GW: What is the future for the Madhupur plant?
Our recent expansion at Uttaranchal and plans for the new plant are all in addition to the well-established activities in Madhupur. We completed the latest modernisation programme there last year, changing the electric furnace and converting to 80% automatic production (there will always be products that require some manual operation). We purchased new machines over a three year period and when future attention is required, we will invest accordingly.
GW: How has La Opala’s management structure changed in recent times?
Succession plans are key to any business so earlier this year, my son Ajit took over as Managing Director and I am now Vice Chairman.
With my daughter-in-law co-ordinating design and advertising activities, there are many benefits of this being a family run business. We can make fast decisions and adapt quickly when necessary.
GW: Recognising your valuable contribution in the fields of technology, manufacturing, innovation, services and education, what did it mean to you recently to be awarded the AIGMF’s inaugural C K Somany Glass Award, supported by Glass Worldwide?
La Opala has always been very active in the field of innovation and every year, the company is honoured to receive prestigious awards. However, to personally be the first winner of the C K Somany Glass Award is extra special for me. Mr Somany was like my guardian and was such a warm person. He was the Indian glass industry’s figurehead and was always very open to offering technical assistance and advice. He is greatly missed.