CSR AC T I V I T I ES An ethical approach CSR initiatives are a cornerstone of Agarwal Packers and Movers Ltd (APML)s business, supporting staff and the communities within which the company works. This is completed by keeping abreast of evolving customer demands and developing new technological capabilities A Ramesh Agarwal, APML Chairman s Agarwal Packers and Movers Ltd (APML) has developed its services, the company has taken its obligations to the communities it operates in and its staff seriously. The company which has a primary FIDI-affiliated office in Mumbai, with a recently added affiliated branch in Bangalore has highlighted this by working hard to develop its CSRfocused activities. APML feels it is our responsibility to participate and contribute, to make the community, the society, the country, nature, and the world, a better place to live and thrive, says Chairman Ramesh Agarwal. The company encourages philanthropic activities, and takes initiatives to address challenges in our communities, and support and promote social causes, helping drive the countrys economy and funding the moving sectors drive for innovation. This approach and hard work, he adds, has allowed the company to carve a healthy niche within the relocation sector, based on operating ethically, in addition to providing high-quality services. APML has been in business since 1987, with a mission of helping individuals, well-known brands, and other companies to make their relocations straightforward and as stress-free as possible. The company has a fleet of more than 1,200 GPS-enabled vehicles, 3,000 cube containers, 20,000ft2 of A-grade secure warehouses, a international presence in more than 182 countries, and 134 self-owned offices in India, which together work with a total of 1,264 destinations. The company has expanded its global footprint into new territories, including Malaysia, Nepal, Singapore, UAE, and the US and has more in the pipeline. APMLs services go far beyond the domestic market, Drivers receive a welcome at one of APMLs drivers sleep centres helping international expats move abroad for business and other international assignments, says Agarwal. APMLs CSR activities include providing a common space for people of all religions to worship, a centre for oppressed girls, and a sleep centre, where truck drivers can stop and get a good nights sleep en route to their destinations, reducing the likelihood of them being involved in road accidents. In additional, the company played a vital role during the second wave of the COVID 19 pandemic, providing truck-based beds and oxygen facilities, which it located outside hospitals to support patients. It is also involved in educational initiative Run for Sewa, which aims to make a more inclusive society in India. APML is committed towards welfare of the society and respect for the environment. The companys dynamic approach towards CSR makes the company different in comparison to other logistics brands, says Agarwal. Consumers have responded well to APMLs CSR initiatives and this means we have become the trusted brand for stakeholders, particularly those looking to build environmentally sustainable and ethical businesses. In parallel with the CSR activities, the company has made an ongoing effort to simplify the relocation process, supported by investment in new technology and services designed to transform clients relocation journey. According to Agarwal, the company aims to deliver all the improvements and upgrades to services, while reducing moving costs, too. He says: APMLs services are based on a high level of accountability, simplified processes, quick response time, 24/7 support, and dedicated and skilled staff. He adds that both customer feedback and new technology are crucial to the development of the companys services. Our success is based on acknowledging our client experiences, learning from their feedback, and making improvements consistently that help us build and improve our strong foundations, he says. Further, by leveraging technology and a technologydriven approach, the company has developed innovative relocation tools to offer low-cost pricing and real-time solutions to our customers. Examples of this technology include a state-ofthe-art bespoke CRM system that enables seamless processing of enquiries, which has transformed and accelerated the way our business operates. The company offers a comprehensive service portfolio, which includes domestic relocation, overseas moves, third-party logistics, warehousing, home storage, supply chain, ODC transportation, and others. 64 FF311 Sept-Nov 23 pp64-65 Affiliate Branch.indd 64 12/09/2023 11:19