Starting from a small scale in Pokhara, some businesses have succeeded in spreading out across the country. These companies have managed to establish a network within national as well as international arena. By now, products manufactured by these companies are accessible throughout the country and they also have manufacturing units and businesses operating in several parts of the country. This momentum hasn’t declined. More such companies are in the offing.

Laxmi Group

Ganesh Bahadur Shrestha, chairman of Laxmi Group, started up in 1973 from Pokhara, selling Pustakari, a local candy. The company, which was established with an investment of Rs 70,000, has emerged as one of the noted corporate houses in Nepal and represents Korean auto-major Hyundai in Nepal. Laxmi Group is also among the top 10 revenue contributing business groups of the country.

Laxmi Group embarked on his business journey in 1976 by establishing Jay Ma Laxmi Confectionary Industry at the Pokhara Industrial Estate. Shrestha brought in machines required for manufacturing chocolates from various parts of India and started production of popular chocolate items like Orange Ball, Diamond, Laxmi Sweets and Rimjhim Ball under companies like Suva Laxmi, Maha Laxmi and Mahashakti Chocolate Company.

In 1986, Shrestha established Jaya Ma and Jaya Confectionaries, which introduced one of the most successful chocolate items in the country like Mango Tart, Lacto Fun and Yo Yo.

After the success of the confectionary business, Shrestha expanded the group further by opening Jaya Packaging Industry in 1988. The company produces packaging items for chocolates, biscuits and soaps, among others. In 1991, the company launched Jaya Polythene Industry. However, the big year for Laxmi Group came in 1995, when three companies— Suva Laxmi, Jay Ma and Laxmi—were merged into a single company known as Sujal Foods, which is credited for the famous chocolate brand Choco Fun, the first of its kind in Nepal.

After the Dairy Development Corporation sold its Pokhara unit, Laxmi Group entered the country’s dairy market by establishing Sujal Dairy. In 2007, the company started production of Sujal Gum chewing gum. Laxmi Intercontinental, a subsidiary Laxmi Group, is also the authorised dealer of Hyundai automobiles in Nepal.

Laxmi Group, which has offered direct employment to more than 800 individuals, is planning to enter the tourism sector. “For an industry and industrialist, it requires a lot of hard work, honesty, dedication and quality products to become successful,” shared 68-year-old Shrestha. “If you don’t compromise on quality, you will definitely become successful.”

Batas Organisation

Around 50 years ago, Ram Prasad Batas opened a retail store in Turture, Pokhara, investing around Rs 8,000. It was later expanded to Dhule Gauda, Belchautara and Bhimad. Enthused with the response, Batas also opened a clothing store.

In 1984, Batas’s eldest son Ananda Batas expanded the business by opening a clothing store in Chiple Dhunga and a retail store in Prithvi Chowk with an investment of Rs 150,000. The business was also supported by Ananda’s two brothers.

The journey continued, with Batas opening a hotel named Anand Hotel at Prithvi Chowk in 1990. Batas also acquired the local dealership of Maruti-Suzuki, Mahindra and TVS two-wheelers. Within the next five-seven years, Batas Brothers was a established name in the market, mainly supported by the automobile business. “The efforts of all three brothers, entrepreneurship skills and the platform created by our father helped us establish in the market,” shared managing director of Batas Organisation Bipendra Raj Batas.

With a motive to expand out from Pokhara, the group entered Kathmandu by acquiring the local dealership of Maruti-Suzuki automobiles. The group also acquired all Nepal agent dealership of Himal Remit. After success from Eicher trucks and buses, the group has acquired national dealership of Fiat automobiles, Globat Batteries and Petronash Lubricants.

The company, which was known as Batas Brothers, now is known as Batas Organisation, as it has moved on to a corporate with partners from out of family. Batas Organisation has offered direct employment to 392 individuals.

