Nisha Lobo, the Managing Director of Alex Machine Tools, embarked on her professional journey with a solid foundation in mechanical engineering from Cornell University. Her initial steps in the machine tool division of her family business in India laid the groundwork for a career marked by innovation and leadership. Alex Machine Tools, renowned for its leadership in surface grinding manufacturing in India, became the practical school where Nisha mastered design, manufacturing, procurement, service, and people management within the distinctive Indian market context.
From the vibrant streets of Santa Cruz, Mumbai, to the forefront of machine tool manufacturing, Nisha Lobo’s journey is of creative spirit and the relentless pursuit of engineering excellence. Her early days were infused with the rhythms of music and the competitive spirit of sports, where she excelled as a national-level table tennis player and a pianist who claimed top honours in national competitions. These formative experiences were not just pastimes; they sculpted the discipline and passion that would later define her career.
In 1997, Nisha expanded her horizons and relocated to the USA, where she took on progressively responsible roles at Texas Hydraulics, a key player in component manufacturing. Starting as an Industrial Engineer and advancing to the position of President, she was instrumental in fostering a Lean culture within the company. Her efforts not only enhanced quality and efficiency but also significantly shortened lead times through the adoption of lean principles. Her tenure at Texas Hydraulics was marked by hosting several Lean Conferences under the Dover Corporation, emphasizing the critical role of continuous improvement and lean management.
In 2003, Nisha’s expertise and leadership were recognized by the Dover Corporation, leading her to develop and lead their Supply Chain Council. Her global sourcing initiatives underscored the balance between quality, delivery integrity, lead times, and effective communication, shedding light on the global opportunities and challenges in the supply chain landscape. Nisha’s extensive experience in global companies has afforded her a profound understanding of global sourcing dynamics, especially the potential of India’s skilled workforce and competitive cost structure. Her bicultural professional and personal life, with bases in Houston and Mumbai, positions her uniquely to bridge the gap between global quality and delivery expectations and the value proposition offered by Indian suppliers.
“In my journey, I’ve navigated diverse roles and geographies, each presenting its unique set of challenges and learnings. The transition from a hands-on engineer in the family business to leading a component manufacturing business in the USA and finally steering global sourcing strategies has been a fascinating ride. The key takeaway? Continuous improvement and lean management are not just principles but a way of life that can drive businesses to unprecedented heights,” shares Nisha Lobo, reflecting on her career journey.
Entering Into the World of Engineering
“I was a curious child, dabbling in music, art, and sports,” she reflects. Her tales of childhood triumphs at the national level in table tennis and her achievements in music competitions resonate with the determination she carries into her professional life. Nisha’s parents instilled in her a deep appreciation for the arts and academics, but her father’s passion for mechanical engineering truly captivated her imagination. “He started with a vision, crafting our family’s future from the ground up,” Nisha shares.
Faced with the economic turbulence of the 70s, Nisha’s father took a bold leap into entrepreneurship, creating a legacy with his first surface grinding machine. With a glint in her eye, Nisha recounts tales of her father’s first surface grinding machine, a venture that shaped the beginnings of Alex Machine Tools. “The perseverance it took, using a small family loan to fund that first machine, instilled in me the value of every little effort,” she says. Nisha narrates how her mother’s deferred dream of a family car, which they couldn’t afford to fuel, became an anecdote of patience and sacrifice. “That car sat there, a symbol of dreams and the drive to achieve them,” shares Nisha.
“The carpenters’ toolboxes were like treasure chests to me,” Nisha recalls fondly. Each evening as the workers departed, leaving behind their implements, a young Nisha saw an opportunity to create. Alongside her sister, she would craft pencil boxes and pen holders, unwittingly honing skills that would later define her professional ethos. Her journey into engineering seemed almost serendipitous. “I was drawing parallels between art and mechanics long before I knew what engineering was,” she shares. It’s these formative experiences that equipped her to step into a male-dominated workshop in college without missing a beat. “I didn’t just keep up; I felt right at home,” she asserts, her face lighting up at the memory.
