The storm has hindered HLL from exporting its products from Kandla as roofs have been blown away, said a company spokesperson. To avoid exports from being hampered, the company has decided to export its products from the Mumbai port.

The company has five export-dedicated plants located at the Kandla export processing zone. These plants have also suffered production losses. However, according to the HLL spokesperson, the company expects to resume production within a week. The products will be transported to Mumbai and exported.

HLL processes rice and manufactures soaps and cosmetics & toiletries at Kandla for exports. HLL has other export-dedicated plants in places including Khamgaon in Maharashtra. The company manufactures Pears soap at Khamgaon which is Unilever's only export dedicated plant for the Pears brand.

HLL, the Indiansubsidiary of Unilever PLC, is a leader in toilet soaps and personal products segment. The Rs 7,819 crore MNC is an active player in detergents and dental care as well.

HLL, along with its subsidiaries, achieved an export turnover of Rs 1,152 crore during 1997. This was spearheaded by growth in almost all commodity groups, led by beverages which increased by more than 60 per cent and the home and personal care products category which increased by over 20 per cent. The company recorded an export turnover of Rs 921 crore in 1996.

HLL largely exports personal products, tea, detergents and basmati rice. Rice is being exported under the brand name Gold Seal Indus Valley brand. HLL has expanded its export focus on branded products including `Pepsodent', `Pears' and `Brooke Bond Red Label'. Fair & Lovely cream is a major brand in personal products. Export of beverages has also been the company's focus area. It recently invested in technology-intensive tea-bag facilities, in its 100 per cent export oriented unitlocated in Pune.