From a modest beginning in 1991 to becoming one of India’s leading manufacturers in rechargeable lighting, medical home-care products, and electric bike components, Master Metrology stands as a testament to innovation, perseverance, and self-reliance in Indian manufacturing. Under the visionary leadership of its founder, the company has evolved from assembling emergency lighting products to a fully integrated manufacturing powerhouse, offering solutions that significantly reduce India’s dependency on imports, particularly from China.
The journey of Master Metrology began in 1991, when its founder, driven by a passion for electronics and a strong entrepreneurial spirit, ventured into manufacturing emergency lights and torches. The early ’90s presented immense challenges, including limited access to raw materials, immature technology, and minimal internet connectivity. However, with determination and a deep understanding of market needs, the company thrived, meeting the growing demand for reliable emergency lighting solutions.
By 1996-97, the business had gained significant traction, establishing itself as a trusted name in the industry. Recognizing the need for advanced technology and efficient production processes, the founder made a pivotal decision in 1999 to explore global manufacturing hubs, setting his sights on China.
The late 1990s and early 2000s saw China emerging as a global manufacturing leader. In 1999, Master Metrology’s founder embarked on his first visit to China to understand the factors contributing to its cost-effective and large-scale production. This visit was an eye-opener, revealing insights into automation, streamlined supply chains, and government-backed manufacturing incentives.
Between 2003 and 2004, these learnings were actively implemented, with the founder making quarterly visits to China to procure materials and refine production techniques. This global exposure laid the foundation for the establishment of a state-of-the-art manufacturing unit in Baddi, Himachal Pradesh, in 2006-07. By combining imported components with domestic production, the company successfully introduced 100% Made-in-India products, reducing reliance on foreign suppliers.
While scaling up production, Master Metrology encountered a critical challenge—Indian manufacturers lacked the capacity and infrastructure to support large-scale production. Unlike China, where even small factories readily met high-volume demands, Indian enterprises struggled to scale efficiently. This gap necessitated continued reliance on Chinese suppliers for large orders, a trend that persists in Indian manufacturing today.
Determined to address this issue, Master Metrology embraced automation and vertical integration. The company invested in in-house production capabilities, including plastic molding, PCB fabrication, and assembly lines. This approach minimized dependency on external suppliers, ensuring timely production and cost efficiency. Today, apart from packaging materials and select electronic components, the company manufactures nearly all essential parts in-house, mirroring the efficiency of Chinese manufacturing while maintaining Indian self-reliance.
Master Metrology has strategically diversified its business into three key sectors, strengthening its position in the Indian manufacturing landscape. Continuing its legacy in emergency lighting, the company has expanded its portfolio with cutting-edge rechargeable lighting solutions that cater to both residential and industrial needs. Recognizing the growing demand for quality medical equipment, it has also ventured into home-care medical devices, aiming to reduce India’s dependence on imported products while ensuring affordability and reliability. Additionally, with India’s electric vehicle revolution gaining momentum, Master Metrology has emerged as a key player in manufacturing essential electronic components for e-bikes, contributing significantly to the country’s sustainable mobility goals. Through these three verticals, the company is driving innovation, enhancing self-reliance, and supporting India’s vision of a technologically advanced future.
Aiming to reach a turnover of ₹500 crores by 2027-28, the company is actively working on expanding its domestic and international footprint. Currently, it is in advanced discussions with African companies for exporting medical products, marking its foray into global markets.
The Make in India Vision Strengthening Domestic Manufacturing
As a strong proponent of the Make in India initiative, Master Metrology’s founder believes that fostering entrepreneurship at the grassroots level is crucial for India’s industrial growth. Despite government efforts to promote manufacturing, challenges remain, particularly in mindset and infrastructure development.
To bridge this gap, the company actively engages with educational institutions, offering internships to 60-80 students annually. However, a common trend among students is their preference for multinational companies over entrepreneurship. To change this narrative, the founder advocates for integrating entrepreneurial training into school and college curricula, instilling confidence and business acumen in young minds.
One of the biggest hurdles in Indian manufacturing is the lack of timely deliveries from local suppliers. Even when Indian manufacturers agree to competitive pricing, delayed deliveries disrupt production cycles, a stark contrast to China’s efficient supply chain.
A key factor behind China’s manufacturing dominance is its cost distribution model—Chinese factories spread operational costs across bulk production, allowing them to operate on 5-10% profit margins. In contrast, Indian manufacturers often aim for 15-20% margins, making local production costlier. Additionally, many Indian businesses prioritize immediate profit over long-term efficiency, further impacting scalability.
To address these systemic issues, Master Metrology’s founder advocates for the development of industry-specific manufacturing hubs in India. Just as Pune is synonymous with automobile manufacturing and Surat with diamond processing, similar clusters should be established for electronics, medical equipment, and renewable energy components. Such hubs would foster specialization, encourage large-scale production, and reduce import dependence.
With over 35 years of industry experience, Master Metrology’s founder emphasizes the need for a cultural shift in Indian manufacturing. Entrepreneurs must move beyond individual success and work towards a collective industry transformation. This change requires ongoing education, knowledge sharing, and collaborative efforts to enhance production efficiency and global competitiveness.
Reflecting on his journey, the founder highlights the stark difference between India’s and China’s entrepreneurial mindset. While Indian professionals contribute their expertise to multinational corporations, their counterparts in China leverage their skills to build homegrown businesses. This fundamental shift in perspective is essential for India to emerge as a global manufacturing powerhouse.
As India strides towards becoming a global manufacturing leader, businesses like Master Metrology serve as beacons of inspiration, proving that with the right mindset and determination, Indian manufacturing can compete at the highest levels and drive the nation’s economic growth.
