The components of growth

RAJ KALRA, PRESIDENT, MAHLE HOLDING INDIA, IS SPEARHEADING THE GROUP’S LEGACY BY CREATING AN ENVIRONMENT WHEREIN EMPLOYEES FROM INDIA CAN EXCEL AND DRIVE INNOVATION FOR THE WORLD

- SYED AMEEN KADER

WHEN RAJ KALRA TOOK CHARGE AS THE president of MAHLE India in 2018, the auto industry was at its peak. But, within less than a couple of years of his joining, the world was struck by covid-19. This came at a time when the country’s auto industry (to which MAHLE is a key supplier of components) was already going through a rough phase, with sales dipping steadily. As the pandemic has turned the world upside down, disrupting supply chains, operations and businesses, Kalra has an uphill task in hand to not only sail through this challenging time but also steer the growth of the company in India.

In an exclusive interview with Manufacturing Today, Kalra shares how he is dealing with the current pandemic, what are the growth areas and why India holds a prominent place in the Group’s scheme of thing.

Excerpts from the conversation: How are things shaping up for you since you took charge of the India operation in 2018? What’s been your key role in the company? My main focus was on streamlining India operations as we have multiple business units, shared service centres and the headquarters in Pune, where I am located. My main role is to oversee the strategic interest of MAHLE Group in India, steer market growth of all its business units, develop the right organizational structure, strengthen senior-level customer relationships and engage with industry experts and government bodies.