Ashwini Jagtap is the Managing Partner at UNpa Engineering, a company that specializes in manufacturing components and assemblies for diesel engines and solar products. Ashwini’s journey to success has been unconventional, as she initially pursued a career in sports and made it to the national volleyball team before taking a break to become a homemaker. However, her passion for business and the encouragement of her husband led her to join UNpa Engineering, where she now plays a crucial role in developing and managing solar EPC projects and solar products business.
Unpa Engineering is a company that specializes in manufacturing components and assemblies for diesel engines, such as Lub Oil Filter Headers, Main Bearing Caps, Gear Housings and Covers, Flywheel Housings, Fuel and Oil Manifolds, Fuel Rail Assemblies, and Big Process Valves Assemblies. The firm was established in 2003 by Balasaheb Jagtap and his son, Unmesh Jagtap. In recent years, the company has expanded its horizons and ventured into the solar business. Leading this charge is Ashwini Jagtap, the Managing Partner of Unpa Engineering, who has made a significant impact in this sector.
Ashwini Jagtap is a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment and is championing the cause of women in the workplace. Her dedication and leadership have been instrumental in creating opportunities for women at UNpa Engineering. Under her guidance, the company has taken steps to increase the number of women employees and promote their career advancement. Ashwini Jagtap’s work in this regard has been recognized by many, and she continues to be a driving force for change at Unpa Engineering. Ashwini plays an instrumental role in running the business of UNpa Engineering and leads the business development and management of solar EPC projects and solar products business.
Unlocking Potential, Driving Change
Ashwini Jagtap’s journey to success has been an unconventional one. She had a passion for sports from a young age and pursued her dream of playing volleyball, eventually making it to the national team. However, her career in sports was cut short when she decided to take a break and become a homemaker. For the next 12 years, Ashwini dedicated herself to her family and household responsibilities. Despite her time away from sports, Ashwini remained ambitious and eager to explore new opportunities.
Ashwini’s husband, Unmesh, recognized her inner drive and encouraged her to pursue her passion through UNPA Engineering. Though initially nervous about joining UNpa Engineering without a technical background, Ashwini decided to take the leap and face her fears. To her surprise, she found that her colleagues were welcoming and supportive, and she quickly made an impact in the manufacturing division. Upon joining UNpa Engineering, Ashwini Jagtap prioritised cleanliness, and her efforts yielded surprising results. By focusing on waste reduction and scrap management, she was able to boost the company’s bottom line by over 30%.
Though Ashwini lacked technical expertise, she quickly found her niche in cost-cutting, finance, and coordination. Her communication skills and people-centric approach helped her build strong relationships with her colleagues and staff, whom she supports emotionally and professionally. She’s a people person who likes to roam around the shop floors and connect with her staff, giving importance to their mental health and emotional support and also gaining the expected output from them.
The Rise of Women in Manufacturing
Ashwini Jagtap is a strong advocate for women’s empowerment in the workplace and believes that companies should prioritize women’s representation in top and middle-level management to promote equity and create a more inclusive working culture. She also believes that companies should provide the necessary utilities to empower women in manufacturing and help them succeed. Before the pandemic, UNPA Engineering had a 40% female workforce, and Ashwini gave equal importance to staff members regardless of gender.
Ashwini also recognizes the challenges women face due to personal responsibilities and believes that the government should reduce the pension scheme’s age for women. Additionally, Ashwini believes that women with technical knowledge can bring significant change to the manufacturing industry and advises aspiring women entrepreneurs to focus on coordination, technical knowledge, and communication skills to achieve success.
Since joining UNpa Engineering, Ashwini has significantly impacted the solar products business, leveraging her business acumen and leadership skills to drive growth and innovation. Additionally, she has become an advocate for women’s empowerment in the workplace, working to create more opportunities for women and promote their career advancement.
The story of Ashwini Jagtap inspires women to break stereotypes and pursue their dreams, no matter the circumstances. Her journey from a volleyball player to a housewife to a businesswoman has been extraordinary. She proves that lacking technical knowledge is not a barrier to success as long as you have the drive and passion for learning and growing. Moreover, her belief in the empowerment of women in the manufacturing industry and the importance of providing necessary utilities to women in the workplace is commendable.