The corridors of Victoria Jubilee Technical Institute (VJTI Mumbai) were a far cry from her home’s makeshift workshop, yet for Nisha, they resonated with the same spirit of innovation and craftsmanship. Post-graduation, the pull of her family’s business was strong, but so was the lure of broader horizons, which led her to pursue a master’s in mechanical engineering in the United States. It was here, buoyed by her mother’s encouragement, that Nisha delved deeper into the intricacies of machine tool design, setting the stage for her future endeavors in the industry.
Getting Mentored by Alex Lobo
On her return to India after her studies in the US, Nisha stepped into her family business as an eager learner, soaking in the nuances of the trade under her father’s Alex F Lobo’s tutelage. “More than a father; he was my mentor, my guide in navigating the intricate world of machine tools,” she reflects warmly. Nisha’s voice carries a note of passion as she speaks of the growth and evolution of the company under her direction. “It was about transforming my dreams into our collective reality, about driving us from a third-tier company to a recognised name in the industry,” she states with conviction. Her journey was not without challenges, particularly the transition from the arts to a technical field. “There was a learning curve, but I embraced it, knowing that with each hurdle I overcame, I was paving the way for more women to enter and excel in manufacturing,” she emphasizes.
The United States stint was transformative for Nisha Lobo. She recollects, “It was a great experience for me, you know. I came back brimming with ideas to revolutionize our business.” Working alongside her father, a gifted designer deeply passionate about his craft, she felt invigorated. She remembers fondly, “My dad was at his best dealing with designs, and I found my niche in handling the rest. Together, we struck a harmony that only grew stronger with time.” This dynamic partnership was the cornerstone of their success, and as Nisha reflects on this collaboration, it’s evident that this synergy between father and daughter was pivotal in shaping the growth of Alex Machine Tools. “We were a formidable team,” she says with a sense of pride, reflecting he familial bond and mutual respect that fueled their collective ambition.
In the midst of expanding their business, Nisha found joy and inspiration during her time at Cornell, where she pursued her Masters in Engineering. It was during this enriching phase that she met Vernon, who would later become her husband. They connected over their shared passion for engineering and quickly became close friends. “We just clicked, and our conversations were always so insightful,” Nisha recalls about their early interactions. Vernon, also an engineer, embarked on a successful career path in Texas, rising swiftly through the ranks to become President of his company. This success posed a gentle predicament for the couple, as Nisha had always envisioned returning to India to contribute to the family business. Navigating this crossroads of personal aspirations and professional commitments, they faced the challenge together.
Starting anew, Nisha embraced a significant life change after seven years of courtship, marrying Vernon and bidding farewell to her father’s succession plan in favor of gaining a supportive son-in-law. For Nisha, beginning from ground zero in a foreign country was daunting, yet she had an unwavering pillar of strength in her husband. “Finding the right partner is crucial,” Nisha muses, “especially for women who aspire to excel professionally. It’s all about having someone in your corner, cheering you on.” With this supportive foundation, Nisha quickly found her footing in the US. Within the same month of her arrival, she secured a job within the same corporate group as Vernon’s company, Dover Corporation.
Learning Curve at US: Mastering Manufacturing
Nisha began as a plant engineer at Texas Hydraulics, navigating the complex demands of hydraulic cylinder production for diverse industries. The variety in product mix and batch sizes presented unique challenges, which only intensified when a key customer, Genie Industries, constituting a significant 25% of the business, demanded an 80% reduction in lead times. With minimal experience in lean manufacturing, Nisha dove headfirst into research. She recalls, “I knew we had to innovate. Holding inventory wasn’t an option; it was transform or lose crucial business.” The transition she spearheaded was radical, moving from traditional batch and queue processes to a streamlined, cellular approach, revolutionizing operations from start to finish.
