In 1958, Sunil Group of Industries set off to carve its niche in manufacturing, growing into a leader in diesel engines and industrial components. This legacy faced an unexpected challenge in 2000 with the sudden passing of its visionary, Sunil Mane. The mantle of leadership unexpectedly fell to Vidya Mane, a homemaker with no prior exposure to the business world. Though initially overwhelmed and contemplating selling the company, destiny had a different journey for her. This narrative unfolds the tale of Vidya Mane’s remarkable transition into the manufacturing world, heralding a new era for her and the legacy of Sunil Industries she was determined to uphold.
Based in Kolhapur, Sunil Group of Industries comprise several key entities, each certified for their commitment to excellence and quality. The journey started when Sunil Gajanan Mane founded Gajanan Auto Private Limited today part of the Sunil Group of Industries. The group has become synonymous with innovative solutions and superior products. Specialising in the creation of highly precise and critical components for OEM suppliers, both in India and abroad, the company boasts state-of-the-art machining capabilities, including modern VMCs and CNCs. Supported by comprehensive quality assurance processes, Sunil Industries ensures each product meets the highest standards of precision and reliability. With a vision focused on continuous improvement and customer satisfaction, the group has laid a strong foundation for future growth and innovation in the manufacturing industry.
It was in the year 2013 when Vidya Mane stepped into the realm of Sunil Industries. Having spent over a decade as a dedicated homemaker, this transition marked a significant shift in her life. Her mission was singular and clear: “I was determined to push this company forward and fulfil my husband’s vision,” she states. At that juncture, with her young children and a background in commerce, Vidya faced the daunting challenge of needing more technical expertise. Upon immersing herself in the company’s operations, she uncovered financial distress. The idea of selling the business loomed as a potential path forward amidst these challenges.
However, it soon became evident that Sunil Industries held a unique position in the market. The company produced specific components, making it an indispensable supplier to major corporations like Mahindra and Mahindra. These components were crucial for the production of their vehicles, highlighting the significant impact of Sunil Industries on the automotive supply chain. This realisation brought to light the importance of keeping the company operational. Understanding their critical role in their clients’ success reinforced Vidya’s determination to sustain the company’s operations and steer it through the challenges.
When Vidya Mane stepped into the role at Sunil Industries, she faced immediate financial challenges and the lack of an in-house foundry, which meant the company had to buy raw materials from outside. “At that time, I didn’t have enough money,” Vidya remembers, describing the early days of her leadership. Without the means to produce essential materials themselves, managing orders became a pressing issue. To tackle this, Vidya decided to work directly with the raw material suppliers. “We started taking on jobs from our suppliers,” she says, explaining how they adapted to keep the business running. This move was crucial, but what really kept the company going was the dedication of its people. “Our team was ready to work hard, and our machinery was up for the task,” she notes, appreciating the spirit of her workforce.
Even more, Vidya found a supportive community within her team. Despite her initial worries, she was quickly accepted as a leader. She often hears questions about facing difficulties with workers or suppliers. To this, she confidently answers, “The people of Kolhapur, especially our workers, have been incredibly supportive.” There was a time when paying salaries on time was difficult. “For a few months, when we were tight on money, our workers told me to keep pushing forward. They would wait for their pay,” she recalls, touched by their support. Many who stood by Vidya during those times are still with the company. “I’m proud to say many of our staff from the year 2000 are still with us,” she adds, highlighting the strong bond and mutual respect that have been key to navigating through challenges.
The journey took a critical turn when the supply of raw materials was halted. Yet, trusting Vidya’s leadership, suppliers resumed their deliveries. Vidya is committed to reinvesting any profits into purchasing raw materials. “It was a slow process, but I dedicated every profit towards clearing our debts,” she explains. It took six years to settle all outstanding loans with suppliers, marking a significant milestone in the company’s recovery. With financial stability gradually returning, Sunil Industries began to expand. “We increased our machinery, hired more workers, and saw a rise in both sales and turnover,” Vidya recalls, noting the positive changes that followed. From just two units in the year 2000, the company expanded to five, a clear indicator of growth and development.
