Committed to safety
The journey of KARAM Safety began in 1998 with a vision to revolutionise occupational health and safety. Recognising the lack of certified industrial safety equipment and a diverse product range in the Indian market, KARAM established an in-house, vertically integrated manufacturing facility to introduce world-class safety products to India for the first time.
It was all started by Hemant Sapra, a graduate from Delhi University, and Rajesh Nigam, an engineer from IIT Kanpur, who joined forces to address this gap in the occupational safety landscape, embarking on a mission to ensure the well-being of workers globally. “The name KARAM holds a deeper significance beyond its brand identity, encapsulating the company’s core mission. In Hindi, it translates to ‘deed’, reflecting the company’s commitment to proactive measures in enhancing safety in hazardous workplaces. In Urdu, KARAM means ‘God’s blessings’. Thus, it signifies performing good deeds with divine blessings, perfectly summarising the essence of the company’s values,” says Sapra, President, Global Sales & Marketing of the company.
Today, the 25-year-old KARAM Safety stands as a leading global player in PPE and fall protection solutions, with a turnover of R1,000 crore and exporting to over 100 countries. With over 40 global offices, 6 manufacturing units, more than 4,000 employees, and 3,500 certified products, “We are dedicated to safeguarding the lives of millions of industrial workers worldwide by providing high-quality Personal Protective Equipment (PPE),” says Nigam, who leads the company with his technical expertise and engineering skills.
While Sapra continues to expand our markets, penetrating international local markets to provide world-class safety solutions across the globe, Nigam realised that “We are not into the manufacturing of safety products, we are actually into the business of saving the lives of people.”
Sapra, former president and current active advisor to the Safety Appliances Manufacturers Association (SAMA) committee in India, additionally serves as the Chairman of the Safety & Fire Task Force at PHD Chamber of Commerce, Delhi, and holds the position of Co-Chairman at the PHD Chamber of Commerce Uttar Pradesh chapter. Nigam’s technical expertise and his unique ability to apply his engineering skills have spearheaded the success behind the launch of a wide range of highly technical safety products in the Indian as well as the overseas market. His unwavering focus on product quality, leadership abilities, and deep knowledge of the subject have established Nigam as a prominent figure in this field, and he also serves as the Co-Chairman of the PHD Chamber of Commerce Uttar Pradesh chapter.
“Our first client was Larsen and Toubro Ltd. Our safety solutions safeguard millions of workers worldwide. Some of our clients are Tata Projects, Reliance Jio, Indian Oil, Hindustan Zinc, Reckitt Benckiser Group, and Saint-Gobain, to name a few,” adds Sapra.
“We rely solely on brands that have expertise in safety products and solutions. We have been using KARAM’s products for the past 10 years, and we are satisfied with their products and services,” says a senior manager at Indian Oil.
“KARAM competes with global giants by offering superior products, utilising state-of-the-art facilities like their Sitarganj plant. We feel energised when we see such a passionate team educating customers on the right usage of these safety products,” observes the North head at Reckitt Benckiser Group.
Expanding footprint
“We have established a strong presence in the Middle East and Africa, with dedicated offices and warehouses to cater to the rising demand in these regions and neighbouring countries. This strategic expansion allows us to serve a wider customer base and generate revenue from new markets,” says Sapra, tailoring solutions for a global market with a portfolio of four distinct brands under its umbrella: KRATOS, dedicated to European safety needs; KStrong USA, focusing on North American safety solutions; KStrong Brazil, catering to South American markets; and KStrong Asia, serving the Asia-Pacific region.
“This multi-brand approach allows us to provide targeted safety solutions that resonate with specific regional requirements and regulations. By understanding the nuances of each market, we can offer the most relevant products and services, ultimately driving revenue growth across the globe,” adds Nigam.
KARAM Safety recently acquired Midas Safety India, a prominent player in the hand protection safety products industry. “It underscores our strategic focus on growth through acquisitions. This move allows us to broaden our product portfolio and strengthen our foothold in existing markets, ultimately driving growth through improved synergies. Marking our first step towards inorganic growth, the company has completed an effective and successful transaction. This acquisition is a significant milestone for us to enhance our market presence and product offerings. This synergy will enable the group to offer a comprehensive array of high-quality safety solutions, meeting the evolving needs of our customers,” conclude the duo.
This strategic fit will open significant market opportunities in India’s rapidly growing PPE market, with KARAM targeting a revenue of R1,400 crore by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 15 per cent. “Additionally, we have ensured a smooth transition for the 300 new employees joining us, expanding our product range significantly with an extensive array of hand-protection products, now the second largest category after fall protection, contributing an immediate R100 crore increase to our top line.”
“The future of the PPE market globally appears bright, and we are strategically positioned to be a leader in this growth. Industry analysts predict a significant increase in the global PPE market. Fortune Business Insights forecasts the market will reach $128.57 billion by 2032, with a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 4.9 per cent. India’s PPE market is expected to grow at an even higher rate, with estimates suggesting a CAGR of 6.59 per cent, reaching $1.69 billion by 2033.”