerment that define the Company’s core values and has been associated with Blue Star in various capacities over a period spanning three generations, eventually leading it as Chairman in its Platinum Jubilee year. comprehensive Executive Management Program The Board has appointed him Chairman Emeritus with effect from April 1, 2019. He will be an invitee to Board meetings, and will be available for consultation in an advisory capacity. Vice Chairman & Managing Director Mr Vir S Advani has been elevated to Vice Chairman, and re-designated Vice Chairman & Managing Director with effect from April 1, 2019. Mr Vir S Advani holds Bachelor’s Degrees in Systems Engineering and in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania. He has also completed a comprehensive Executive Management Program at the Harvard Business School. After a 2-year working stint in private equity in New York, Vir joined Blue Star Infotech Ltd in 2000, and later founded Blue Star Design & Engineering Ltd in 2003, designated as its Chief Executive Officer. Information Technology and Corporate Planning Vir will be the primary interface between the Board and the Executive Management In 2007, he moved to Blue Star as Vice President - Corporate Affairs. He was promoted as Executive Vice President in 2008; President - Corporate Affairs & Special Projects in 2009; Executive Director in 2010. In 2016, Vir was appointed Managing Director of the Company. In his enhanced role, Vir will be the primary interface between the Board and the Executive Management, and will also directly oversee the Company’s subsidiary Blue Star Engineering & Electronics Limited, International Operations, Corporate Finance, Corporate Human Resources, Information Technology and Corporate Planning. Mr B Thiagarajan has been elevated to the position of Managing Director with effect from April 1, 2019. Mr Thiagarajan holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Electrical and Electronics from Madurai University. Projects and Products businesses He has also completed the Senior Executive Program of the London Business School. He has four decades of work experience, having worked for Larsen and Toubro Ltd, BPL Systems Ltd and Voltas Ltd, prior to joining Blue Star in 1998. Over the last two decades in Blue Star, Mr Thiagarajan has handled a variety of assignments in the Service business, Corporate Communications & Marketing and Corporate Affairs & Planning, before being promoted to President - AC&R Products Group in 2009. He was elevated to the Board in 2013 and thereafter, was appointed Joint Managing Director in 2016. In his enhanced role, Mr Thiagarajan will now be responsible for the Projects and Products businesses, Manufacturing, R&D, Supply Chain, Customer Service, Corporate Communications and Corporate Marketing Services.

Air conditioning and commercial refrigeration major Blue Star Limited announces the launch of a new and innovative model of a room air conditioner with in-built air purifier, which cools and purifies the air in the room at the same time. Pollution levels in India are rising with indoor air pollution getting worse than the outdoor pollution in many cases due to the closed environment of spaces such as a home or office, and the lack of fresh air. Pollutants get trapped and micro-organisms flourish in the stale environment. Delivering powerful cooling What better way to tackle the situation than by using an AC which not only cools the room but also purifies the indoor air at the same time through a single machine. Blue Star’s new 5 Star inverter AC with in-built air purifier not only delivers powerful cooling during summers, but also simultaneously purifiers the indoor air. This AC is proven to remove harmful pollutant particulate matters such as PM 2.5 It has the capability to function as a standalone air purifier during winters, and that too without switching on the machine’s compressor, thereby ensuring low electricity consumption. Powered by the unique Contact Microbiocidal Anti PM 2.5 Technology, this AC is proven to remove harmful pollutant particulate matters such as PM 2.5 with a reduction efficacy of 99.39%. Microbiocidal Filtration Technology With a unique Double Stage Fortified Filtration mechanism, it can efficiently tackle micro-organisms such as bacteria and fungi floating in the indoor air environment, with an efficacy of 99.999%. The SensAir Technology used in this air purifier continuously senses the indoor air quality and speeds up the air purification process automatically when required. Real time monitoring is enabled in this AC through an LED display indicator. The maintenance cost of the air purifier is also negligible as the key filter operates on the unique Contact Microbiocidal Filtration Technology making it easy to wash and does not require regular replacement, unlike the multi filters in typical air purifiers which have to be regularly replaced. This makes this AC ideal for the residential and