Sundram Fasteners CSR Spending Report of Over Rs 12 Cr for FY25

NEW DELHI (India CSR): In a powerful testament to its unwavering commitment to societal well-being and sustainable development, Sundram Fasteners Limited (SFL), a leading Indian manufacturing powerhouse, has announced a substantial investment of Rs 12.27 crores in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives for the financial year 2024-25. This significant outlay underscores the company’s philosophy of balancing profitable growth with an enduring dedication to community welfare, particularly in areas critical for human development such as education and healthcare. Operating from its registered and corporate office in Mylapore, Chennai, SFL continues to leverage its resources to foster positive change across various communities, aligning its efforts with national guidelines and global sustainability goals.

Sundram Fasteners Limited CSR Report 2025

A Commitment to Responsible Operations

Sundram Fasteners Limited’s approach to CSR is deeply embedded in its operational ethos, prioritizing responsible practices and aligning with principles like the National Guidelines on Responsible Business Conduct and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The company’s comprehensive CSR Policy, which includes its annual action plan, is transparently available on its official website, www.sundram.com. For the financial year 2024-25, the company’s average net profit, as per Section 135(5) of the Companies Act, 2013, was Rs 613.53 crores, establishing its CSR obligation at Rs 12.27 crores (two percent of the average net profit). The company successfully met this obligation, spending Rs 1.44 crores on ongoing projects and Rs 10.83 crores on other initiatives. This impressive expenditure reflects SFL’s steadfast dedication to its social responsibilities, reporting nil unspent obligations at the year’s end. The aggregated CSR expenditure disclosed also includes contributions from subsidiaries TVS Next Limited and TVS Upasana Limited.

Empowering Through Education

A cornerstone of SFL’s CSR strategy is its profound focus on education. The company is dedicated to empowering the next generation by providing access to quality learning environments. A prime example is the Sundram Matriculation Higher Secondary School in Aviyur Village, Virudhunagar District, Tamil Nadu. Established in 1993 and managed by the Krishna Educational Society, a related entity over which SFL has significant influence, the school offers English medium education with modern techniques to children from eight surrounding villages. In the financial year 2024-25, 479 students (252 male and 227 female) benefited from this initiative, with SFL contributing Rs 1.85 crores to the Krishna Educational Society.

Beyond its flagship school, SFL extends its educational support to various other vital institutions. It aids the Clarke School for the Deaf, an institution dedicated to educating and rehabilitating hearing-impaired and differently-abled children. Through the Sugun Thomas Foundation, SFL provides financial assistance to 23 deserving students for their undergraduate studies, aiming to dismantle financial barriers to academic pursuits. Furthermore, in collaboration with the Banyan Academy for Leadership in Mental Health (BALM), SFL established the Sundram Fasteners Centre for Social Action and Research. This center is committed to addressing critical gaps in mental health support for marginalized communities, having empowered over 817 students through educational programs and fostering a culture of practical knowledge application for positive change. The center also contributed to establishing a Mental Health Resource hub, informing public policy.

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SFL also supported Swami Dayananda College of Arts and Science at Manjakkudi by sponsoring 25 computers through AIM For Seva. The company’s overall standalone CSR spend on education amounted to Rs 7.13 crores for the year. Additionally, 600 individuals benefited from contributions to Krea University for sponsoring research studies, and 446 persons from Kambikudi Panchayat Union Middle School and Aviyur Govt Higher Secondary.

Nurturing Health and Well-being

Recognizing the critical deficiencies and disparities in rural healthcare, SFL has made significant strides in improving community health outcomes. Through its CSR arm, the Krishna Educational Society, the company provides free medical services to approximately 2,500 families residing near its Krishnapuram plant. This initiative ensures access to essential medical care in underserved areas. In partnership with the Vaastu Foundation, SFL delivers primary medical care to underprivileged communities in eight villages of the Nagapattinam district, Tamil Nadu.

Promoting public health, SFL, in association with Gramalaya, has implemented various hygiene and sanitation projects in Aviyur village, benefiting 2,500 persons directly and indirectly through the construction of Sustainable Maintainable Affordable Recyclable and Technically Perfect (SMART) toilets and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WaSH) awareness programs. The company’s standalone investment in healthcare initiatives was Rs 0.62 crores, with an additional Rs 2.45 crores dedicated to mental health education.

Environmental Stewardship for a Greener Tomorrow

While the primary focus of the CSR spending report details social initiatives, SFL’s broader commitment to sustainability is reflected in its environmental goals, which are integral to its responsible business conduct. The company aims for carbon-neutral operations by 2045, planning to increase renewable energy sources to 70% of total power consumption by 2030. It is also working towards zero waste to landfill by 2040 and water-neutral operations by 2040, with a goal of reducing freshwater consumption by 20% by 2030. These ambitious targets underscore SFL’s dedication to minimizing its ecological footprint and fostering a sustainable future.

The company is actively pursuing ISO 45001 certification for Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems across all locations by 2025, with one unit already undertaking steps to obtain it, and ISO 27001 Certification for Information Security Management System by 2025, having successfully completed a TISAX audit. The company has implemented Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) across most of its units, completely eliminating wastewater discharge. These environmental efforts, while not directly part of the CSR spending figures, are crucial aspects of SFL’s holistic approach to corporate responsibility.

Robust Governance and Transparent Reporting

SFL maintains robust governance structures to oversee its CSR activities. The CSR Committee comprises Ms Arathi Krishna (Managing Director and Chairperson), Ms Arundathi Krishna (Joint Managing Director), and Dr Nirmala Lakshman (Independent and Non-Executive Director). The committee met once during the year and oversees CSR projects, ensuring transparency and adherence to policy. In adherence to regulatory requirements, SFL conducts impact assessments for significant CSR projects.

For the period prior to 2022-23, where the average CSR obligation exceeded Rs 10.00 crores, impact assessments were carried out for projects with an outlay of Rs 1.00 crore or more. These assessments evaluate compliance, beneficiary verification, and overall impact, with past projects demonstrating high to medium impact scores. The impact assessment reports are made publicly available on the company’s website, ensuring full transparency.

A Holistic Approach to Community Development

Sundram Fasteners Limited’s commitment extends beyond financial contributions. The company actively encourages its employees to volunteer their time and efforts, dedicating at least one working day annually to social causes. This employee-led engagement fosters a culture of shared responsibility and magnifies the impact of SFL’s initiatives in education, healthcare, and community outreach.

The company’s total number of permanent employees as of March 31, 2025, was 3,185. All employees are covered by comprehensive training on human rights issues and the entity’s policies, with 100% coverage for health and safety measures and skill upgradation training. This holistic approach ensures that the company not only invests financially but also leverages its human capital to create lasting positive change. The consistent dedication to community well-being and sustainable development reaffirms Sundram Fasteners Limited’s position as a responsible corporate citizen, continually seeking to create meaningful opportunities and make a lasting impact.

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As Sundram Fasteners Limited continues its journey, it remains steadfast in its dedication to responsible business practices, prioritizing community well-being and environmental sustainability. The detailed Annual Report for the Financial Year 2025, including the Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report, is available on the company’s website, www.sundram.com, and on the websites of the Stock Exchanges, such as BSE Limited and National Stock Exchange of India Limited. This transparency ensures that stakeholders are well-informed of the company’s ongoing efforts and achievements in driving inclusive growth and building a more sustainable future.

(India CSR)