Her leadership saw direct purchase orders from Genie Industries and shipping times drop to mere days. “What started in one corner of the plant,” Nisha says with pride, “soon expanded to transform the entire operation.” Quality soared, inventory shrank, and costs plummeted. Nisha was able to set a benchmark in manufacturing excellence, and Nisha was promoted to Plant Manager.
Nisha’s professional growth paralleled her personal life’s pivotal moments. As she welcomed her first son, Ryan, her husband Vernon was ascending the corporate ladder, creating a dynamic of success and challenges within their household. “There was a lot of travel between us, balancing our home in Temple, TX, and Vernon’s office in Oklahoma,” Nisha recalls. Her dedication was such that she was at the plant on Ryan’s due date, and she remembers, “I barely took any maternity leave.” With Ryan, Nisha managed to blend her roles as a mother and a professional seamlessly, often bringing him to meetings, where it seemed even he was in support of her endeavors. She reflects on the support systems that enabled her to fulfill her responsibilities, “Babysitters became like family, allowing me to travel extensively for work.”
Later, upon the arrival of her daughter Rachel, Nisha considered stepping away from corporate life for flexibility. Yet, her career took another upward trajectory when offered the role of Director of Sourcing at Dover Corporation, enabling her to work closer to where Vernon was based. “This role allowed me to leverage economies of scale across Dover’s various businesses, focusing on global sourcing from Mexico, China, and India,” she shares, highlighting a significant pivot towards a more strategic role that would harness her expertise in a global context.
Amidst the corporate evolution at Dover Corporation, Nisha saw an opportunity to leverage her expertise independently. She narrates, “As Dover was shifting from a completely independent model to centralised sourcing, I realised it was time for me to branch out on my own.” This decision led to her starting a business that tapped into India’s manufacturing capabilities to supply components directly to US customers. Nisha found her stride in this new venture, where she could exercise full autonomy over her business operations. “Unlike my facilitator role at Dover, I now had direct control over the sales, manufacturing processes, and product decisions,” she reflects. She was instrumental in ensuring that her clients could reap the benefits of her business strategy.
Her entrepreneurial venture was timely, as India emerged as a manufacturing powerhouse, and low-cost country sourcing was gaining momentum among US companies. “It was the perfect moment to start a business that catered to this trend,” she explains, marking a pivotal shift from her corporate journey to entrepreneurial success. The sudden passing of Nisha Lobo’s father in 2012 marked a turning point for her family’s machine tool business. Reflecting on this period, Nisha shares, “My father’s absence left a significant void in the company that revolved around him. It was a crucial juncture for us.” Faced with the potential instability of a business without its leader, Nisha and her husband Vernon had to act swiftly to ensure continuity.
Nisha recalls the daunting task of stepping into her father’s role: “Taking over was intimidating. His shoes were not only large but came with high expectations from a loyal customer base and dedicated employees.” Despite the challenges, Nisha’s determination and Vernon’s unwavering support allowed them to preserve the brand’s reputation and continue to deliver quality services to their global clientele. “My father was revered in the industry for his expertise in designing and manufacturing surface grinders. With Vernon’s backing, we managed to sustain that legacy,” she adds, acknowledging the blend of support and experience that guided them through a transition crucial to their company’s future.
What is there in a Name: Jiselle Lobo to Nisha Lobo
Nisha Lobo reminisces about her school days with a hint of amusement. “I’ve always been half musician, half engineer,” she laughs, recalling the blend of arts and science that has shaped her life. A proficient pianist, her name Jiselle Lobo struck a distinctive note, especially during her table tennis matches alongside her teammate Varsha Chulani. She recounts, “Our names were quite the pairing, but Jiselle often got mangled in attempts at pronunciation, resulting in a humorous array of nicknames at the table tennis tournaments.” Eventually, Nisha decided to adopt her middle name professionally, simplifying introductions and winning matches alike. “It was just easier for everyone. So, while the musician in me was Jiselle, the engineer and entrepreneur became known as Nisha Lobo,” she explains with a smile.
