'Wise Planning Makes You A Superman'

The Cooper Corporation Didn’t Start As An Automotive Parts Manufacturer. We Discover Its Incredible Journey And How Its Chair And Managing Director, Farrokh Cooper, Continues Its Legacy Today.

- Sharon Masige

What are the keys to building and sustaining a successful business? For the Cooper Corporation Chair and Managing Director, Farrokh Cooper, it’s about commitment and a well-thought-out plan. “If you want to do business properly in India, the government gives you enormous opportunities by way of subsidies or land, but you have to be committed to see it through,” he says. “And planning is very important. Every person is self-made, but success lies in your own planning. Wise planning makes you a superman but unwise planning makes you lag behind.”

Farrokh helms Cooper Corporation, a family-owned business that develops a wide range of automotive parts from engines and generators to crankshafts, pistons and flywheels. Based in Satara, India, the company has 12 manufacturing sites that design, produce and distribute its products around the world. Farrokh has been with the Cooper Corporation for 51 years and says that business management requires being smart with the money you earn.

“You shouldn’t divert your money to real estate and the stock exchange, make a fast buck, and then go back to your main business,” he advises. “It’s about commitment. You have to have your feet on the ground. You must not let money make you change your behaviour or personality.”

Farrokh describes himself as an unconventional CEO. “I do things that people say I shouldn’t do,” he admits. “For example, we’re the only family-owned company that makes engines from five to 1,210 horsepower. Previously, these were in the arena of big multinationals. We did it without a tie-up. We did it in India, with Indian people, and we have succeeded.”