Brands
A new coat of paint: HIL rebrands as BirlaNu Ltd
MUMBAI: One of India’s heavyweight building materials suppliers is having a makeover. HIL Ltd, part of the $3 billion CK Birla Group, has swapped its workmanlike moniker for the snappier BirlaNu Ltd the company announced on Monday.
The rebranding isn’t just cosmetic—it’s meant to cement the firm’s position in the global construction materials market. With 32 manufacturing facilities across India and Europe, and customers in more than 80 countries, BirlaNu appears to be building quite the empire.
“Our new identity, BirlaNu reflects who we are at our core—a company who is always pushing forward,” declares president of the newly christened outfit Avanti Birla. “We’re in this business because we believe in quality, innovation and making things that last.”
Birla, laying it on with a trowel, added: “Whether it’s creating better materials, improving sustainability, or bringing fresh ideas to construction, we’re here crafting innovative buildings and structures that stand the test of time.”
The company has been busy mixing up its business portfolio. Managing director & chief executive Akshat Seth highlighted that BirlaNu has introduced organic based stabilisers in UPVC pipe manufacturing—”an industry first in India, eliminating heavy metals.”
Not content with mere pipes, the firm has also “doubled our AAC block capacity in Chennai to four lakh cubic meters per year, making it one of the country’s largest facilities,” Seth disclosed.
In a move that will floor competitors, BirlaNu is bringing its “global premium flooring brand Parador to India,” marking its thrust into the home and interiors space.
The rebrand appears to be more than just window dressing. With “integrity, collaboration and excellence at its core,” BirlaNu is clearly hoping its new identity will provide solid foundations for future growth.
Whether this fresh lick of paint will help the firm nail its ambitious expansion plans remains to be seen. But one thing’s for certain: the company formerly known as HIL is determined not to hit the wall.
Brands
Jubilant FoodWorks faces Rs 47.5 crore GST demand, plans appeal
Tax authorities flag alleged misclassification of restaurant services
MUMBAI:Â Jubilant FoodWorks Limited has landed in a tax tussle after receiving a GST demand of Rs 47.5 crore from the office of the additional commissioner of CGST and central excise in Thane, Maharashtra.
The order, issued under the provisions of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, relates to an alleged incorrect classification of certain services under the category of restaurant services. According to the tax authorities, this classification resulted in a short payment of goods and services tax for the period between the financial years 2019-20 and 2021-22.
The demand includes Rs 47.5 crore in GST along with an equal amount as penalty, in addition to applicable interest. The order was received by the company on March 13, 2026.
In a regulatory filing to the BSE Limited and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited, the company said it disagrees with the order and believes its arguments were not adequately considered.
The company is preparing to challenge the decision and plans to file an appeal. It added that once the redressal process is complete, the demand is likely to be dropped.
Despite the sizeable figure attached to the notice, the company said it does not expect any material impact on its financials, operations or other activities.
The disclosure was signed by Suman Hegde, EVP and chief financial officer, who confirmed that the company received the order at 19:06 IST on March 13 and has already initiated steps to contest it.
The development places the quick service restaurant major in the middle of a tax debate that could hinge on how certain restaurant-linked services are classified under GST rules. For now, the company appears ready to take the matter from the tax office to the appeals desk.
