Rakesh Tiga
CHRO
A pioneering name in the plywood industry, CENTURYPLY was founded by Sajjan Bhajanka and Sanjay Agarwal, in 1986 with a clear mission - To revolutionize the way plywood was manufactured and redefine standards of quality and durability.
Century Plyboards (India) (CPIL or Century Ply) holds the distinction of being the first ISO 9002 company in India in the plywood and veneer industry. From introducing Borer Termite Proof Plywood and Boiling Water Proof Plywood to more recent advancements like nanotechnology-based properties such as Virokill, Firewall Technology, and QR code applications to verify product authenticity, Century Plyboards has consistently demonstrated its dedication to excellence and technological advancement. CENTURYPLY sets itself apart through its extensive wood panel portfolio, premier product offerings, trusted trade policies, and emphasis on quality and innovation, positioning itself as a leader in the market.
People - The True Asset
CENTURYPLY has cultivated a work environment that's a dream for many – a place where employees feel valued, empowered, and integral to the company's success. What makes it an even more vibrant and sought-after workplace is the culture of transparency and development. Clear job descriptions, Key Result Areas (KRA)/Key Performance Indicators (KPI) setting, and regular performance reviews empower employees to take ownership of their goals.
Regular conversation allows managers to identify specific training needs and chart Individual Development Plans (IDPs) for creating personalized development roadmaps for each team member. The leaders use a Balanced Scorecard approach for setting goals. This ensures that managers consider not just financial metrics, but also customer centricity, process-orientation, and people development aspects. Employees are encouraged to take 'stretch goals' that push them outside their comfort zones and promote further development. The company focuses on mutual trust, authentic leadership, transparent communication, and celebrating wins.
Unique practices include pre-joining courses, young leaders’ programs, competitive pay, and high-potential talent management. CENTURYPLY implements various initiatives
to comprehensively promote employee well-being and work life balance. These include workshops on financial planning, physical activities like marathons, stress management programs, and promoting diversity and inclusion through specialized sessions and gender sensitization efforts. With a focus on individual potential and competency assessments, CENTURYPLY ensures data-driven alignment between talent decisions and business strategy. Programs include career stage classification, talent segmentation, development plans, and succession planning to nurture talent effectively.
Rakesh Tiga, CHRO adds, “We believe in creating a workplace where every voice matters. That's why we deploy various surveys and hear from our employees through focused group sessions and one-on-one conversations. These efforts help us understand how engaged our team is, how connected they feel, and how effective our leadership is. Further, to remain agile with emerging people practices we work closely with top HR consultants who are experts in their respective domains”.
CENTURYPLY’s recent achievement of a 'Great Place to Work Certification' with a score of 90, stands as a testimony of its focus on employee well-being and growth. This prestigious certification, achieved on the first attempt highlights its dedication to creating a workplace that attracts and retains top talent. Among other notable milestones achieved by CENTURYPLY are the 'Rotary 2021 Most Trusted Award' in the Plywood Industry category, and the INKSPELL recognition for 'Best Performance Driven Digital Campaign in the Drivers of Digital Award'. Additionally, key personnel have been honored, like our ED Keshav Bhajanka being listed in Realty 40 under 40 and Sajjan Bhajanka receiving the Best CEO award in the Consumer Goods category at the Business Today Best CEO Awards in 2023. Furthermore, it has appeared on Forbes Asia’s annual Best Under a Billion list in 2023.
Customer Centricity & Social Responsibility
Understanding that every home is unique, CENTURYPLY offers a diverse product range of plywood, veneers, laminates, and engineered wood products that cater to various design preferences, budgets, and functional requirements. Whether a customer seeks a traditional aesthetic, a contemporary touch, or a completely customized solution, CENTURYPLY thrives to be a one-stop shop.
The company believes that success goes hand in hand with social responsibility. It actively contributes to the well-being of communities by partnering with numerous schools, hospitals, and charitable trusts. It supports institutions like The Heritage School, Heritage Institute of Technology, Century Siksha Niketan, Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samathana, and Marwari Relief Society Hospital. Furthermore, we partner with organizations working with tribal communities and promoting education across the country, such as Friends of the Tribal Society, CMCL Vidya Bharti School, Haryana Vidya Mandir School, and Sri Sri Academy School.
Through initiatives like the Century Plantation Project and partner ships with organizations like Kalyan Bharti Trust and CANKIDS KIDSCAN, CENTURYPLY promotes environmental sustainability, education, healthcare, and social inclusivity.
Charting the Road Ahead
CENTURYPLY has a clear vision for the future, aiming to reach a turnover of Rs.12,000 crore by 2030. To achieve this ambitious goal, it is undertaking a major expansion plan, strategically investing in growth and diversification. One key element of this plan is the establishment of new plants for MDF, laminates and diversifying into PVC at Badvel, in Andhra Pradesh, another plant for particle boards in Chennai, and an additional factory in Sitapur, UP. Currently, CENTURYPLY employs over 7,500 people in-house and 5000 contract employees. The expansion plans will also provide growth to its internal employees and huge employment opportunities for outside talent at CENTURYPLY.
Rakesh Tiga, CHRO adds, “We believe in creating a workplace where every voice matters. That's why we deploy various surveys and hear from our employees through focused group sessions and one-on-one conversations. These efforts help us understand how engaged our team is, how connected they feel, and how effective our leadership is. Further, to remain agile with emerging people practices we work closely with top HR consultants who are experts in their respective domains”.
CENTURYPLY’s recent achievement of a 'Great Place to Work Certification' with a score of 90, stands as a testimony of its focus on employee well-being and growth. This prestigious certification, achieved on the first attempt highlights its dedication to creating a workplace that attracts and retains top talent. Among other notable milestones achieved by CENTURYPLY are the 'Rotary 2021 Most Trusted Award' in the Plywood Industry category, and the INKSPELL recognition for 'Best Performance Driven Digital Campaign in the Drivers of Digital Award'. Additionally, key personnel have been honored, like our ED Keshav Bhajanka being listed in Realty 40 under 40 and Sajjan Bhajanka receiving the Best CEO award in the Consumer Goods category at the Business Today Best CEO Awards in 2023. Furthermore, it has appeared on Forbes Asia’s annual Best Under a Billion list in 2023.
CENTURYPLY believes that creating a strong business & building a better world are not conflicting goals
Customer Centricity & Social Responsibility
Understanding that every home is unique, CENTURYPLY offers a diverse product range of plywood, veneers, laminates, and engineered wood products that cater to various design preferences, budgets, and functional requirements. Whether a customer seeks a traditional aesthetic, a contemporary touch, or a completely customized solution, CENTURYPLY thrives to be a one-stop shop.
The company believes that success goes hand in hand with social responsibility. It actively contributes to the well-being of communities by partnering with numerous schools, hospitals, and charitable trusts. It supports institutions like The Heritage School, Heritage Institute of Technology, Century Siksha Niketan, Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samathana, and Marwari Relief Society Hospital. Furthermore, we partner with organizations working with tribal communities and promoting education across the country, such as Friends of the Tribal Society, CMCL Vidya Bharti School, Haryana Vidya Mandir School, and Sri Sri Academy School.
Through initiatives like the Century Plantation Project and partner ships with organizations like Kalyan Bharti Trust and CANKIDS KIDSCAN, CENTURYPLY promotes environmental sustainability, education, healthcare, and social inclusivity.
Charting the Road Ahead
CENTURYPLY has a clear vision for the future, aiming to reach a turnover of Rs.12,000 crore by 2030. To achieve this ambitious goal, it is undertaking a major expansion plan, strategically investing in growth and diversification. One key element of this plan is the establishment of new plants for MDF, laminates and diversifying into PVC at Badvel, in Andhra Pradesh, another plant for particle boards in Chennai, and an additional factory in Sitapur, UP. Currently, CENTURYPLY employs over 7,500 people in-house and 5000 contract employees. The expansion plans will also provide growth to its internal employees and huge employment opportunities for outside talent at CENTURYPLY.
