ABSTRACT

The dominant import-conversion-export processes of Sarabhai Chemicals are shown in Figure 23. First examination showed that the import operating system, common to all conversion activities, acquired a wide variety of raw materials coming from many different sources. Moreover, except for the link between pharmaceutical and fine chemical operations, the raw materials were not common to all conversion systems. Raw material acquisition was governed by different conditions as to market control, and ease or difficulty of purchase. For example, raw materials for pharmaceutical and fine chemical manufacturing were for the most part government controlled as to quantity, and frequently as to price; some sources were owned by government and supplies were rationed; some materials had to be imported and were therefore subject to import control and Reserve Bank currency regulations; some were obtained locally, such as the sand required for glass making which came from local sand pits; and others had to be obtained from distant parts of India.