Nano is good news for us
Written by Writer on Saturday, October 25th, 2008
Nano is good news for us
25 Oct 2008, Prashant Rupera, TNN
RAJKOT: If there is one industrialist in Rajkot who is sure that Nano’s entry into Gujarat will benefit him, it is 45-year-old Parsottam Sakariya.
So far, people only know that three Rajkot-based auto-spares makers Amul Industries, Bhavani Industries and Kadvani Forge Limited will supply components for Nano’s production as Tier I and Tier II suppliers. But few know that Silver Forge Private Limited (SFPL) run by four directors is likely to be the fourth player from Rajkot to become a
Tata Nano vendor. Tata Motors officials have visited SFPL’s facility at Metoda thrice.
It was just four years ago that a quartet comprising Parsottam Sakariya, Bipin Khoyani, Mansukh Sorathia and Anil Khoyani, all with nearly two decades of experience, came together to establish their own auto and forging parts firm. Today, SFPL manufactures various types of forging components like connecting rods, crankshafts, camshafts, gears, among others.
“But the beginning wasn’t easy. My father Vallabhbhai was uneducated and migrated to Rajkot from Gondal to set up a small plant in name of Sakariya Engineering Works,” says Parsottambhai. “Our small unit, which manufactured parts for diesel engines and compressors, also witnessed many ups and downs,” adds Parsottambhai, who joined his father’s business when he was 16 years old. “Now, we not only run Sakariya Enginnering Works as a sister organization, in 2004 we also set up SFPL. Forging was in demand across the country, so I along with my friends decided to set up our own forging plant,” he explains.
Entrepreneurs feel that Nano’s entry into Gujarat will not only benefit them but also the entire Rajkot’s engineering sector. “There is an impression that Rajkot can provide nearly 30% parts for Nano. But we believe that around 80% of its requirement can be fulfilled by Rajkot, which is the only centre along with Pune that is known as engineering hub,” he says. “While both Pune and Rajkot were in race to become an auto hub, Nano’s entry into Gujarat has now put the spotlight on Rajkot.”
