SmithKline Beecham Pharmaceuticals (India) has extended its Iodex product line by launching Iodex Power Cream. This is a white cream and is supposed to provide instant relief to severe pains. Industry sources feel the launch was prompted by a few advertisements by rival pain relievers which highlighted the dark, sticky nature of the original Iodex rub. The company has also changed the packaging of Iodex Power Cream to make it more attractive.

Kitply Industries opens first store in Mumbai:

Kitply Industries Ltd has opened its first store in Mumbai, the Kitply Shoppe. The store offers an exclusive collection of door handles, knobs and and locks from LineaCali of Italy apart from the latest range of plywood, laminates, laminate veneers and adhesives from Kitply.

Phil Systems introduces Polaroid 200:

Phil Systems, a subsidiary of Phil Corporation has introduced Polaroid 2000, an instant-photo camera manufactured by Polaroid USA. A uniquefeature of this camera is that it requires no batteries as the film cartridge comes with its own batteries.

Other features include a built-in flash, close up lens and a special lens which ensures there is no cropping of the picture at the time of exposing. The camera is priced at Rs Rs 2,875.

Usha International expands its product portfolio:

Usha International Ltd has strengthened its product line by launching a range of products in different categories including airconditioners (ACs), fans, sewing machines, water filters and coolers. The company is looking at an additional turnover of Rs 30 crore for the year 1998-99 with the introduction of the 11 new AC models which include two tonne side throw window ACs and split ACs with a capacity of up to three tonnes. It is also looking at expanding the range to include models up to 7.5 tonnes. The company is looking for a tie-up with a global major for technological. Usha has even reworked its logo for its new range of ACs which cost between Rs 36,000to 75,000. The new range of fans, with features like high air delivery, less air cutting sounds and wider air circulation, cost between Rs 1,200 and Rs 2,750.

Penguin launches Lantern Umbrella with UV protection:

Penguin Umbrella Pvt Ltd, a Mumbai based company has introduced Lantern Umbrella, a dual purpose umbrella. It has a long handle which houses a bulb and two pencil batteries. When switched on, the transparent tube of the umbrella is illuminated throwing light on the surrounding area. The umbrella also offers ultra-violet protection as it is manufactured with double- coated fabric. Lantern is priced at Rs 390.

Kalyani Black Label launches strong beer:

Responding to consumer demands for a strong beer, Kalyani Black Label has been introduced in a new variant, Kalyani Black Label Strong. According to the company, it is now the strongest beer in the market with an alcohol content of 7.8 per cent. The brand which is being positioned as robust, macho and youthful is targetingconsumers who imbibe beer to `Get a Kick Out of Life'. Kalyani Black Label is the third largest beer brand in the country and the largest in the east.