light commercial segments. Dual Inverter Technology The AC can operate at 52 degree Celsius ambient, delivering extremely comfortable cooling performance The 5 Star inverter AC is also designed with Dual Inverter Technology to enable faster cooling during peak summers, has a BLDC Motor for quieter performance, and comes with some unique user-friendly features such as climate control, dual user preference settings, precision cooling, and powerful mode, amongst others. The AC can operate at 52 degree Celsius ambient, delivering extremely comfortable cooling performance. It’s time to say good bye to polluted unhealthy indoor air, and say hello to cool, pure air with Blue Star’s air conditioner with in-built air purifier. Blue Star, which completed 75 years in 2018, had forayed into the residential segment in 2011 and has since grown from strength to strength, year-after-year, by outperforming the industry. Superior and innovative products The Company’s air conditioners are well known for quality, reliability and durability, and have earned the trust of millions of customers, making Blue Star one of the significant players in the industry with a market share of around 12.5%. With the penetration of room air conditioners in India as low as 5-6%, the room ACs market continues to offer abundant opportunities for Blue Star. The Company has already made deep inroads into Tier 3, 4 and 5 towns with more than 60% of its sales coming from these markets. Going ahead, Blue Star intends to make deeper inroads into various customer segments and geographies and grow its market share with a wide array of superior and innovative products across various price points. Blue Star has a robust distribution network across India with 90% of the Company’s transactional interface with its dealers and channel partners being digitized. Expanding retail distribution reach Blue Star has 200 exclusive brand stores in the country, and work is in progress to increase it to 250 stores At the same time, the Company continues to significantly expand its retail distribution reach. Blue Star’s room air conditioners are available at 5000 outlets in 575 locations spread across the length and breadth of the country in various formats. Currently, Blue Star has 200 exclusive brand stores in the country, and work is in progress to increase it to 250 stores by the end of FY20. The products are also available on various e-commerce portals. The Company has a strong installation and service franchise network to support retailers. In its next phase of growth, Blue Star aims to shift orbit and accelerate growth by penetrating deeper across the length and breadth of India. The Company, by leveraging its brand salience, intends to garner mass appeal cutting across geographies and demographics. new and innovative products In order to achieve its next level of growth, Blue Star recently rolled out the new festive season campaign, which unveiled Virat Kohli’s association with Blue Star’s room air conditioners. The Campaign began with the launch of a new TV commercial which highlights Blue Star’s new range of room air conditioners that can deliver up to 30% extra cooling when needed with an endorsement, ‘Owned by Virat, Loved by Virat’. Further, the Company has rolled out another new TV commercial that talks about its new and innovative product – an inverter AC with in-built air purifier which also bears the endorsement, ‘Owned by Virat, Loved by Virat.’ Since Cricket has mass appeal in India and Virat Kohli’s skills are unmatched in this game, this campaign is apt for the Company, as Blue Star’s persona deeply resonates with both Cricket and Virat Kohli. Versatile cooling products Blue Star is a well-established brand and definitely the best in cooling" On his association with Blue Star, Virat Kohli said, “Blue Star is a well-established brand and definitely the best in cooling. So for me, it was a no-brainer to be associated with a brand like Blue Star.” “I've never shot a campaign like this where there so many quirks and so many things happening. It was very different from what I've done in the past. Definitely something that people are going to love to watch, I can guarantee that. Also, it nicely covered the many aspects of Blue Star’s versatility when it comes to their product.” Dual purpose of cooling Speaking to the Press at a conference held at Delhi, B Thiagarajan, Managing Director, Blue Star Limited, said, “Considering that Summers in India are severe, and that air pollution is also a matter of serious concern in most metros.” “This single product which serves the dual purpose of cooling and purifying at the same time is definitely expected to gain significant traction, especially in the residential and light commercial segments, in the coming months. Although in-built, the air purifier can also function as a standalone unit during winters without switching on the machine’s compressor, thereby ensuring low electricity consumption as well.”