Green Drive By Sabare International

Buyers who visit the manufacturing facility of Sabare International in Karur are requested to plant a sapling to mark their visit to the factory.

This exporting unit makes bed sheets, floor coverings, napkins, mats, curtains and the like (home textiles) and supplies to over ten major retailers in the U.S. and European Union. It plans to raise this number to 25.

It moved to the 4.30 lakh sq.ft. new manufacturing facility in 2005. When foreign buyers visit the manufacturing facility, if they are willing and if time permits, they are requested to plant saplings, says S. Venkataraman, its Senior Manager (Human Resources). "It is for remembrance," he says.

The name of the buyer representative and the company is displayed near the sapling. It is also a way of honouring the guests. "When they visit us at a later date, they will be thrilled to see the tree they planted," he adds.

In an informal function, the guests plant the saplings, adding to the greenery around the unit. So far, 14 saplings have been planted on three occasions, says Mr. Venkataraman.

It is Sabare's way of honouring its buyers and etching memories of their visit, for posterity.