As India strengthens its position as a global manufacturing powerhouse, JREW Engineering has emerged as a key player in the industry. Led by second-generation entrepreneur Rohit Grover, the Managing Director, the company has made significant strides in engineering excellence and innovation. Founded in 1973 by Shri Ram Ratan Agarwal, JREW Engineering has evolved over five decades, expanding its capabilities and cementing its reputation as a leader in precision engineering.
Rohit Grover, the son-in-law of Shri Ram Ratan Agarwal, took charge of JREW Engineering in 1999, bringing his expertise in finance to streamline operations. He completed his graduation in commerce from Punjab University, Chandigarh, in 1996 and earned an MBA in Finance in 1998. After completing his education, he worked in a private banking firm before joining the company. Mr Grover is also a member of the Confederation of Indian Industry. Under his leadership, the company transformed from a small-scale operation into a high-tech manufacturing powerhouse.
Recalling his transition from banking to manufacturing, Mr Grover shares, “Actually, I always had a bit of interest in engineering since my early days. However, I initially chose the banking sector because of my background and fascination with mathematics and figures. When I joined the engineering company after my marriage, I was unfamiliar with the manufacturing processes. I had to learn by observing, spending long hours in the workshops, talking to people, and reading books. Gradually, I picked up the nuances of the industry.”
JREW Engineering is the sole supplier of front axles for India’s leading construction equipment manufacturers, including JCB, Caterpillar, Manitou, and Escorts. These iconic yellow backhoe loaders, commonly known as “JCB machines,” rely on JREW’s precision-engineered axles, making the company a crucial contributor to India’s construction sector.
Strengthening India’s Supply Chain with High-Precision Components
Initially focused on limited processes, JREW has expanded into multiple verticals, specializing in front axles, loader arms, and forklift components for global clients like JCB, Caterpillar, and Escorts. The company operates from three manufacturing facilities in Mohali and Faridabad, with an upcoming mega facility in Rajpura. The new 400,000 sq. ft. plant will significantly boost production capacity, reinforcing JREW’s commitment to “Make in India.”
Reflecting on his father-in-law’s journey, Mr Grover recalls, “His journey was quite remarkable. He started the company with the help of his father-in-law, moving to Chandigarh to establish his own venture. Initially, the operations were more focused on trading with minimal validation. However, in the early 2000s, an employee who joined in 2001 became a partner in the company. I have learned a lot from him as well.”
About 7-8 years ago, JREW ventured into the warehousing sector with its in-house brand, STAKON, producing electric stackers, battery-operated pallet trucks, and tow trucks. Competing with global giants like Toyota and Jungheinrich, STAKON exemplifies JREW’s ambition to lead India’s industrial revolution.
Before this expansion, Mr Grover recalls that when he joined the company, the operations were minimal, with just one foreman handling production and one accountant managing bills and accounts. Coming from a banking background, he introduced a structured finance department and a dedicated maintenance department.
Beyond catering to the domestic market, JREW Engineering has been exporting high-precision components since 2010 to countries including Germany, the US, the UK, Brazil, Canada, and Mexico. The company’s indigenously developed forklift mast profiles have positioned it as a sole supplier in India, reducing reliance on imports and strengthening India’s self-reliance in manufacturing.
With a workforce of over 1,000 employees, JREW Engineering is not just building machines—it is nurturing families and driving India’s economic growth. As Rohit Grover’s son, an engineering graduate from Georgia Tech, joins the company, JREW is poised for a new era of innovation and global expansion.
With its turnover set to cross INR 300 crore, JREW Engineering embodies the spirit of “Make in India,” proving that Indian manufacturing can not only compete but also lead on the global stage. The company’s vision, “Precision Engineering and Comprehensive Manufacturing Solutions,” reflects its commitment to excellence. As Machine Maker brings together top manufacturers under its ‘Made in India’ initiative, Rohit Grover and JREW Engineering stand as an example to India’s manufacturing process.