Reflecting on the company’s progress since 2000, Vidya proudly observes its evolution. “Our manpower has tripled, and our turnover has multiplied three to four times,” she highlights, signifying a robust growth phase. Her daughters, mechanical engineers with international education and experience, have joined the business, contributing significantly to its operations and expansion. “My younger daughter Srushti, who studied in Germany, now manages about 50% of our business, while my elder daughter brings her expertise in financial management and an MBA from London,” she shares.
This growth, however, was not solely the result of Vidya’s determination and business acumen. Family members, workers, and suppliers have been crucial to Sunil Industries’ story. “The people around me, my big family, played a crucial role. They were always there, especially when I needed to focus on the business,” she acknowledges, emphasising the vital support system that allowed her to navigate through challenges. Her family provided emotional support and ensured her daughters were cared for, underscoring the collective effort behind Sunil Industries’ success. “It’s been a long journey, but I was never alone. The support from my suppliers, workers, and family has been the backbone of our success,” Vidya attributes the achievements of Sunil Industries to a shared vision and collaborative resilience.
Fulfilling her husband’s vision, Vidya established two foundries, achieving a long-held dream. “It was a big step, realising we finally had our own foundry,” Vidya says. In 2004, during a slow period, Vidya sought collaboration with a company from Madhya Pradesh. This partnership was built on Sunil Industries’ reputation for quality. “They noticed the quality we delivered. In our field, that’s crucial,” Vidya points out. This dedication to quality opened doors for international collaborations, despite initial hesitations about exporting. “We decided to get our team trained for exports, and by 2004, we started exporting 5 to 6 containers a month to a US company,” she shares.
Sunil Industries has evolved to use advanced machinery like VMCs and CNCs to manufacture auto components. The company ensures quality through precise measuring tools such as CMM and detailed washing processes that leave no dent marks on components. With these innovations, Sunil Industries has enhanced its product quality, always aiming to meet customer needs effectively. Mahindra and Mahindra stand out as a major client, receiving products from Sunil Industries all over India. The company’s ability to manufacture new components based on specific drawings showcases its versatile manufacturing skills. Supported by a skilled engineering and development team, Sunil Industries focuses on delivering quality products on time, a commitment that has strengthened its reputation with Mahindra and Mahindra.
A breakthrough came at an exhibition where Vidya’s daughter secured a significant deal with another US client, indicating potential for further growth in exports while maintaining strong domestic ties. Sunil Industries’ longstanding relationship with Mahindra and Mahindra since 1982 has been a cornerstone of their business. “They make up about 70% of our business, and their consistent support has been key,” Vidya acknowledges. Financial challenges at times delayed shipments, but the team pushed through. “There were times we struggled to finance our shipments,” Vidya admits, recalling the tough financial decisions they faced.
Quality & On-Time Delivery is Key for Component Manufacturers
Acknowledging the vital role of quality and timely delivery in the manufacturing of high-value products like cars and gensets, where costs can escalate quickly, Vidya Mane emphasizes the stakes involved. “Given that these items can range from 15 to 20 lakhs, any delay translates into significant financial repercussions,” she notes. In the modern era, where the manufacturing speed is drastically enhanced by robotics, producing a car can take merely 2 to 3 minutes, highlighting the critical nature of each component’s delivery time. “A delay in even one component can halt the entire production line of a vehicle,” Vidya points out, stressing the importance of precision in timing.
“Our commitment is firmly towards ensuring on-time delivery,” Vidya says, illustrating the team’s awareness of the crucial impact timely delivery has on their clients’ operations. To stay ahead, Sunil Industries fosters a culture of continuous learning. “We’ve seen substantial growth in our team. By conducting regular training sessions, we ensure everyone is abreast of the latest technological advancements,” she shares. This dedication to employee development guarantees the team is well-equipped with the necessary skills to excel.
