Let’s make a better world for animals

Ranbaxy is the one brand name in India that needs no introduction. Over the years, the company has diverged in to various health care sectors. Armed with new identity and forces, Vetnex (RFCL), is on a fast track to revolutionize the animal health care industry. Sushil Mehta, MD RFCL, and Dr Maneesh Kumar Gupta, General Manager, Vetnex (Livestock and canine business), RFCL in tête-à-tête with D&P shared some of their invaluable insights.
 
Ranbaxy, the most trusted name in Indian pharmaceutical sector had ventured into animal health care segment way back in 1984 and it didn’t take much time for their team of professionals to tap this unexplored potential business segment. Ranbaxy’s former allied business comprising of Fine Chemicals, Animal Healthcare and Diagnostics, has restructured itself under a new identity, RFCL Limited following its acquisition by ICICI Venture Fund in 2005-06. ICICI Venture, a subsidiary of ICICI Bank, the largest private sector financial services group in India, is one of the oldest and most experienced private equity firms in India, with a proven track record of being associated with some of the leading life sciences brands in India.
RFCL is a USD 34-million Indian company comprising of four major business segments, which include Vetnex-Animal Health, Diagnova- In vitro Diagnostics, Rankem-Scientific Laboratory Solutions and NeoSynth-Custom Synthesis Business. Combined together, they offer products and services to a range of industries including the dairy segment, companion animal treatment and poultry; in vitro diagnostic facilities in clinical labs, hospitals, nursing homes; and laboratory chemicals and consumables for pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, R&D laboratories, etc.
Vetnex, an animal health SBU of RFCL Limited is all set to offer next generation veterinary solutions for livestock, poultry and companion animals. Currently ranked amongst the top 5 veterinary pharmaceutical companies in India with an over 200-strong dedicated marketing and sales force, Vetnex is evolving into a complete solutions provider in prevention, treatment and productivity enhancement.
Vetnex’s pet business has exclusive and dedicated team of professionals working extensively to reach more than 1500 pet practitioners and channel members across the country. Vetnex has carved its niche in companion animal segment and some of its products like Cisaflux – an anti-tick shampoo, Verol Syrup – a pet feed supplement, Plozin – a complete and safe dewormer and Spectrazole – an anti-bacterial and anti-fungal cream & lotion, have already won the trust of veterinarians and pet lovers, over the years.
Expressing his delight over the way pet business has built its image over the years in the industry, Dr. Maneesh said, “We are a research driven organization where we seamlessly integrate customer’s expectations with a vision to provide quality products and services. Our brands are being trusted and recommended by the vets all across the country. Our endeavour will be to bring latest products in treatment of companion animals to the pet practitioners of India. Another step in this direction is the launch of our new product SULPHOBEN, an anti-itch skin cleanser for dogs. It’s a totally new formulation which has been launched for the first time in India. Initial reports from the market are very encouraging and we look forward to a very good support from the veterinarians in the coming months.”
RFCL today stands committed with its values for brighter future and Vetnex, the wholly dedicated animal health arm of RFCL further consolidates its stand.
Sushil further strengthened Dr. Maneesh’s reasoning, and said, “If growth is considered, pet business is the fastest growing amongst all the animal health divisions. We see a growth of 20 percent in the pet business.”
The journey from Ranbaxy to a separate entity was quite challenging for the team, but they came out as proud winners. “It was challenging because we were disassociating from a company of lineage of Ranbaxy, at the same time we were quite excited because we were all set to get our own identity. Also the comfort of having ICICI Venture Capital Fund as our promoters was a big confidence builder for our team,” explained Sushil.
For Vetnex, it’s the customers who are of prime importance and it’s their goal to deliver best to them, no matter what, while nurturing relationships with them. “We are very particular to have win-win relationships with customers, end consumers, business partners and associates. Our principles and values are also equally important to us on our mission to success – Mission 2010, which is to attain a leadership position in Indian animal health industry by bringing next generation solutions and services to the customers in treatment, prevention and productivity enhancement,” Sushil said, while sharing his professional ethics.
On asking about their expansion plans, Sushil proudly expressed, “We will have our own manufacturing facility in Haridwar, which will have about 65% vet formulations. The new facility will be as per WHO standards l, thus we will be able to produce global standard products for international market as well.”
“We have the advantage of having a young team of professionals, our team overall average age is 28-30 years. We have ISO 9001:2000 certified manufacturing facilities, global quality products, wide distribution reach and efficient logistics. With our 20 CFAs and 500 distributors, our products are available to the end consumers across the country. And since we have envisaged the growth of 40-50 percent, so we have no time to relax,” Sushil concluded.