Grind Master, a pioneering force in metal finishing technology, celebrated a significant milestone with the launch of its highly anticipated corporate biography, Garage to Global: Ascent to Absolute Engineering, at the IMTEX 2025 Machine Tool Exhibition held at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC). This book, penned by Sameer Kelkar, the CEO and R&D Head of Grind Master Machines, highlights the company’s four decades of dedication to innovation, sustainability, and excellence in manufacturing.
Garage to Global chronicles the extraordinary journey of Grind Master, which was founded in 1984 in a modest garage by Milind and Mohini Kelkar. The book offers a glimpse into the vision, creativity, and determination that have driven the company’s success. Milind Kelkar reflects, “We started with no background in machine building, but over time, we managed to create microfinishers that rival the best in the world. Our passion for climbing mountains, both literally and metaphorically, played a key role in our growth. We sought challenges in both business and life, and even our failures became stepping stones to success.”
Though Grind Master is not among the largest companies by turnover, its success in exporting advanced machinery to developed markets speaks volumes about its innovative mindset. The book captures the bold thinking and determination that allowed the company to expand globally. “Writing this book was a journey of rediscovery,” shared Sameer Kelkar. “It’s a story that celebrates perseverance, creativity, and the drive to succeed.”
The book’s launch event took place in the Gulmohar Hall at BIEC, attended by industry leaders, experts, stakeholders, and media representatives. The event featured an insightful discussion with three second-generation entrepreneurs, including Vishwas Puttige, Nisha Lobo, and Sameer Kelkar, who shared their experiences in building globally competitive businesses. Keynote speeches by chief guest Vipin Sondhi, guest of honor Shrinivas Shirgurkar, and industry expert R. Srinivasan further enriched the event.
The corporate biography is not just a recount of Grind Master’s history; it also offers valuable lessons and messages about business and life. Shailesh Sheth, who mentored Sameer during the book’s creation, notes in the introduction that reading it feels like an open conversation with the founders. The book is filled with personal stories that reveal the grit and innovation behind Grind Master’s rise.
In the foreword, Baba Kalyani, CMD of Bharat Forge, emphasizes the company’s commitment to perfection, quoting their quality philosophy, “100-1 = ZERO.” He also highlights the book’s exploration of Grind Master’s guiding principle: “sweat in Grind Master rather than bleed at the customer’s end,” a philosophy that is vital for businesses striving for excellence.
Vipin Sondhi, in his keynote, underscored the importance of the machine tools industry in showcasing a nation’s technological capability. He praised Grind Master’s contribution to “Make in India” and congratulated the team for their exceptional journey. Shrinivas Shirgurkar also noted that Garage to Global will resonate with many companies in the machine tool industry that share a similar growth story. He described it as a “handbook for entrepreneurs” in the sector.
Sameer Kelkar, the author, stated, “This book is a celebration of 40 years of passion and hard work. It aims to connect with those in the manufacturing and machine tool industries, offering them inspiration and insights. It’s deeply personal for me, as I have lived this journey alongside Grind Master, from its humble beginnings to its present success.”
The release of Garage to Global at IMTEX 2025 is a testament to Grind Master’s remarkable evolution and the values that have shaped its success. The book serves as an inspiration for entrepreneurs, engineers, and business leaders who seek to make a mark in their industries.
Sameer Kelkar, who has over 15 years of experience in specialized machine building and expertise in metal finishing technologies and robotics, hopes that the book will resonate with anyone interested in the entrepreneurial journey. A silver medalist from IIT Bombay and a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, Sameer balances his professional life with passions like mountain biking, trail running, and hiking.
Founded in 1984, Grind Master is a global leader in metal finishing solutions, catering to industries such as automotive, aerospace, bearings, and general engineering. Known for its unwavering commitment to innovation, Grind Master continues to deliver cutting-edge technology and solutions worldwide.
