Balmer Lawrie favors logistics over tea

Balmer Lawrie favors logistics over tea    An Indian company that sells tea to Harrods is getting out of the business while expanding in transportation.
   Balmer Lawrie & Co. said it will phase out its money-losing tea business, which accounts for about 2 percent of sales, but loses money. The conglomerate, which is involved in everything from the manufacture of chemicals for the leather industry to greases and lubricants, is also involved in logistics, the manufacture of specialty containers, and container freight stations. It is planning to expand a CFS in Chennai.
   The firm was established in 1867 by two Scotsmen, George Stephen Balmer and Alexander Lawrie. In 1972 it became a subsidiary of Indo Burma Petroleum Co. Ltd., today known as IBP Co. Ltd., and is managed under the overall guidance of India’s Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas.