‘Shree Automotive Industries’ – The Inspiring Story of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

It is one thing to be an entrepreneur and quite another to be one who wants to be at the forefront of innovative change that brings a paradigm shift in all the industries they serve.

Mr. Vinod Sawant, Managing Director of the Sawant Group easily fits the description. A resident of Sangli district in Maharashtra who came to Pune in search of employment at the turn of the millennium, his tryst with innovations and enterprise came early in life when as Quality Engineer he single-handedly brought much-needed relief to a problem that affected one of India’s largest automotive makers, the Managing Director of the OEM who received their solution was extremely impressed, so much so that they were quickly designated as one of their first authorized vendors. This happened even though they did not have their production capacity and had to procure parts from other suppliers.

Even before the stated episode, Vinod’s streak as an enterprising entrepreneur was always visible. During his first employment as a CNC operator working night shifts, he didn’t let the day go by in resting. In his case he procure raisins from his village to be sold in Pune’s wholesale food markets. So good he was at it that within a short while he was supplying entire truck-loads of raisins to the entire Market Yard at Gultedki in Pune!

Over the course of eight years since his arrival in Pune, what truly catapulted him to the upper echelon of quality product suppliers was his company's transformation from a vendor for an automotive company to becoming one of India's major suppliers of steel components for office furniture. They partnered with one of the world's most prominent steel furniture manufacturers based in the US, and their exceptional work has led to the customer reserving their entire production capacity for the next five years.

Vinod admits bluntly that the turning point in his business was largely due to one thing - the installation of TRUMPF machines in his plants. These machines, which include laser cutting and hole-punching equipment, are exceptional in every production-related aspect. They offer fast production speeds, highly accurate outputs, zero downtime, and reliable after-sales service. In fact, these machines are so impressive that they could be considered "show stoppers" - a term borrowed from the fashion industry - that compel clients to take a second look at their capabilities.

Vinod's journey into entrepreneurship began in 2009 when he decided to start his own business after years of managing other enterprises and working as an employee. Initially, he procured small machines for tapping, welding, and other job-working tasks, and eventually added more advanced machinery such as press machines, CNC press brakes, powder coating setups, laser cutting machines, and punching machines.

While his choice of clientele was good, his enterprise faced challenges due to their dependence on jobworkers for precision sheet metal parts. These challenges included excessive use of sheet-metal resulting in up to 25% wastage, lack of precision in the final product, and long wait times for order fulfilment. These issues were common outsourcing ills that plagued their operations at the time.

He couldn't help but notice the difference in quality, speed, and assurance that a TRUMPF machine brought to the table. It was during a visit to one of their vendors that they first laid eyes on a TRUMPF machine, and it left a lasting impression on them. From that point on, He was determined to bring the best to his plant in Pune and knew it had to be a TRUMPF machine.

In 2019, Vinod Sawant, MD of the Sawant Group, worked tirelessly to tackle problem areas and secure the necessary finances to bring his dream machine to life - TRUMPF's TruLaser 1030 fiber (L88) 3kw machine. He had experienced firsthand the advantages and benefits of TRUMPF's machines, such as

·????????High-quality results

·????????Limitless flexibility

·????????Versatile automation

·????????Energy-saving cooling with the Eco Cooler

He was motivated and eager to invest in more. As a result, the Sawant group went on to book two more machines, including the Sheet Metal Cutting TruLaser 3060 fiber - 10 kw machine, which happens to be Maharashtra's first and largest laser cutting machine. This was a significant investment for Vinod's company, and in 2022, they also added the TruPunch 1000 punching machine to their arsenal. As expected, it has been doing its job with highly appreciable results.

Mr. Vinod Sawant specially mentioned about the incident when he experienced TRUMPF's renowned customer-first service for the first time “After successfully acquiring my "dream" TRUMPF machine. Unfortunately, my excitement was short-lived when the COVID-19 lockdown hit, and we were unable to use new machine for months. This pause was a significant setback for the company, and we were eager to get things up and running as soon as possible. TRUMPF provided much-needed support and assistance during the lockdown period, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to their customers' needs.

It was during this time that they were treated to TRUMPF's exceptional customer service for the first time. The company's commitment to its customers was evident, and it helped the Sawant Group navigate through these tough times.

Vinod Sawant, in collaboration with his brother Ajit Sawant, the CEO of Shree Automotive Industries, made a collective decision to invest in TRUMPF machines. This decision proved to be a turning point for the business as the machines not only improved the quality and precision of their products but also helped streamline their production processes. TRUMPF's exceptional after-sales services allowed the business to remain operational even during the pandemic-induced lockdown, ensuring continued service to their clients.

Ever restless by nature and given the state of their order books overflowing, Vinod finds the need to mechanize and robotize operations with the best available systems increasingly. Expectedly it shall include in large measures TRUMPF's futuristic Industry 5.2 series that, among others, would reduce human intervention and resultant issues, including quality and speed of operations, besides reducing raw material wastage to a fraction of the present.

Vinod exclaims with joy, mentioning we both companies have common philosophy of business, that is Customer Centricity. With excitement he shares that TRUMPF India focuses on growth of its customers and strives to take new initiatives. The idea to further speeding up the delivery of spare parts from its warehouse to customer place, TRUMPF India is investing in dedicated delivery vans.

Quite satisfied with how his dreams have panned out, Vinod attributes it in no small measure to his having procured the TRUMPF line-up of machines. He says the feeling of assurance and the satisfaction and happiness these bring now extends to his staff and everyone in the organization. In particular, it all boils down to one reason. The solid feeling of certainty, be it in product quality, waste reduction, to even stabilizing and reducing production time. The sense of certainty, he says, extends to his staff, who know that work hours mean eight hours and never beyond. All this, he adds, has helped them plan their lives while helping take the Sawant Group to the next higher plane of growth and recognition.

Vinod's story is a source of inspiration for all aspiring entrepreneurs. It highlights the importance of embracing innovation and investing in the best tools and technologies to stay ahead of the competition. With hard work, determination, and the right resources, anyone can achieve their dreams and make a mark in their respective industries.

And at the centre of all this, undoubtedly, has been a Throbbing TRUMPF Heart at work!

SACHIN GAMBHIRE | Associate Director - Business Development & Marketing

TRUMPF (India) Pvt. Ltd.