In the dynamic Indian market, people with self-belief and a sense of ownership often define true leadership. Amit Salunkhe, General Manager of ZOLLER India, is one such leader whose journey is marked by humility, hard work, and vision. This year marks a significant milestone in his career, 22 years in the manufacturing industry, including 15 remarkable years with ZOLLER India. From his modest beginnings in a middle-class family to operating CNC machines at Bajaj Auto, and later rising through the ranks at ZOLLER India from Service Engineer to National Sales Head and General Manager, Amit’s story is a powerful example of how perseverance, values, and customer-centricity can shape both a career and an organisation.
Behind every remarkable career lies a story of resilience, values, and determination. For Amit Salunkhe, General Manager of ZOLLER India, the foundation of his professional journey was shaped long before he entered the world of precision machining. Coming from a humble family background, resources were often limited, but the lessons instilled by his parents were priceless. “Money isn’t everything, character matters most,” his father would often remind him. That emphasis on integrity and grounded living became the guiding principle of Amit’s career.
He recalls small but defining moments from his childhood, like owning his first pair of proper footwear only in the sixth standard, or ironing clothes in innovative ways when access to resources was scarce. These experiences, though modest, nurtured a sense of perseverance and gratitude that would carry him through every stage of his journey. After completing his diploma, Amit took his first step into the industry on 15th September 2003, when he joined Bajaj Auto. Arriving with just two sets of clothes and ₹800 in his pocket, he vividly remembers spending a part of that money to help a friend during the Ganpati festival. On 17th September 2003, he officially began his career on the assembly line of Bajaj’s popular scooter, Spirit.
The initial days were not easy. Assigned to the night shift, Amit struggled with long hours and fatigue, even dozing off during his first tea break. Yet, what could have been a stumbling block soon turned into an opportunity. Within a short time, he was transferred from the assembly line to the machine shop, a turning point that introduced him to the world of CNC machines and set the stage for his future in precision engineering.
As a machine operator, he quickly mastered the workings of turning and setting machines, gaining exposure to camshafts, crankshafts, and connecting rods. His ability to adapt and his hunger to learn allowed him to handle a wide range of machines, including robots, setting systems, and advanced CNC equipment. These formative years at Bajaj Auto were a training ground where Amit learned discipline, balance, and the importance of controlling aggression and emotions while working in high-pressure environments.
Building Foundations at Bajaj Auto & The Turning Point
The years spent at Bajaj Auto became the bedrock of Amit Salunkhe’s career. Between 2003 and 2010, he gained invaluable exposure to high-volume production, automation, and precision machining. By 2006, Bajaj was already deploying technologies like robotic material handling systems and advanced machining processes that were ahead of their time in Indian manufacturing. Amit recalls how closely he integrated himself into these processes, even memorising the exact movements of robots on the shop floor to work more efficiently.
During his seven-year stint, he worked across multiple functions from machining to production planning, control and even maintenance support. Each role added another layer of technical expertise and problem-solving ability. “Bajaj was my foundation,” Amit often says, acknowledging the many colleagues and mentors who shaped his early career. Leaders like Sunil, Adashya, and Sandeep left lasting impressions, imparting lessons in management, programming, and operational excellence.
Yet, it wasn’t just technical skills that defined these years. Amit’s philosophy of work began to take root at Bajaj. For him, motivation came not from external rewards but from the simple act of showing up each day with purpose. “The real motivation,” he reflects, “is waking up in the morning, meeting people, solving challenges, and making a difference.” Known among his peers for his ever-present smile, Amit believed that a leader’s energy directly impacts the team: walk in with positivity, and the workplace thrives; walk in with drooping shoulders, and the entire team feels the weight.
Despite the growth, challenges emerged. Labour strikes and union activities disrupted shop-floor productivity, and the monotony of specific processes clashed with Amit’s natural drive for continuous improvement. By 2010, he felt the need for a new challenge, one that would match his energy and vision.
Leaving Bajaj Auto was not an easy decision. Financial stability was still a distant goal, and family advice leaned towards the security of a stable job. But it was his father’s words that gave him courage: “If you are not able to deal with it, you can always come back home and start again. But don’t stay somewhere just because of fear.”
That encouragement became a turning point. In July 2010, Amit resigned from Bajaj and stepped into a new chapter with ZOLLER India. This decision would not just shape his career but also make him an integral part of India’s journey toward precision tool management and smart manufacturing.
Journey with ZOLLER: From Service Engineer to Customer Success Champion
In August 2010, Amit Salunkhe took a bold step, leaving behind the security of Bajaj Auto to join ZOLLER India as a Service Technician. His first day itself was a milestone; it was not only the beginning of a new career, but also the first time he had ever boarded a flight, travelling from Pune to Ahmedabad. “I still remember the window seat 28A,” Amit recalls with a smile. That sense of excitement and nervous energy set the tone for the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead.
His early service assignments took him across India, and each one brought unique tests of skill, patience, and perseverance. One of the most defining moments came during a service call at HerSon Engineering, where he was tasked with reviving an ageing machine one that had been in operation since the mid-1980s, older than Amit himself. Without manuals or proper documentation, the task seemed nearly impossible. Customers expected it to take three days, but driven by determination and resourcefulness, Amit worked tirelessly through the night, completing the repair by the next morning. The gratitude he received from the plant head, Mishra Baswaraj, remains etched in his memory.