The company now is planning to expand in the tourism sector and is planning to open star hotels in Pokhara and Kathmandu. “Unity of we three brothers is the main reason behind the success of our group,” said Batas.

Karmacharya Group

Started some 45 years ago by Jagat Krishna Karmacharya with a retail store, Karmacharya Group has come a long way. Three of his sons—Chandra Krishna Karmacharya, Govinda Karmacharya and Hari Karmacharya—have achieved greater highs. The company entered the business sector by opening Gandagi Oil Mill in 1996. The Mill now manufactures products likes Koseli mustard oil, Swikar oil, Sadhana oil, Sunflower oil and Soybean oil. After the conversion of the company into a business group, it has is operating plastic, biscuit, rice, milk and confectionary industry.

The company has been manufacturing 14 varieties biscuits and wafers, and seven varieties of chocolates. The group also manufactures Nova milk. “We have factories manufacturing chocolates and milk in Kathmandu and Pokhara,” said Michel Karmacharya. “We are now planning to invest in the agriculture sector.”

The group, which has provided employment to 500 individuals, is making investment in sectors like education, hydropower and banking, among others.

Hotel Barahi

After returning from Brunei, Hari Prasad Poudel opened Hotel Barahi in 1994, realising the potential of tourism. The hotel, which initially had 18 rooms, was expanded to 45 rooms in 2000. The success did not stop there. In 2007, the Hotel expanded to 53 rooms and in 2009 the figure reached 85 later.

The hotel has also introduced international-standard Barahi Jungle Lodge in Meghauli, Chitwan. Executive Director Biplav Poudel said the lodge, spread on 21 bighas, has an investment of Rs 280 million. Investment in Hotel Barahi Pokhara amounts to Rs 400 million. Barahi Jungle Lodge has 35 attractive villas, two swimming pools and luxury suites. The lodge has employed 84 staff, while 30 individuals have received indirect job opportunities. Hotel Barahi has employed 160 individuals. “Our expertise in Pokhara and the realisation of tourism as a prospective sector has prompted us to add investment in the sector,” said Poudel.

The United Gold Mart

In a country where partnership business is not considered long lasting, The United Gold Mart, which came in existence after mergers with several bullion shops, has been in operation for the last five years. The store has also expanded to Kathmandu.

According to Mahendra Man Guvaju, chairman of The United Gold Mart, various factors like availability of capital, distribution of responsibilities and combined skills prompted them to merge into one. Kanchan Abhusan, Sherman and Sons, M Kanchan, Pokhara Gahana, Nabaratna, Kathmandu, New Pokhara, and Shakya Jewellers had merged to form The United Gold Mart in April 21, 2009.

The store so far has an investment of Rs 200 million. Around 150 goldsmiths and 80 individuals have been employed.

Saleways Department Store

Amid several department stores in the town, Saleways has become one of the most convenient places for shopping. The store, having main branch in Pokhara, has expanded to two other places in Maharajgung, Kathmandu, and Pulchowk, Lalitpur. Three more stores in Pokhara and one Satdobato are slated to open soon. The department store has also opened Saleways tower, a shopping mall in Chipledhunga, Pokhara. The tower offers visitors with an opportunity to have a view of Pokhara through a restaurant at the top.

According to Dayal Giri, chief manager of Saleways, the department store, which opened in 1992 on 1,000 sqft with an investment of Rs 200,000, has travelled a long journey. The department store has employed over 400 individuals.

ChaChaWhee Fun Park Resort

Situated in Himal Tole, Pokhara, ChaChaWhee Fun Park Resort has turned into an ideal destination for children. Along with the fun park, a resort too has come into the operation for the last two months.

The resort, with 15 rooms, offers luxurious facilities. According to Dinesh Prashain, operator of the fun park, it is a first-of-its-kind destination—incorporating a fun park and a resort—in South Asia. Spread on 18 ropanies, the park also has a musical hall. According to Prasaain, they have invested Rs 60 million in the park.