FROM GARAGE TO GLOBAL: THE STORY OF A VISION REALIZED

From a modest garage in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, to the global stage, Grind Master Machines Pvt Ltd has expanded its footprint, setting new benchmarks in precision engineering. As the company commemorates four decades of growth, Chief Executive Officer, Samir Kelkar, reflects on its journey—one driven by innovation, perseverance, and a constant push to redefine possibilities.

“Garage to Global’ is a book that encapsulates Grind Master Machines Pvt Ltd’s journey. The newly launched book, authored by Kelkar, chronicles the vision, challenges, and triumphs that transformed a small family-run venture into a driving force in modern engineering.

The company’s technological achievements—especially in the fields of Microfinishing and Superfinishing—have set new standards in international markets, including China, Japan, Germany, and the USA. By pioneering advanced surface finishing solutions, the company has proven that world-class innovation can emerge from India. “Our success is a shining example of Make in India – Make for the World,” says Kelkar.

A Tale of Two Siblings

For Kelkar, the company has been a constant presence in his life. “Considering both Grind Master Machines and I were born in 1984, it is like my twin sister,” he shares. “The company is like a daughter to Milind and Mohini Kelkar.” Growing up alongside the company, Kelkar witnessed firsthand the dedication and resilience that went into shaping the business.

It is this deep-rooted connection that makes the 40^th-anniversary celebration particularly special. On that note, the launch of ‘Garage to Global’ is an ode to the company’s legacy and a heartfelt narrative of a journey fueled by grit and determination.

Why a Book in the Age of Reels?

In today’s digital age, where short-form content thrives, writing a book offers a timeless and in-depth way to share a story. “I still do believe that books convey the essence of not only the journey but also the intricacies of the circumstances and the people involved in a more complete way,” explains Kelkar.

With this belief, he took on the task of writing ‘Garage to Global’, ensuring that it was not just a chronological account of milestones but a deeper exploration of the ‘what,’ ‘when,’ ‘how,’ and, most importantly, the ‘why’ behind the company’s success. The book offers an insider’s perspective on the decisions, struggles, and breakthroughs that have defined the company’s growth.

Mountains are for Climbing—And So are Challenges

At the company, the motto ‘Mountains are for climbing’ extends beyond the workplace—it is a philosophy that defines the company’s approach to challenges. “The phrase ‘Mountains are for climbing’ comes from the Kelkar family’s love for mountain sports – hiking, trail running, mountain biking,” Kelkar explains.  

Just as every summit conquered inspires the desire for a higher peak, every challenge overcome at the company has paved the way for even greater engineering feats. “We kept on looking for technological mountains and climbing them, failing in some cases, and that failure, and our response to that failure, is also captured in the book,” he notes. Whether conquering the Himalayas or pushing the frontiers of engineering, the company’s journey has been one of constant learning.

The Defining Moment

Among the many milestones in the company’s journey, one stands out—the pivotal moment in 2009 when Grind Master proved its mettle on the global stage.

In a high-stakes meeting in Shanghai, an American automotive JV, known for its preference for German equipment, set an ambitious challenge—a 30-minute crankshaft manufacturing line setup change. While established German players hesitated, “With only two prior sales in China and no prior experience in the market, Milind Kelkar, Chairman and Managing Director, Grind Master Machines Pvt Ltd, entered the room with only a wood-and-steel prototype model he had personally carried from Aurangabad,” Kelkar shares. 

Initially met with skepticism, his demonstration silenced doubts. The company won the project, securing its place as a world-class engineering solutions provider. “Against all odds, Grind Master secured the project, which transformed the company, cementing its position as one of a handful of companies globally that can build mission-critical microfinishing machines,” Kelkar recalls. It was a defining validation of Indian engineering advancements.

100-1 = ZERO: The Quality Philosophy 

For Grind Master Machines, precision extends beyond a choice—it is a necessity. The company’s ‘100-1 = ZERO’ philosophy highlights its continuous efforts toward ensuring world-class quality, where even the smallest error is unacceptable.

As Baba Kalyani, Chairperson, Kalyani Group, notes in his foreword to ‘Garage to Global’, “The saying, ‘sweat in Grind Master rather than bleed at the customer’s end,’ reflects a principle that not only applies to them but is a guiding philosophy for any business striving for excellence.” This mindset has been instrumental in the company’s journey, ensuring that every product meets the highest standards.

The Road Ahead:
From Atmanirbhar to ‘Jagat Bhari’

As the company looks to the future, its vision extends beyond Atmanirbhar Bharat. The company aims to position India as a global innovation leader, moving beyond the perception of being a low-wage manufacturing hub to becoming an innovation-competent country. 

As Kelkar aptly puts it, “Any specialized technology is already niche, and becoming better means going deeper. When we dig below what seems to be the final step, we find another wonderland. Producing engineered finishes is a rapidly evolving field. We intend to be focused on developing machines and intelligence to be a technology leader.”

Seeking the perfect phrase to define this aspiration, Kelkar found inspiration in Marathi: Jagat Bhari—a term that translates to ‘recognized as awesome universally.’ This captures the company’s aspirations of challenging existing technology benchmarks and setting new ones.

Grinding Towards Greatness

Grind Master Machines Pvt Ltd’s story can be perceived as a mindset. A mindset that sees challenges as opportunities, failures as lessons, and innovation as a continuous pursuit. Whether in Shanghai conference rooms or metaphorically atop Himalayan peaks, the company has consistently demonstrated that with vision, resilience, and engineering brilliance, a garage in Aurangabad can become a global player.

NITYASREE KUMARASWAMY Correspondent Magic Wand Media nityasree@magicwandmedia.in

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