Baurs celebrates 123 years with ‘ABC for Life’ philosophy

A. Baur & Company (Pvt) Ltd. (ABC) most commonly known as Baurs, is commemorating its 123rd anniversary this year with the number being significant and well reflected in its corporate philosophy expressing ‘ABC for Life’.
Founded in 1897 by Swiss national Alfred Baur, the company has embraced and fostered a Swiss heritage till date with similar value systems embedded in its culture whilst fully operating in the local market. With humble beginnings in the local fertilizer industry, Baurs diversified into healthcare in 1945 with J. R. Geigy Ltd which merged with Ciba to create Ciba-Geigy, later acquired by Novartis which also owns Sandoz. Today, Baurs is engaged in import, export, distribution and manufacturing for various sectors to include agriculture, healthcare, consumer, industrial raw materials, airlines, tourism and education, according to a company media release.
Baurs has the most advanced high-tech fertilizer factory probably in the entire South Asia region. Its Kelaniya-based factory is fully automated with artificial intelligence and machine learning integration being deployed, and many similar technologies are planned in near future. 
Last year, its Plant Protection Chemical division was successful in registering the first biological insecticide product namely FAWLIGEN in Sri Lanka. The product contains a virus that control fall army worm which can immensely help secure thousands of maize fields in Sri Lanka, the release said.
“The company is famed for its continuous disruptive innovation. It was the first to build and operate an industrial rail in 1901, and first to provide its customers with scientific advice from the same year. During 1919, Baurs deployed the first ever agricultural tractor and in 1941 it constructed a shock-proof building which serves as its head office till this very day,” it said. 
Baurs places high importance in being ethical and compliant and this is well reflected in its various standards and processes, including many ISO certifications and codes and practices. It is a gold card member of Sri Lanka Customs with green channel clearance.