KUMAR EXPORTS
Ajay Sood, CEO, Kumar Exports can elate as his firm bags greater prosperity as a frontline solution provider in the engineering segment, carrying forward a rich legacy too in the process…
Forging a bond with success seems to be a natural outcome for Ajay Sood, CEO of Kumar Exports. What’s more laudable, he’s managed it in the segment of forging too. With its enviable track record, Kumar Exports – a Government recognised Export House – has established its credentials as exporters and manufacturers of machined castings, forgings and precision turned components, serving national and overseas OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturer).
Unlike some firms, who have little to offer by way of legacy, Kumar Exports boasts of a rich entrepreneurial legacy. The foundation of the Kumar Group was laid down by the late T.N. Sood as a modest unit with a primary investment of Rs.100/- during the year 1952. The maiden product crafted was pulleys manufactured with the help of a lathe machine.
In 1986, a complete foundry unit was installed, though it was only in 1994 that export activities were started as merchant exporters with the name and style of Kumar Exports. The vision was to develop a company with all the facilities available in-house required for producing auto and agricultural parts with the best practices in the industry. In 2000, the company came into its own as a manufacturer and exporter in the OEM segment.
Grading Highs!
“In 2001, the concept of CNC machines was introduced and in order to meet the global standards of excellence, we had applied for the prestigious ISO/TS16949 -2002 certification. We achieved it in 2002 and at that time Kumar Exports became the first unit in Punjab to bag this highest certification in engineering goods. Immediately after we got the TS certification, the company started getting business opportunities from overseas OEMs. We’ve also been graded by CRISIL as being in the SME 1 category and that too is quite a feat in itself.”
Shimmering USPs
“As a business, we cater majorly to the automotive industry (53.9 %) and the agriculture sector (35.6%), in addition to the commercial, railways and earth-moving segments. We supply parts to OEM customers only and not to the market, so market branding does not affect our business. We’re the single source in 85% parts and have achieved zero PPM in exports since the last many years. Our track record with the railways segment also has been impeccable without any single cancellation and zero defects. We have different manufacturing facilities under one roof for forging, machining, casting and sheet metal.”
Four Your Glory
“We began with one trading unit and we now have four manufacturing units: Kumar Exports; Kumar Exports (Unit-1); Kumar Auto Cast and Forgewell. The company started with a capital of Rs.2.5 lac only and is presently a firm that boasts of asset value of Rs.100 crore.”
Success Mantra
“Keep in mind that for organisational success, the development of all the 4Ms is essential: Man, machine, method and materials. Be a customer-oriented company and keep your dealings fair. Let your stake-holders grow with you. In turn the company will also grow. Be professional and work in a systematic manner. Work not only for yourself, but also for the society and the nation.”