KSDL Hits Historic ₹2,016 Crore Turnover, ₹507 Crore Profit; ₹229 Crore Vijayapura Unit Approved
Bengaluru: Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited (KSDL) has achieved a historic milestone in its 110-year journey, recording a turnover of ₹2,016 crore and a profit of ₹507 crore in the financial year 2025–26. Announcing the achievement, Large and Medium Industries Minister M. B. Patil termed it a landmark moment for public sector enterprises in Karnataka.
The announcement was made during a felicitation event titled “Mysuru Sandal’s Pinnacle of Achievement,” where staff and officials were honoured, and a commemorative volume was released.
Highlighting the growth trajectory, the Minister noted that while it took 105 years for KSDL to reach ₹1,000 crore turnover, the company doubled it to ₹2,000 crore in just four years. From ₹1,375 crore in 2022–23, KSDL has grown by ₹641 crore in three years under the current government.
The company has significantly expanded its product portfolio, increasing from 34 to 94 products by launching 57 new offerings aligned with market trends. Notably, this expansion was achieved without additional recruitment or machinery purchases. Despite an installed capacity of 26,000 metric tonnes, KSDL produced 47,494 metric tonnes in 2025–26 through operational efficiency.
Out of the ₹507 crore profit, ₹157 crore will be paid as dividend to the government, while ₹5 crore will be contributed to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund—₹22 crore higher than last year’s dividend payout.
KSDL also reported ₹420 crore revenue through modern trade channels and ₹120 crore via e-commerce platforms. The company has set ambitious targets of ₹3,000 crore turnover by 2028 and ₹5,000 crore by 2030. To support expansion, a new manufacturing unit will be established in Vijayapura on 50 acres, with ₹229 crore already sanctioned.
Focusing on raw material sustainability, the Minister emphasized the ‘Grow More Sandalwood’ initiative, aimed at developing sandalwood plantations across 10,000 acres over 10 years in partnership with farmers. Under this scheme, farmers will receive ₹500 per sapling over three years. Research chairs on sandalwood will also be set up at GKVK Bengaluru and the Agricultural University in Vijayapura.
The company has floated tenders worth ₹15 crore for new machinery and is taking steps to expand exports and strengthen its domestic presence. Over the past three years, KSDL has procured 174 tonnes of sandalwood directly from farmers, disbursing ₹6.08 crore.
Plans are also underway to utilize vacant land assets in Bengaluru, Dabaspet, Mysuru, and Shivamogga to generate sustainable revenue streams. The Minister suggested considering incentives for workers in recognition of their contribution.
KSDL Chairman C. S. Appaji Nadagouda stated that teams have explored international markets including Australia, and the company is now preparing to enter UAE markets, expanding into cosmetics and perfumes alongside soaps.
Managing Director Dr. P. K. M. Prashanth added that ₹4.83 crore has been disbursed towards wage contracts and ₹20 crore invested in campus conservation.
The event was attended by Industries Department Principal Secretary Selvakumar and a large number of KSDL employees, marking a significant moment in the organisation’s growth story.
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