Innovation

Water Sustainability and the problems listed by the UN related to inadequate water supply has been a mammoth challenge across countries. It doesn’t just confine to water-starved regions but also in areas lacking facilities and infrastructure for water conservation. Going past the mandated requirements of the State of Goa, the company has an inbuilt underground tank within its premises with an integrated system for rain-water harvesting. The state of Goa receives heavy rainfall for few months every year but doesn’t have a lot of government installed infrastructure to harvest that water. To solve this issue, the tank provides water to people in the Industrial Estate region free of cost through the connecting channels.

Another key aspect that drives business growth and economic development of the country is investment in infrastructure and adopting innovating practices in manufacturing. While ‘Make in India’ initiative is picking up pace, it’s still in its formative stage and requires huge yearly R&D with several disciples coming together to develop engineering technologies in India. Undeterred from such limitations, Sonish Industries has implemented German process in the factory to innovate the methodology. It is a process control plan to track and control all the processes involved. It also has a very flexible product line to accommodate new changes in the market.

When it comes to manufacturing industries, the health and well-being of workers becomes paramount. With such hazardous working conditions, many companies are coming out to ensure health systems and safe working conditions for workers with improved sanitation and hygiene. Keeping this in mind, Sonish Industries owns the moral responsibility and takes good care of its employees. The workers are recruited from all over the country and since external stay in Goa is a bit expensive , the organization provides accommodation to the employees without any charges. It ensures that the accommodation are equipped with clean water and sanitation facilities. With more than 30 years in business, it has refined clean metal-fabrication techniques.

Inspiration

Talking to the founder Anish gave us insights on what led to implementation of such systems and practices. He said “The role of every organization is not just making profits, but driving business growth by making a positive impact in the society.” He constantly insisted on how companies focus on only radical innovation without getting tangible results. He told the team “The fundamental [key to] driving any business forward is improving each of its processes with small changes. These small changes when combined together paves [the] way for a well-oiled machinery which works synchronously.”

Anish emphasized on how we can improve the mechanisms within the organization by looking at the solutions at the local level. Citing the example of providing accommodation nearby to the company’s employees, he told us how it improves employee’s efficiency, retention and satisfaction levels. Even in its water harvesting technique, the company ensured that the paucity in infrastructure doesn’t hinder the organization strategy.

Overall impact

The small practices implemented by Sonish Industries has huge implications on the business’ growth and social ramifications. It has set the precedent in Goa to make the manufacturing industry attractive for both employers and employees. By making working and home conditions conducive for the employees, the company has ensured that it increases the life expectancy of the workers involved in industries like chemicals, glass etc. The whole industry has come to a verbal consortium of the practice of ensuring healthy lives and promoting the well-being for the road to sustainable development.

The metal fabrication techniques used by the company are ISO Certified and reduce the mortality rate of the workers tremendously. With the company also leveraging the engineering processes used by German manufacturers (which is the pioneer in this field), this has given Sonish Industries inspiration and growth in terms of developing steel products of the highest quality.

In terms of expediting the storage tank facilities, the innovation has ensured that Goa’s annual rains do not go down the drains. The utilization of such mechanisms auger well for the Government to fund such initiatives by saving the cost of infrastructure in a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model.

Business benefit

Every year according to client demand, Sonish Industries changes its product line. This has given the company the freedom to make some innovative changes in its internal processes. As Sonish Industries is not product-based but client-based, the company must cater to the needs of the market and clients. Implementing German control process has reduced its pilferage and overhead expenses. With this, the company is already amongst the top companies in their competitive market.

The type of metal-fabrication technique used has resulted in better quality of steel fabricated products, thereby increasing its sales, and it has given Sonish Industries an edge over its competitors in the market with tie-ups with top clients like BOSCH, HUL and Cipla. By providing accommodation to employees within its nearby premises, the company has drastically reduced its attrition rate and made sure that the conditions are workable and not unsanitary.

The rain-water harvesting tool has not only created goodwill in the entire Industrial Estate for the company, but it has also increased its market base. It has ensured that the working area is amiable, the dispute-settlement is fast and there are no hostile conditions to work. Further, the company is looking up to tie-up with the Water and Sanitation department for scaling up the current technique.

Social and environmental benefit

The company is doing its bit for the environment even without a regulatory authority or getting any funds from the UN body. The state has a dearth of infrastructure for preserving the heavy amount of rainfall it receives during the annual season with sparse rainfall during the other months. Sonish Industries tackles this implementation tactfully by the channels connected through its septic tank. It strategically provides water to different industries and residents nearby in the off-season.

With its production process, the resource optimization makes sure that adequate raw materials are utilized and waste is minimum. In more than one way, the company gives back to the environment.

Interview

Mr Anish Shirwant, General Manager