Building Inclusive Future for Indian Machine Tool Sector
Reflecting on her myriad challenges as a woman in mechanical engineering, Nisha Lobo delves into her experiences with candid openness. “Being the only girl in my class at VJTI was just the beginning,” she recalls. “Every day was a series of decisions, from where to sit in class to how to navigate a male-dominated field.” She shares her story with a mix of humour and gravity. “I learned to occupy space confidently, whether it was the first row in class or the sole woman in meetings and trade shows. It can be isolating, but it also makes you stand out.”
Nisha emphasizes the importance of self-assurance and expertise, especially in technical discussions. “In India, if you demonstrate knowledge, men will listen with respect,” she says, acknowledging this as one of the positives in her journey. The path to success has not been without its unique set of trade-offs. “Juggling family and work, ensuring you’re there for the sick child or the family that needs you, while also managing a business, it’s a tough balancing act,” she admits. Yet, Nisha sees her multifaceted role as a strength. “We make choices every day, and for me, family comes first, without compromise.” With an understanding partner and efficient time management, she’s navigated both her personal and professional worlds with determination and grace. “These challenges are not hindrances but stepping stones to success,” Nisha shares.
“The underutilisation of women’s talents in India’s engineering sector is not just a loss but an untapped opportunity,” she states. She describes her initiatives with passionate resolve: “In 2022, Alex Machine Tools sponsored a group of women engineering graduates for a specialized design engineering course in collaboration with the Indian Machine Tool Manufacturers Association (IMTMA).” These efforts are aimed at breaking barriers. “It’s about giving those from modest backgrounds the chance they wouldn’t otherwise have — the chance to transform education into a tangible career.”
Nisha shares moments of triumph as she recounts the outcomes of the program. “Every one of the girls got placed after the course,” she says, pride evident in her voice. Alex Machine Tools itself hired six graduates, reflecting her vision to integrate more women into the company.We were successful in creating support systems that accommodate both professional growth and personal milestones,” she asserts. In discussing the road ahead, she emphasizes the need for cultural shifts to make long-term success possible for these women. “We’re taking small steps toward a significant opportunity for India,” Nisha shares, signifying her dedication to building a more inclusive and prosperous future in the machine tool industry.
Woman is the Biggest Obstacle of Woman: Nisha Lobo
Nisha Lobo’s message to aspiring women engineers is a blend of inspiration and practical advice derived from her own experiences and the wisdom of Indira Gandhi. “The biggest obstacle is often ourselves,” she reflects. Emphasising the importance of self-belief, she encourages women to challenge internal barriers: “To be liberated, to be truly free, we must be comfortable in our capacities and personalities.” She believes in starting change from within: “It begins with us. We must reject excuses, pursue our professional paths and bolster others.”
Her conviction is clear when she states, “I firmly believe women can perform just as well as men in any field.” She extends this belief to her children, ensuring they have equal opportunities and responsibilities, thus nurturing a foundation of equality. Nisha expresses a powerful wish for all women: “May they break through any glass ceilings and overcome perceived limitations. The path to success is not just about equal opportunities but about shared responsibilities, at work and at home.”
In Nisha Lobo’s reflection on the support she has received, she highlights the crucial role of family in a woman’s success. Fortunately, she has received encouragement from her parents, spouse, and children, and she recognises this as a cornerstone of her achievements. Emphasising the power of maternal influence, she calls on women to educate their children beyond academics—instilling a culture of openness and acceptance toward women’s societal roles. Nisha advocates for a shift in perspective, where responsibilities are shared rather than divided by gender, stating, “We should celebrate our differences, not be constrained by them.” For Nisha, the interplay of support and autonomy within the family is essential for women to thrive. She envisions a world where every family nurtures success by fostering a supportive environment akin to her own, dismantling traditional barriers to equality.
