LAWRENCE AND MAYO INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED

A Historical Perspective

Lawrence & Mayo, one of the living centurions in the Corporate World, needs no introduction to the Public in India. Year 2002 will be a memorable landmark in the long and honorable history of this corporate entity as it will celebrate its post centaury silver jubilee during this year. Looking back in to the history, it will be interesting to know how Human effort of several generations has built and nurtured this company through 137 years of its marvelous existence.

Lawrence and Mayo, traces its roots to two London based Jewish families, that of Lawrence and Mayo. The two families set up operations all over the world including London, Cairo, Spain, Portugal, Indian subcontinent, Colombo, Rangoon and Singapore. Not much information is available on the early history of the company, but its reputation as a chain of High grade Opticians and makers of best quality Survey, Scientific and Meteorological Instruments was well known. Records show than L&M opened its first Indian office and showroom in Calcutta in the year 1877.

In the year 1938 L&M was incorporated under the Indian Companies Act 1913, as a private limited company. It was then controlled by a Britisher L H Alliston but he was soon to find an able successor in an Indian named I C Mendonca whose initiative took him all the way to Lahore and Karachi where he set up an optical workshop and showrooms. Mr. Mendonca returned to Calcutta before the partition and continued with the operations of the Company. It is he who nurtured the organisation after his takeover AND laid solid foundation for its future growth in India. The company became wholly Indian since 1967.

The company has a work force of over 450 spread over its 26 outlets throughout the country. L&M''s Corporate Philosophy Quality, Value and Service-guide every single member of their trained and experienced staff like a beacon. It is a way of life for every employee at Lawrence & Mayo. It is L&M''s commitment to this philosophy that had let their customer to accept their perfection as tradition. All L&M employees are highly motivated and dedicated and work as a perfect Team fully commited and focused on their job in a happy family atmosphere.

To be a good Corporate Citizen by scaling the heights of Excellence in providing value for money to customers with thrust on service and faith in people.

Each Lawrence & Mayo venture is undertaken with dedication and unwavering determination, be it opticals or instrumentation. L&M aims at retaining and enhancing its position in the Indian market through significant quality and service leadership by continuously investing in technology and people. According to Mr. R. H. Mendonsa, "L&M will be expading its retail network in a planned way to maintain the competitive edge, while upholding identity and image through ethical and professional service". The vision to excel underlines each and every facet of Lawrence & Mayo. This is evident from its mission statement.

To be a good Corporate Citizen

By

Scaling the heights of excellence

In

providing value for money to customers

with

thrustain service and faith in people

And will continue to do so in the future

This division is an integral part of the L&M house since its inception in 1877. The Division is at the forefront in providing state-of-the-art Scientific and Engineering instruments and has tie-ups with international companies for their wide range of instruments. It provides Geometric and Engineering Instruments, general Laboratory Instruments and accessories. The company supplies these instruments to Railways, Collieries, Oil Industry, Universities & Engineering Colleges, Quality Control and Research Laboratories. L&M is one of the biggest importers of these instruments and understands the market well.