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Kimberly-Clark's Expansion in India's Tech Hub

In a significant move reaffirming its commitment to innovation, Kimberly-Clark, a global leader in personal and family care products, has announced plans to deepen its digital transformation initiatives in India. This comes through its Global Digital Technology Center (GDTC) based in Bengaluru, a hub that has seen remarkable growth since its establishment in 2018 with an initial investment of $2.5 million.

Over the past five years, the center has expanded its operations eightfold, focusing on core areas such as data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and cloud transformation. These technological advancements are designed to improve global digital operations, facilitate effective marketing strategies, and enhance digital supply chains that elevate customer experiences.

Key Focus Areas and Future Plans

The GDTC's growth trajectory aligns with Kimberly-Clark's overall strategy to elevate its Powering-Care initiative. In the coming three years, the center plans to further develop its AI and ML capabilities while creating innovative digital solutions that boost operational efficiency and customer engagement.

Zack Hicks, Kimberly-Clark’s Chief Digital and Technology Officer, highlighted the center's impact: “Our GDTC in Bengaluru reflects Kimberly-Clark's deep commitment to innovation and the immense talent in India. In just five years, it has become a crucial driver for our digital strategies.”

The integration of data and advanced analytics has become the cornerstone of GDTC's success. Utilizing proprietary algorithms built on their Data Lake, the tech team optimizes sales forecasting, refines e-commerce pricing strategies, and automates routine tasks such as order processing and invoice management. Notably, the AI-driven initiatives have already boosted employee productivity by 25% and enhanced sales efficiencies in key regions by up to 10%.

One of GDTC's major achievements is the development of Maestro, an AI-based supply chain orchestration platform that has helped Kimberly-Clark achieve savings of over $20 million globally. This is complemented by the Warehouse Automation Platform, which integrates robotic systems into supply chain operations, reducing the timeline for implementing new solutions from 18 months to just 4. Collectively, these innovations have generated savings exceeding $50 million.

Furthermore, the GDTC has introduced Procuree 3.0, an internally developed source-to-pay chatbot powered by generative AI, streamlining Kimberly-Clark's procurement processes across 42 countries in 14 languages.

Engaging with the Local Ecosystem

The GDTC is not only focused on Kimberly-Clark's internal capabilities but also on contributing to the broader technology ecosystem in India. By partnering with local startups, educational institutions, and industry players, the center fosters innovation and creates solutions that benefit wider technological advancements.

Recently, the GDTC hosted its third digital hackathon, themed “UNLOKC 2024”, bringing together Kimberly-Clark employees and tech partners to brainstorm digital solutions across several business areas, including supply chain and finance. In just four weeks, over 130 innovative ideas were submitted, underscoring the collaborative spirit within the organization.

Looking Ahead

As Kimberly-Clark's largest technology center, GDTC in Bengaluru is strategically positioned to drive additional growth and innovation on a global scale. The focus will continue to be on attracting top talent and enhancing technological capabilities, positioning the center to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Kimberly-Clark and its robust technology ecosystem.

With an extensive portfolio of trusted brands, including Huggies, Kleenex, and Scott, Kimberly-Clark remains committed to sustainable practices while maintaining its leadership in consumer essentials. Having recognized for six consecutive years as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies, Kimberly-Clark's emphasis on innovation and ethical business practices positions it well for continued success in the digital age.

For more information and the latest developments, visit Kimberly-Clark's official website.