Although you have taken charge as the CEO of Funskool India rather recently, you have been associated with the organisation for almost two decades. How would you briefly analyse the evolution of Funskool in the last twenty years?
We have been operating since 1987. We started off as a joint venture with Hasbro Inc., a US multinational and remained so for nearly thirty years. We continue to represent several toy majors but over the last few years we have also successfully built many brands of our own. Our export business has also grown exponentially and while emerging as a major sourcing destination for many international companies we have also simultaneously been successful in establishing a presence for our own brands in several markets outside India as well.
What have been your priorities, after taking charge as the CEO? It must have been quite challenging to take up this responsibility at a disruptive time like we are going through right now!
Yes, it has been quite a challenge! With a complete lockdown in April and almost the whole of May, our peak selling summer vacation period ended up as a total wash out! However our team has successfully emerged out of the extremely trying period thanks basically to the exports business which has remained quite robust since June. The domestic business too has been picking up. From a disastrous start to the financial year, we can proudly say that the business is now firmly back on track! The experience gained in fighting the odds should be valuable for our team in future.
How was the last fiscal in terms of business numbers, and what kind of target are you looking at for the ongoing financial year?
This story is from the Feb 2021 edition of The Machinist.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the Feb 2021 edition of The Machinist.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
IGUS'S NEW ONLINE CONFIGURATOR FOR CUSTOM ROTARY ENERGY SUPPLY SYSTEMS
igus, the motion plastics specialist, now offers a rotation module online configurator that allows engineers to design, and order customised rotary energy supply systems in seconds.
WE CONSISTENTLY INVEST IN ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES LIKE AUTOMATION, ROBOTICS, DIGITALISATION, AND SIMULATION
Nikhil Rao, VP of Operations at Flex India, discusses how Flex is redefining manufacturing through technology, sustainability, and a global workforce. He shares insights into Flex’s vision, investments in automation and digitalisation, the latest industry trends, including its partnership with the Reverse Logistics Association.
INDIA'S $300 BILLION ELECTRONICS GOAL RELIES ON INFRASTRUCTURE, R&D, SKILLS, AND MANUFACTURING
Imran Kagalwala, Co-Founder of UNIX India, discusses strategies and challenges in electronics manufacturing, including public-private partnerships, tariffs, and the Make in India initiative. He also highlights leveraging India's demographic dividend, achieving a 300 billion economy, and UNIX's Umbergaon facility in an interview with Nisha Shukla.
CCMS ENABLES REAL-TIME COLLISION DETECTION, ACTIVATING AIRBAGS AND EMERGENCY BRAKING
Mohan Babu University initiated the Continuous Collision Monitoring System CCMS) project, led by Prof. N. Harathi and students, to enhance safety technologies and provide hands-on experience with piezoelectric sensors, bridging education and industry needs. In an exclusive interaction with Nisha Shukla, Prof. Harathi discusses the project’s motivations, goals, market readiness, and challenges.
BLUPINE ENERGY LAUNCHES VOCATIONAL TRAINING AND COMMUNITY INITIATIVES TO BOOST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT
BluPine Energy, a leading renewable energy services company in India, has launched impactful initiatives to empower communities around its operational sites and promote sustainable development in Punjab.
POWERING INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION ACROSS INDUSTRIES
Industrial automation has transformed production by providing precision and efficiency across various sectors. This article explores how Inovance Technology's solutions are revolutionising the manufacturing, energy, and transportation sectors with innovative products that enhance productivity and sustainability.
HOW FREE TRADE WAREHOUSING ZONES ARE BOOSTING INDIA'S ECONOMIC LANDSCAPE?
In an exclusive interaction, Ranjit Ray, Vice President Economic Zones, Middle East, North Africa, and Subcontinent, DP World, delves into the benefits and challenges associated with Free Trade Warehousing Zones FT WZs) in India, focusing on how they enhance global trade, streamline logistics, and provide unique advantages to various industries.
UNLOCKING THE POWER OF AI IN RECRUITMENT AND STAFFING FOR THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY
The author emphasises AI’s significant role in optimising hiring and workforce management in manufacturing industry; while also cautioning about potential challenges these technologies may bring to the sector.
OUR PARTNERSHIPS WITH UAE GOVT ENTITIES FOSTER A COMPETITIVE MANUFACTURING AND LOGISTICS ECOSYSTEM
For over two decades, Dubai Industrial City has been a key driver of innovation and sustainability in the region's manufacturing and logistics sectors. Ina discussion with Nisha Shukla, Saud Abu Alshawareb, Executive Vice President Industrial at TECOM Group PJSC delves into Dubai Industrial City’s cutting-edge infrastructure, its support for smart manufacturing under Industry 4.0, and the strategic partnerships that enable businesses to innovate and expand globally.
DRIVING INNOVATION, SUSTAINABILITY, AND THE FUTURE OF MOBILITY
The 8th Global Conference on Plastics in Automotive, held in Pune, concluded on a high note, offering the industry actionable insights and thought-provoking discussions.
