Pune, November 8, 2012: Baba N Kalyani, chairman and managing director, Bharat Forge, has been honoured with the ‘Cross of the Order of Merit’ of the Federal Republic of Germany by the German ambassador to India, His Excellency Michael Steiner at an award ceremony at the Trident Hotel in Mumbai earlier today.

The Cross of the Order of Merit is the highest honour awarded to individuals for their services to the Federal Republic of Germany. The recognition is granted to those who make a significant contribution in social, intellectual, economic or political departments.

Awarding the distinction to Baba Kalyani, ambassador Steiner said, “Mr Kalyani is an individual who has played a major role in strengthening the business and economic ties between India and Germany. He has made significant contributions in setting up business operations in Germany and collaborating with German universities to develop next-generation technology, which has and will continue to benefit both of our countries and global customers alike. He is a true world citizen; at the same time he has remained a true Indian. Kalyani is a living role model for initiative, creativity and business vision.”

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Kalyani said, “It is a great honour and privilege to be recognised by the Federal Republic of Germany with the Cross of the Order of Merit. I would like to thank all the members associated with this award. Our association with Germany was a logical decision given its technological prowess, technical education and innovation, large markets and well-qualified workforce. A decision which has proven to be beneficial to all in the long run. ” Bharat Forge’s relationship with Germany began when it acquired the German operations of Carl Dan Peddinghaus GmbH & Co. KG (now renamed as CDP Bharat Forge GmbH) in early 2004. In just around eight years, CDP Bharat Forge has plants in Ennepetal, Daun and the Bharat Forge Aluminiumtechnik facility is at Brand-Erbisdorf, making some of largest forging footprints in Germany. Kenersys, another group company of the Kalyani Group, also has a plant at Muenster.