COOPER CORPORATION strategizes for a fresh start

In this exclusive interview with Farrokh Cooper, Chairman and Managing Director, Cooper Corporation, Rajesh Rajgor gets details about the company’s operational plan to unlocking, including measures taken on the shop floor, dealing with supply-chain disruptions and actions taken to mitigate the business and virus-driven risks

- Rajesh Rajgor

The current situation in India and internationally is acutely uncertain. Even as the corona virus continues to spread across countries, it is likely to lead to production and supply problems for many months. And the economic impact on most industrial enterprises will be significant. “Through our deep understanding of the supply chain, we are helping many in the sector to quickly identify areas where response plans are warranted. By acting early, generating forecasts quickly and accurately, and bridging data gaps, we can manage this crisis through forecasting and stay ahead of the curve,” says Farrokh Cooper, Chairman and Managing Director, Cooper Corporation (P) Ltd.

For the uninitiated, the Satara-based Cooper Corporation, one of India’s leading engine manufacturers, employs majority of locals in their plants and hence is less impacted by the reverse migration happening across Maharashtra and rest of the country. “We are the only company in Satara that has been employing locals for the past 40 years. Hence, we were able to resume earlier than many others. We also paid them salaries despite the shutdown and, in fact, also pay more than others to get the benefit of them returning to work happily,” informs Cooper. The legacy of Cooper Corporation dates back to 1922 when Sir D B Cooper established Cooper Engineering in Satara. The company has the unique distinction of making India’s first diesel engine and iron mould ploughs.

Safety in Revival