News/Photo by : Rons Bantwal
Mumbai, Feb. 15: Model Co-operative Bank Ltd. is proud to announce the opening of its new, owned premises in the Bhumi World Industrial Complex, Bhiwandi. The inauguration ceremony was held on Saturday, 15th February 2025 at 11.00 am with the esteemed presence of Prakash Patel, Managing Director and Founder of Bhumi World Industrial Park, as the Chief Guest and Rev. Fr. Amit Britto, priest of Infant Jesus Church, Dombivli, who blessed the new premises.
Following the ribbon-cutting, a traditional lighting of the Samai was conducted by the Chief Guest and the Dignitaries.
The event began with a warm welcome extended by the Chairman Albert W. D’Souza, who expressed gratitude to all present, including the Chief Guest Prakash Patel, priest Fr. Amit Britto for blessing the new premises. A special mention was made of Hafiz Changani, the former owner of the premises, who was honored with floral tributes for his collaboration in facilitating the Bank’s move to its new location.
Albert W. D’Souza in his welcome speech said that on behalf of the Board of Directors and the staff of the Bank, it gives me great pleasure to welcome you all to this opening of our own premises here in Bhiwandi. Till today, we were here catering to the banking service to all the customers, but then that was at the rental premises. Today, we have our own premises and your presence today gives me great pleasure on this occasion. I would especially thank our chief guest, Prakash Patel, Rev. Fr. Amit Dibrito. Understanding that the branch needs to be near the industry to cater to their needs, we were one of the first banks to open a branch in Bhiwandi in an industrial complex outside the main city of Mumbai. We have had our Bhiwandi branch in the Bhoomi World for the last seven years from 16th April 2018 onwards and we were operating from the rental premises situated one building away. The response that our branch has received from the people in the area has been encouraging and to ensure that we continue to serve you from the same location for many more years to come.
Prakash Patel said that Model Bank helped all our customers to get the finance for buying the industrial unit. And it was very much growing that people were taking one unit. After giving support from Model Bank, they have taken second, third, fourth. So, I and all the customers from Bhoomi World, we thank Model Bank for giving us the very good opportunity to grow in the industrial sector. So, we always support you. In Bhoomi World, there are 3000 units already running instead of 1500. There are 1 lakh people already employed in Bhumi World Industrial Park. We have completed 150 acres. We have more than 250 acres to make it. We are the largest industrial park developer in India. So, we thank you and we will grow together, and we need your support from Model Bank always. And your trust to us and all the Bhoomi World owners. Thank you very much.
Maxim I. Pinto, Vice Chairman, also delivered an inspiring speech, emphasizing the branch's continued commitment to the community and customer service.
Osden A. Fonseca, General Manager & C.E.O, extended the vote of thanks, with gratitude to all present, acknowledging the support of customers and staff in making this event possible.
Zenon D’Cruz, Additional General Manager, provided valuable insights about the wide range of services offered by the Bank.
The new premises are not only more spacious but also equipped to better serve the bank’s growing customer base in Bhiwandi and surrounding areas. The Bank has been operational in Bhiwandi for over seven years and has now strengthened its presence with an owned property.
The ceremony was also attended by other members of the Board of Directors, including Gerald Cardoza, Ancy D’Souza, Hilary L. Mendonca, Adv. Fiona M. Nazareth and Asha D’Souza, as well as Board of Management members Jude Lobo and Sanna Lobo, Bhiwandi Branch Manager Mervyn Lobo were also present.
The event was compared by Beata Furtado, Senior Manager of the Bank. The event concluded with the National Anthem.