“Did you remember the Royal Enfield Rider Mania 2019? I and my daughter were proud riders for the longest route of our experience from Pune to Goa and it was an adventure of its kind”. Manjiree Biche, the visionary founder and chairperson of Orbittal Electromech, has been an adventure lover and a proud mother who made her daughter learn riding Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500. Manjiree was a resident of Talegaon and was the First Lady Rider of her town during her 20s. Till today, when the going gets tougher, she finds her peace in riding a bike.
Steering Orbittal Group through nearly three decades of remarkable growth and innovation, she eliminated gender as a barrier in a sector like manufacturing. Her journey sets an interesting example of how one can succeed with the choices they make, even if limited.
With true dedication and the right mindset, Manjiree has not only excelled in her field but is making a difference. Today, there are 50 women working in Orbittal’s shopfloor and she believes each day is an opportunity to create! Manufacturing is a world of creativity.
Founded in 1995, Orbittal Group initially commenced operations as a contracting firm, specializing in electrical projects. Over time, it has evolved into a diverse organization, addressing the varied needs of multinational corporations (MNCs) worldwide. It has also developed four essential vertices under the umbrella of its brand.
It began its journey with Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC). Thereafter, Orbittal entered the MEP Services and became a leading brand identity in the industry for their MEP Services. It has expanded into Green Energy solution by entering the Solar Power Business and now also provides Instrumentation Services to its clients.
Manjiree Biche, an electronic engineer by profession, began her entrepreneurial journey after gaining valuable experience in the corporate world. After two years of the establishment, her husband joined the business and together they made the foundation stronger. She recalls her humble beginnings, starting with modest soldering contracts and gradually expanding into repair, maintenance, and eventually manufacturing.
When asked about her choice of electronics engineering, she reveals, “At that time, I didn’t know much about different fields. My elder brother suggested pursuing a diploma in electronics engineering, and I followed his advice. It was a limited choice back then, with fewer options than today’s diversified career paths.”
Manjiree’s path into entrepreneurship was not without its challenges. After giving birth to her children, a son and a daughter, she took a break from the business world to focus on her family, a decision she cherishes as a period of happiness rather than struggle. Despite being away from the business for around eight years, her entrepreneurial spirit remained undiminished.
Moreover, at the heart of Orbittal lies a commitment to fostering a familial culture and promoting gender equality, spearheaded by her. With nearly half of its workforce comprising women, the company serves as an example of inclusivity and empowerment. Manjiree explains that gender parity is not just an aspiration but a reality within Orbittal Group, where diversity is celebrated, and sincerity is valued without bias.
The success of Orbittal is supported by its constant dedication of its team members. She emphasizes, “Our team is our greatest asset. We treat them like family, ensuring mutual growth and prosperity.” Such values have nurtured enduring relationships, with team members spanning around two decades of dedicated service.
Additionally, Orbittal has made significant progress in its global outreach, exporting its products to various countries including California, Maldives, Morocco, and Nigeria. Manjiree also highlights the growing opportunities in manufacturing, particularly in India, a developing nation witnessing a surge in investment and demand.
She encourages young entrepreneurs to seize these opportunities and contribute to the nation’s industrial growth. Looking forward, Orbittal Group envisions continued growth and expansion. With a strong pipeline of projects and increasing demand, the company aims to achieve new milestones in the years to come.
Manjiree Biche envisions a future marked by exponential growth, exploring avenues such as IPOs and expanding their facilities to meet evolving needs. Amidst its achievements, Orbittal remains grounded, advocating for a world where gender disparities are eradicated. Manjiree envisions a future where ‘Women’s Day’ goes beyond its current necessity, reflecting a society where true equality prevails.
