BALCO initiates 'Quality Sankalp' programme for aluminium manufacturing excellence

Bharat Aluminium Company (BALCO), one of the largest Vedanta Aluminium subsidiaries, has launched its new 'Quality Sankalp' programme, a top-level programme to emphasise its commitment towards manufacturing excellence and world-class product quality. The programme, launched this week, aims at improving quality-oriented processes across the entire value chain, right from raw material sourcing to dispatch of finished aluminium products.

A search for perfect quality control - the 'Zero Defect' goal

"Sankalp", a Hindi word for a strong commitment or resolve, is a reflection of the renewed emphasis of the company in fostering a quality culture among all employees and business partners. The endeavour aims to fulfil and excel in the new top priority of customers in high-risk sectors such as packaging, aerospace, automotive, electrical, and construction, where product specifications and reliability are not up for bargaining.

In order to make this a reality, Quality Sankalp has its theme of 'Standard Work = Quality Work', emphasising standard processes for repeatable high quality. By inducing individual behaviour change, it aims to educate, monitor, and enforce quality practices.

Also read: Vedanta Aluminium expands BALCO’s wire rod capacity to power India’s digital and industrial future

Mr Rajesh Kumar, Director and CEO, BALCO, discussed the vision of the initiative by stating, "At BALCO, quality is not just a goal; it is a way of working. Quality is at the forefront of our aluminium production, and through initiatives like Quality Sankalp, we are instilling a culture that encourages individual ownership, behavioural change, and continuous improvement. This transformation will empower us to deliver excellence, consistently and sustainably.”

BALCO has always prioritised quality alongside customer-centricity and environmental sustainability. In 2023, it had introduced state-of-the-art AI technology to ensure safe vehicular transitions at its plant – a step, somewhat ahead of its time. 

The 'Quality Sankalp' initiative will be implemented by:
 

• Digitalisation using the Aluminium Process Management System (APMS) to achieve precise control on all process parameters.
• Better Process Control: By using the newest methods to achieve precise metallurgical composition and product integrity.
• Stringent Testing of raw, intermediate, and final products at every step of the process.
• Employee Capacity Development: Executing advanced training schemes for talent growth employees based on the new quality management practices and standards. This is via programmes like Quality Knowledge Bites and World Quality Week.
• Developing Existing Certifications: Leveraging its existing certifications, which are ISO 9001, ISO 14001 (Environment), ISO 45001 (Safety), IATF 16949 (Automotive), and AS 9100D (Aerospace), to align with the world's most demanding quality standards.
• Besides that, its parent entity, Vedanta, has also been BIS-certified for product quality.

BALCO is already India's leading producer of high-purity primary aluminium and a range of value-added products like wire rods, billets, and rolled products. This new focus on quality is seen as essential to reinforcing its market leadership and partnering with customers to develop next-generation applications for aluminium.

Also read: Vedanta’s ‘green aluminium plant location’ almost ready for reveal ahead of demerger commissioning