Highlighting the broader strategy, Vidya touches on the importance of communication and marketing in achieving the company’s goals. “It’s not just about manufacturing; effective communication skills and strategic marketing play a significant role in our success,” she remarks, pointing to the integrated approach Sunil Industries takes to meet its commitments to quality and punctuality, without suggesting an end to their efforts but rather an ongoing mission to excel and grow. Sunil Industries diligently fulfils customer requirements at its core, cementing its commitment to excellence and maintaining its status as a trusted supplier in the auto components industry.
“In any field, whether it’s food, clothing, or manufacturing auto components, quality is non-negotiable,” Vidya emphasizes the foundational role of quality in business success. She points out the competitive edge that quality brings, especially in a market crowded with competitors. “With ten others standing right beside you, it’s the one who delivers quality that truly stands out and grows,” she observes. To maintain this essential standard, Sunil Industries invests in its quality assurance processes. “We put a strong emphasis on quality. To ensure this, we’ve built a dedicated team, led by a quality head, who oversees a 100% inspection rate before any product is dispatched,” Vidya explains. This meticulous approach to quality not only sets Sunil Industries apart from its competitors but also underlines the company’s commitment to delivering excellence in every component they manufacture.
Beyond Threshholds: Harnessing Women’s Power in Manufacturing
When Vidya first stepped into Sunil Industries, the presence of women was limited to helper roles. Reflecting on this, Vidya saw an opportunity to make a change, recognizing the untapped potential. “It wasn’t about their capabilities; it was about giving them a chance,” she explains. Initially, the women employed in helper roles had only basic education. Vidya saw this not as a barrier, but as a starting point. She encouraged these women to take on roles beyond their initial capacities, pushing for them to be trained on machinery operation. “I asked my production manager and his team to start training them in various tasks,” Vidya recalls.
The outcome was remarkable. Women who had only been seen in helper roles began outperforming expectations. “Today, if the men are manufacturing 50 to 60 components, the women are producing at least 5 to 6 components more,” Vidya proudly notes. This success led her to hire more women, offering them training and opportunities to excel in areas traditionally dominated by men. Furthermore, being a woman-led company added a layer of trust and safety for the families of these women employees. “The fact that ‘madam’ oversees the operations brings peace to their families and eliminates any concerns they might have,” Vidya observes. This trust has fostered a positive work environment, encouraging women to thrive and excel in their new roles within the industry.
“When I stepped into this industry, the challenges were immense,” Vidya recalls her initial days in the field. From operating two units in the beginning, Sunil Industries has witnessed significant growth, now boasting five units as of 2022. This expansion mirrors not just in infrastructure but in the vision for the future, significantly shaped by her daughters’ international education and experiences. “Shrusti spent a year working at BMW, bringing valuable insights back home,” Vidya shares. With the automotive industry’s shift towards aluminum and electric vehicles (EVs), her daughter’s suggestion to venture into the EV sector has set a new direction for Sunil Industries. “She’s highlighted the growing importance of aluminum and EVs, opening up a new pathway for us.”
The move towards focusing more on aluminum is paired with an ambition to modernize the foundry operations. “Our plan includes automating our foundry operations, inspired by the success of High Pressure Moulding Lines (HPML) seen in bigger companies,” Vidya explains, envisioning a more efficient production process. Given her daughter’s metallurgical background and deep foundry knowledge, the strategic decision to implement HPML is poised to position Sunil Industries at the forefront of industry innovation. “This shift towards HPML is a key part of our strategy to keep pace with the evolving demands of the industry.” Now, looking forward, Vidya prepares the next generation for leadership. “My daughters are well-prepared to take over. We’re ready for the future,” she states, Vidya Mane concludes, outlining a future where technology and innovation continue to drive Sunil Industries forward.
