Venus Safety leverages AI for demand forecasting and route optimisation

Venus Safety & Health, a global producer of personal protective equipment (PPE), considers digital transformation the core of its supply chain approach, according to Managing Director, Mahesh Kudav. In a recent interaction with Indian Transport & Logistics News, he said, "AI-driven platforms help us gain real-time visibility into inbound raw materials, production schedules, and outbound shipment movement".

The company is utilising predictive analytics and automated alerts to identify potential bottlenecks whether at ports, in transit, or during production alignment well before they impact delivery commitments.

Talking about the infrastructure, Kudav expects reduced per-kilometre freight costs and improved lead times from government infrastructure upgrades, such as new freight corridors and highway intersections.

The company has adopted a risk-mitigation strategy that operates independently of these projects' completion timelines.

To ensure operational continuity, Venus follows a multi-route, multi-modal logistics approach. The strategy involves proactively diversifying transport lanes, maintaining flexible contracts with logistics partners, and building buffer capacity in warehouses to absorb temporary delays.

"In essence, even if certain infrastructure projects are delayed, our operational continuity remains unaffected because we design our logistics around agility, redundancy, and risk-mitigation rather than dependence on a single corridor," the Kudav noted.

Logistics for the PLI scheme
Aligning with the government’s Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, Venus is restructuring its logistics to support localised manufacturing and self-reliance. As domestic sourcing requirements expand, the company is prioritising strengthened supplier networks within India and optimised intra-country distribution hubs.

To manage the higher production volumes mandated by PLI commitments, Venus is upgrading its outbound logistics infrastructure. This includes enhancing inventory management systems, expanding warehouse capacity, and integrating digital tools to ensure scalable performance.

Physical expansion and outlook
The company is also planning to double its Taloja facility size and have invested ₹150 crore (₹1500 million) in land, building, and equipment. The expansion involves acquiring a 6-acre plot on a long-term lease from the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) to add 10,000 square feet of built-up area.

The company aims to complete this major expansion within the next financial year, targeting facility saturation within two years. Backed by these strategic logistical and physical upgrades, Venus Safety & Health projects a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15% to 17% in annual revenue.