Siddhant on building India’s fastest-growing exporter of metal fabricated products - KSP INC

Sidhant Bery

In the next few years, we plan to channel our efforts to make ksp Inc. a leading firm in the domain.

Combining his entrepreneurial passion and technology, Siddhant Bery, Managing Partner was instrumental in establishing strong global footprint and expanding international market for exports.

1. What was the path you took to get to where you are today and how is KSP different from other manufacturing companies?

Started in 1987 as a B2B company, KSP had humble beginnings that focused on manufacturing diesel engine crankshafts. Fueled by the ambition to expand and the necessity to keep up with the technology, we further diversified into the production and export of family of consumer metal fabricated goods. Since then, we haven't looked back and have scripted countless success stories.

Having 4 operational manufacturing units spread across 150,000 sq ft in Noida, we employ 1100 people across all business divisions and export a wide range of consumer goods such as bird feeders, lawn and garden décor, indoor and outdoor furniture, home storage items, home and office organizing tools, fireplace equipment and accessories, and so on.

We have always been ahead of the curve with our innovative approach and agility, and by recognizing, establishing, and maintaining our company moats. Our ability to provide a wide range of production services under one roof, from design and casting through machining, finishing to delivery is unique, and provides several advantages over working with a slew of suppliers. As a result of streamlining our procurement process and accelerating new product development, we were able to concentrate on various aspects of design and creativity. In our products, we explore with novel materials such as wood, ply carbon, MDF, and so on.

2. What is your business philosophy and how has it helped KSP to achieve the desired results?

Our philosophy has always been "buyer first." We are a buyer-focused organization that places the consumer at the centre of all decisions. We strive to create forward-thinking buyer experience strategies that result in products that exceed the client's expectations without sacrificing the quality. We don't like to rest on our laurels, so we keep pushing the envelope and questioning the current quo.

Our exceptional service and a seamless client experience has enabled us in partnering with major brands across the globe which include Walmart, Lowes, Home Depot, Sainsbury, Staples, and Tesco in countries like including the US, the UK, Denmark, Germany, Sweden, Canada, France, and Australia.

3. In your opinion, what challenges does the manufacturing industry face today and what was the biggest challenge that you overcame?

As one of the most significant wealth-creating sectors of the global economy, it employs a substantial share of the global workforce to produce materials needed by organisations across a wide range of industries. Major businesses are currently struggling with uncertainty as a result of digitalization, increased reshoring, global competitiveness, changing client needs, and the ongoing pandemic.

KSP too had its share of trials and tribulations. However, using the tools at our disposal, we examined the market for allied possibilities and coupled them with automation to get the best outcomes. To sustain the momentum of expansion, we took some initial risks and made certain investments that finally paid off. In order to acquire a better footing, we also rebuilt and restructured our business and invested more in technology. While there is concern that automation would eliminate employment, we believe that employee upskilling will assist to ensure that individuals do not lose their positions, as well as increase the loyalty factor.

4. What goals/ expansion plans do you have for the company?

As automation is the future, our goal is to make KSP Inc the world's top manufacturing company by achieving sustainable and continuous growth via the use of technology and innovation. We intend to rebuild our home storage goods business because I feel there is a huge possibility in the untapped market. We will customise our items for the Indian market since "storage is an issue in India." In the next few years, we plan to channel our efforts into this venture that will allow us to increase our worldwide reach.

5. What do you feel is the biggest strength of your company right now?

We believe that the ultimate driver of a company's success is its people. In order to deliver optimal buyer experience, satisfied employees are an indispensable link.

We, at KSP, foster a positive work environment and encourage individuality, thereby allowing them to flourish. We strive to foster a culture of continuous learning in which we place a high value on staff upskilling.

We are also a socially responsible business that has been audited by Walmart, Target, and Lowes. The company's dedication to employee advancement is evidenced by the fact that we have a green rating from Walmart (the highest grade offered by Walmart to companies).

6. What is your approach to motivating and developing talent in your company?

Our employees' well-being is always our top focus. In addition to providing them with competitive compensation and benefits and assisting them in maintaining a work-life balance, we also support their growth by giving them opportunities to rise within the company. When their goals are fulfilled, we make sure that their efforts are recognized or celebrated.

7. How did KSP respond to the Covid-19 pandemic?

Manufacturing industry encountered substantial operational problems when the Covid-19 pandemic swept the globe. However, as the saying goes, ‘it is typically at the most difficult times that one has the most opportunities to reinvent oneself.' The pandemic taught the company the importance of human capital and re-structuring our supply chain. We have followed a new policy to empower our employees completely in their roles. This gives them freedom to make their mistakes and learn from the same. Further to that, we saw that we invest in re-structuring our supply chain. We followed the ‘Atmannirbhar Bharat' Campaign and created more vendor sources out of India.

8 What advice would you give to young entrepreneurs?

While entrepreneurship is not without its challenges, journey itself is extremely rewarding. Since beginning a new business might be a demanding undertaking, the aspirant should be willing to push himself. In addition to remaining up to date with technological developments, having a vision, taking risks, and selecting which sectors and technologies are most appealing to them, they also need to have intellectual curiosity and a growth mentality. Aside from learning from your employees or bosses, establishing your network and learning from industry pros can help them advance in their careers as well.

9 What transformation has the company undergone after you joined KSP?

I consider myself a new age entrepreneur that prefers to work with a bottom-up model. I enjoy staying ahead of the competition by continually upping the ante. Since I joined the company, I've attempted to combine my entrepreneurial passion for reinventing age -old practices and promoted technology to address challenges.

My background in global investment banking was instrumental in establishing a strong global footprint and expanding the international market for exports. In the two years since I joined, the company has grown by 40 percent, making it India's second-largest exporter of metal fabrication.