From a shared vision for precision engineering to building a resilient company that stands as one of the pillars of innovation in India’s precision instrumentation and inspection industry, Optomech Engineers Pvt Ltd has forged an inspiring journey since its establishment in 1981. Led by Alok Garg and Co-founder Peri Peri Shastri, Optomech’s story reflects a relentless commitment to quality, adaptability, and a tenacious spirit that has helped the company overcome numerous challenges and redefine India’s industrial landscape.
After completing his MBA in Production Engineering from IIM, Mr Garg met Mr Shastri, an IIT Kharagpur graduate in Mechanical Engineering, while both were working in Pune’s industrial sector. In their shared pursuit of innovation, they chose to start Optomech Engineers in Hyderabad, driven by Mr Shastri’s connection to the city and its emerging industrial support ecosystem. From the outset, they envisioned Optomech as a company that would lead in high-quality, precision-based manufacturing, catering to India’s growing industrial base.
Optomech’s breakthrough came through a technical collaboration with ISRO, facilitated by common contacts in the scientific community. For over a decade, Optomech manufactured optical instruments that interpreted satellite data, primarily serving research institutions and universities. “ISRO’s technical transfer program gave us an unprecedented opportunity,” says Mr Garg. “It allowed us to work on pioneering technologies and established our credibility in the precision optical space.”
In 1986, Optomech formed a key international tie-up with Gregory Geo Science in Canada, focusing on geoscientific instrumentation. This was followed in 1988 by another strategic partnership with Carl Zeiss Jena in Germany, a world-renowned optical company. The collaboration with Gregory Geo Science enriched Optomech’s expertise in specialized instrumentation, while the tie-up with Carl Zeiss Jena provided access to advanced optical technologies that elevated the company’s manufacturing capabilities. These alliances significantly enhanced Optomech’s technical prowess and market reputation.
For over a decade, Optomech supplied essential technology to the country’s research sector, building a reputation for excellence and reliability. However, in 1991, a market shift towards digital technology made Optomech’s optical data interpretation instruments obsolete, presenting a critical turning point. With their existing expertise in optics, Mr Garg and Mr Shastri chose to innovate by developing new instruments for industrial applications. This decision led to the creation of the optical profile projector, which enabled Optomech to transition into a broader industrial market, meeting the needs of the automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing sectors.
In 2001, Alok Garg’s son, Amit Garg, the Director of Optomech Engineers Pvt Ltd, joined the business after completing his degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering, marking the beginning of a new era for Optomech. Mr Shastri, now looking to settle abroad with his family, exited the company, with Mr Garg acquiring full ownership. Under Amit’s leadership, Optomech expanded into the FMCG packaging space, manufacturing tube filling and packing machines for renowned brands such as Colgate, Emami, Dabur, and Pidilite. For over a decade, Optomech established itself as a trusted supplier to leading FMCG companies, with its machines enabling reliable packaging solutions.
With growing competition from high-speed foreign machinery in the FMCG space, Optomech made a strategic decision in 2011 to pivot towards high-speed inspection and metrology equipment, closing its FMCG-focused OptoPack division. This shift brought renewed focus to Optomech’s roots in precision and optics. Today, Optomech offers a range of high-speed inspection systems, including AI-driven automated inspection systems and cutting-edge metrology equipment, catering to industries such as packaging, pharmaceuticals, and automotive.
One of Optomech’s notable innovations is the Induction Sealing Integrity Verification System (ISIVS), an AI-enabled solution designed to ensure the integrity of sealed containers, particularly in pharmaceuticals. “Our inspection systems are about more than just speed,” explains Amit. “We ensure quality, safety, and reliability, which are critical to our clients and the industries we serve.” Optomech’s commitment to precision and quality has secured its reputation as a trusted partner for high-speed inspection solutions, supporting Indian industry with reliable, future-ready technology.
Commitment to Quality and Innovation in India’s Industrial Landscape
Today, Optomech operates from its facility in Hyderabad, providing high-quality inspection and metrology solutions across diverse industries. Reflecting on the company’s journey, Mr Garg notes, “Our path has never been linear; it’s been about seizing the right opportunities and evolving with the needs of the market.” This focus on innovation and flexibility has allowed Optomech to remain a leader, supporting Indian industry with technologies that enable accuracy, speed, and efficiency.
Optomech’s ability to adapt to the market has been a key factor in its sustained success. “We were initially faced with a market that was unfamiliar with the benefits of precision instruments, and we overcame this by focusing on education and awareness,” says Mr Garg. “Through persistence and a customer-centric approach, we gained the trust of industries that were skeptical about adopting advanced technologies.” This commitment to not just selling products, but also educating clients, laid the foundation for a long-standing relationship with Indian industries.
In looking to the future, Optomech aims to continue expanding its technological capabilities, with a focus on further integrating AI and machine vision to meet the needs of modern, fast-paced industries. “India’s industrial landscape is growing rapidly, and we see a huge role for Optomech in supporting that growth,” says Amit. “We’re dedicated to enhancing the quality of Indian manufacturing, not just for today but for decades to come.”
A Legacy of Innovation and Excellence
Optomech Engineers Pvt. Ltd. embodies the journey of an Indian manufacturing company that has adapted, innovated, and thrived across different eras of technological change. The company’s story is a testament to the power of vision, resilience, and the willingness to pivot when faced with new challenges. From its early collaboration with ISRO to its current status as a leader in high-speed inspection, Optomech stands as a symbol of India’s growing capabilities in precision engineering.
Through trust, teamwork, and an unwavering commitment to quality, Mr Garg and his family have transformed Optomech into a dynamic player in the industrial landscape. As Amit Garg sums it up, “Our mission has always been clear: to build solutions that meet the highest standards and to contribute meaningfully to India’s journey toward industrial excellence and self-reliance.” With a strong foundation, a talented team, and a forward-thinking approach, Optomech is well-positioned to continue making a lasting impact on India’s industrial sector.”
