Biju Mahima, CEO of U-Sphere
U-Sphere, the construction arm of Kerala-based labour cooperative ULCCS, is entering Karnataka with plans to invest ₹1,000 crore over the next three years.The company, which is making its first expansion outside Kerala, has identified Bengaluru as its entry point and expects Karnataka to play a key role in its broader pan-India growth strategy.“We see significant opportunities in Karnataka, especially in Bengaluru, where the construction industry is facing labour shortages, sustainability challenges and increasing demand for faster project execution,” said Biju Mahima, CEO of U-Sphere.Steel structuresThe company is focusing on steel structures and pre-engineered buildings (PEBs), which it says can reduce construction timelines while improving quality and sustainability. U-Sphere has already started work on a project for hospitality company Tamara Leisure Experiences in Bengaluru and is in discussions for additional projects worth ₹100-150 crore.Initially, the company will target private-sector clients, particularly developers of commercial properties, warehouses and data centres. While ULCCS has traditionally derived a large share of its business from government projects in Kerala, U-Sphere expects private-sector demand to drive growth in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.As part of its expansion, the company plans to invest in fabrication facilities, specialised equipment for steel structure erection and skill-development centres. The investment will be phased over three years, with a new fabrication unit likely to be set up in either Karnataka or Tamil Nadu once project volumes increase.Fabrication facilityU-Sphere currently operates a fabrication facility in Kerala and employs about 18,000 workers and 1,500 engineers and supervisors through ULCCS.The company expects to create around 100 supervisory-level jobs in Karnataka within the first year, with a majority of hiring coming from the local talent pool.The company is targeting revenue of about ₹100 crore from its new markets this year and aims to grow into a ₹7,000-crore business over the next five year.Published on June 10, 2026
