For Avinash, the secret of his success is sheer hard work, commitment, and a high standard of professional ethics.

Dr. Avinash Laddha graduated in Commerce from Nagpur University and has a diploma degree in O&M from O&M Society of UK.  He has also a management education certification from IIM-A. In 2017, he was conferred with Honorary Degree in Business Management from Columbia University, UK.

Dr. Laddha, who started his career at the lowest strata in industrial job and then joined as an Office Assistant, went on to be associated with Hoechst AG for 24 years. He served for more than two decades and ultimately became Vice-President of two of the business units – one manufacturing and marketing HDPE pipes, irrigation systems, large blow-molded containers, and multilayer film, other one manufacturing, and marketing photographic chemicals, pharma intermediates, and industrial chemicals. In 1994, he resigned to promote the Company – KiTEC Industries (India) Ltd. – as a joint venture with KiTECHNOLOGY BV of Netherlands to manufacture revolutionary Multilayer Composite Pipes in India. In this venture his focus has been R&D. With his sheer hard work and innovative marketing approach, KiTEC is now synonymous with Multilayer Composite pipes in India. Under his leadership, KiTEC received several awards and has reached new heights of success.

About KiTEC Industries (India) Ltd.

In 1994, KiTEC Industries (India) Ltd. – was promoted as a joint venture with KiTECHNOLOGY BV of Netherlands to manufacture revolutionary Multilayer Composite Pipes in India.  The concept of Multilayer pipes was very new in the world itself and was not known in India.   In 1996, production started in the company. Kitec is a well-known company that specializes in producing, selling, and exporting easy-to-install pipes for plumbing and other uses. To manufacture groundbreaking Multilayer Composite Pipes in India, the business formed a joint venture with KITECHNOLOGY BV of the Netherlands. Initial imported technology covered only three over the years the company developed technology to make new sizes. Perhaps the company is the first in the world to introduce 5063mm to 90110mm sizes (2-1/2inch to 4inch). KiTEC introduced a new range of composite pipes having cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) layer. To make economic fittings, KiTEC team worked to develop COMPOSITE COMPRESSION FITTINGS for the first time in the world.

In detailed discussion with Mr. Avinash, and got to know some detailed inputs that can be inspiring for many budding entrepreneurs.

What have been the biggest challenges you’ve had to overcome?

Initially the biggest challenge was acceptance of unknown products even in international markets. Creating marketing infrastructure was the toughest challenge in the initial years when none of the traders were considering us as additional line of business. The next tough time was the unprecedented times of the global pandemic that created havoc in the world. While many ventures were struggling to pay their workforce during the COVID-19 occurrence, KiTEC ensured to stand firmly with its employees, associates, and vendors. The demand disruption in the industry due to the impact of the pandemic exerted an adverse influence and the cash flow went under severe stress. But, the company along with its stakeholders, unitedly stood and operated as one family and managed to float. Primarily, the company’s philosophy of remaining a steady organization rather than a growth-oriented organization has immensely backed us.

Which one thing do you wish you’d done differently/ what style did you adopt?

I would like to relook at the marketing structure and rework it based on my experience. We have presently designed our marketing structure wherein investment in marketing is done by Marketing Associates with the Company sharing part of these expenses. The Company has no marketing staff. I feel we could have been better had we designed a hybrid structure.

What does revolution mean to you?

Revolution means to remain the market leader in alternative to conventional piping systems in India by providing innovative engineering solutions to the market.

For the success of an enterprise constant R&D in all activities of the organization could always bring revolution. It is not only in manufacturing that one looks at R&D but each job has scope to improve upon the way the jobs are done. And for any organization that would be the revolution.

How has the industry changed over the years?

In the year 1993 when the concept of Composite pipes was introduced, it was just for three sizes and was manufactured only in three countries, and was used only in plumbing applications.. KiTEC was the third Company in the world to obtain a manufacturing license for this product. There was no demand and since the product was new it was not known to anyone in the country. Over the years now it is one of the best alternatives for many applications. The industry that was talking of only metallic pipes in many applications is now ready to look at the alternatives offered by the company. In fact, with the growth and development in technologies all over the world, the industry has also changed based on the market needs.

Tell us about the client base.

Our client base consists of Architects, Builders, Plumbers, Individual house owners, Industry, Govt Departments / Corporations, the Army, etc. Basically, we have a presence in all sectors and segments of the market where there is a need for the pipe.

When it comes to the company, what are you most proud of?

I am most proud of my colleagues, associates and vendors as they have been associated with Company for more than 25 years. I think very few Companies can boast such longevity for all colleagues, marketing associates, and vendors. Above all the Company’s philosophy of being an ethical enterprise with transparency in all areas of operation is honored by all the stakeholders.

What do you see as the most difficult task in being in your Industry?

Like any other business, once the product is successful, many players come in the field doing price competition and that does not happen without the compromise of quality. This generally gives bad name to the technology.

What are the most important decisions you make as a leader of your organization?

In day-to-day operations, one need not take any decision and the organization runs in auto mode. In focus on finances mostly.I do not give solutions to each problem to my team members and insist on them to find solutions to their problems and if required I will validate their choices.  I insist on understanding the process they have adopted in problem resolution and improving on the process through them only.  For R&D, it is clarified that none of the concerned should worry about failures and costs involved in failures.

How do you encourage creative thinking within your organization?

Creative thinking is first to be tapped. We try and mold the creating thinking in all disciplines of management and try and develop helicopter view techniques in them.

What are some of your future endeavors?

There are many ideas in the piping, particularly in composite pipes with different combinations. We shall work on some of the thoughts in the years to come.  We shall also look at updating our jointing system for more user-friendliness. (DIY concept).

What is the best advice you can give to our readers?

I think one should always stay grounded and have the right sense of judgment for running a business. One need not worry about the outcome if the purpose is true and if the approach is honest with concern for all stakeholders. While we need to use management skills, it has to be used with intelligence and a humane approach. Steady growth will be far better than building high aspirations in the volatile market and getting disappointed.

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