“That was a turning point in my career,” Amit reflects. “Money is never the real success. The biggest award is when a customer appreciates your hard work, passion, and delivery. That recognition means more than anything else.” Over the next three years, Amit became known for his ability to solve the toughest service challenges and build strong customer relationships. His commitment to excellence not only won customer trust but also laid the groundwork for ZOLLER India’s growing reputation as a reliable technology partner.
In 2013, another milestone arrived when Amit undertook his first international assignment in Malaysia, installing ZOLLER machines for a local customer. It was not just about technical work — it was also a cultural awakening. Travelling alone, observing companies along the way, and even receiving a small gift of Malaysian currency from a machine operator, Amit embraced every moment as part of his learning journey. These experiences broadened his perspective and instilled a global mindset that would serve him well as his responsibilities expanded beyond India in later years.
From Service to Sales – Building Markets & Leading Teams
By 2013, Amit Salunkhe’s role at ZOLLER began to expand beyond service. His first international assignment in Malaysia not only tested his technical expertise but also awakened his business instincts. After visiting multiple companies and observing the market landscape, he wrote to Mr. Zoller suggesting the need for a stronger sales presence in Southeast Asia. The reply was immediate and encouraging — “You have opportunities.” It was the beginning of a new phase in Amit’s journey.
Balancing both service and sales, Amit soon became a familiar face at exhibitions across Malaysia, Vietnam, and Singapore, where he installed machines, supported customers, and even packed equipment at the end of long shows. These experiences gave him a unique 360-degree view of both the customer’s expectations and ZOLLER’s market opportunities.
In 2014, Amit formally transitioned into sales, taking charge as Regional Sales Manager for Maharashtra. His very first sale, a ZOLLER smile machine to JBM, remains a proud memory, one he still recalls fondly with his family. As he put it: “That machine wasn’t just a sale; it was the start of a new identity for me.”
His passion and commitment quickly elevated him to National Sales Manager by 2016, expanding his responsibility across India and Southeast Asia. During this period, ZOLLER India was still a lean team, but under Amit’s leadership, both the team and the market presence grew steadily. He nurtured a philosophy of collective ownership, where every team member played a vital role in achieving the company’s goals.
More than targets and figures, Amit emphasised values, efficiency, and balance. He often reminded his team of the importance of “480 quality minutes” every day: “If each person delivers focused, high-quality work for those eight hours, that is more than enough. Don’t overburden yourself — come back the next morning with peace and a smile. That’s what makes a company successful.”
This principle of balance and respect for people became the cornerstone of Amit’s leadership style. His belief that companies should never be the reason for an employee’s unhappiness has inspired his teams to work with passion, not compulsion.
Leading with Empathy
As Amit Salunkhe grew into the role of General Manager at ZOLLER India, his leadership approach became defined by empathy and human connection. For him, success is not only measured by business growth but also by the well-being of his team.
“I always try to put myself in the shoes of others,” he explains. “If I were in their position, what would I expect? That is how I approach my people.” With over 40 team members spread across different regions and functions, Amit makes it a point to stay connected with everyone — whether through direct communication, emails, or informal conversations.
For him, the true success of a leader lies in the trust they inspire. “Whenever my team members face a professional challenge, they know they can call me. But even more importantly, when they face personal difficulties and still feel I am the right person to call — that is the greatest success of leadership.”
He recalls moments when colleagues have opened up about deeply personal struggles, seeking his advice and support. On one such occasion, he set aside his work, closed his laptop, and spent hours simply listening and offering guidance. “Sometimes leadership is not about solving business problems, but about standing beside people in their toughest moments,” he reflects.
At the same time, Amit never loses sight of the fundamental truth of business: customers make everything possible. “Our customers pay my salary and my team’s salaries,” he emphasises. This deep respect for customer relationships continues to guide his leadership decisions, ensuring that ZOLLER India remains a trusted partner in the precision tool management ecosystem.
Looking Ahead – Precision, People, and Progress
Fifteen years after joining ZOLLER India, Amit Salunkhe’s journey is both an inspiring personal story and a reflection of the company’s growth in the region. From his first day as a service engineer to his current role as General Manager, Amit has stayed true to the values instilled during his childhood — humility, perseverance, and integrity.
His vision for the future is deeply aligned with ZOLLER’s mission: enabling manufacturers to embrace smart factories, digital tool management, and Industry 4.0 solutions. Under his leadership, ZOLLER India is not only expanding its footprint across the country but also supporting customers in Southeast Asia and the Middle East, making India a hub for precision tool management excellence.
For Amit, however, the journey is about more than machines and markets. It is about people, colleagues, mentors, customers, and partners who have shaped his path. His empathetic leadership style ensures that his team remains motivated, connected, and valued, while his focus on customer success continues to strengthen trust in the ZOLLER brand.
As he reflects on his 22-year career, including 15 remarkable years at ZOLLER, Amit remains as motivated as the day he first stepped onto the shop floor at Bajaj Auto. “Precision is not an option; it is the foundation of progress,” he says, reaffirming his belief that innovation, collaboration, and human values will continue to drive the next chapter of Indian manufacturing. With leaders like Amit steering the way, the future of ZOLLER India and the manufacturers it empowers looks brighter than ever.
