Ram Bhagwat: Transforming Classic Stripes Through Technology & Employee Empowerment
Ram Bhagwat
Vice President
Ram Bhagwat, M.Tech from IIT Kanpur, is currently positioned as the Vice President, Classic Stripes and has been associated with the company for the last 21 years.
In a recent interaction with CEOInsights magazine, Ram shares more about his journey and how he is leveraging his experience make Classic Stripes the best company to work for.
Give us a brief account of your professional background.
I have roughly 30 years of experience. I began my job right away after receiving my PG in Marketing with Johnson & Johnson, where I worked in the Permacel section of industrial products. The company once manufactured labels, electrical insulating items, and other goods. After roughly 44.5 years, I moved to Shell, a lubricant-based business. Before switching to classic stripes, I spent around two and a half years there. Over the past 20 years, I have worked with this company.
How would you define Classic Stripes as an organization and its position in the market? What is the unique proposition that your organization offers to its employees?
Classic Stripes is an integrated
surface of quint essential stripes providing company. We are the first and largest manufacturer of some products, such as graphics and badging labels, which are used as a branding option by automotive OEMs. This company has released a number of innovative products over the years. We are currently attempting to integrate printed electronics with the types of products we have and expand our customer base by venturing into newer markets. So, this is one of the companies whose fundamental culture is innovation, and on that basis, we are developing newer products and industries, and that is how we are progressing.
Tell us about the exposure your company offers to its employees. Shed some light on the unique work culture of Classic Stripes?
The company has an open and feedback-oriented culture in which cross-functional teams collaborate. And then we have various forums and meetings, where we exchange feedback, and if some thing goes wrong, we discuss why it went wrong, and if something good is done, it is appreciated at that time. As a result, these sorts of things serve as a motivator for employees to participate in value-added activities. The criticism that we receive is constructive, which helps us to move forward and understand why that failure occurred. So we have a very cohesive team, and we really enjoy working like this.
Explain about the technology environment the employees get to work in. What are the latest technologies the company is working with?
Classic Stripes is a tech savvy company. Whether you are a new employee or have been there for a long time, you are bound by a specific portal where all transactions take place. For example, when we generate leads by meeting with customers, the data is entered into the portal and tracked through the SAP system,
We are the first and largest manufacturer of some products, such as graphics and badging labels, which are used as a branding option by automotive OEMs
Tell us about the exposure your company offers to its employees. Shed some light on the unique work culture of Classic Stripes?
The company has an open and feedback-oriented culture in which cross-functional teams collaborate. And then we have various forums and meetings, where we exchange feedback, and if some thing goes wrong, we discuss why it went wrong, and if something good is done, it is appreciated at that time. As a result, these sorts of things serve as a motivator for employees to participate in value-added activities. The criticism that we receive is constructive, which helps us to move forward and understand why that failure occurred. So we have a very cohesive team, and we really enjoy working like this.
Explain about the technology environment the employees get to work in. What are the latest technologies the company is working with?
Classic Stripes is a tech savvy company. Whether you are a new employee or have been there for a long time, you are bound by a specific portal where all transactions take place. For example, when we generate leads by meeting with customers, the data is entered into the portal and tracked through the SAP system,
which is also integrated with our portal. All data required for analysis is available in a single location. We are experimenting with printed electronics. Since we are primarily a screen printing company, we have leveraged that expertise by adding aesthetics and then electronics and FSR systems to increase our value. Today, printed electronics is the company's future, and we are thriving on it as we go.
Reflect on the unique aspects of your HR policy. What are the growth opportunities and recognition the employees can expect from the organization?
There are strict guidelines, which are supported by a strong open HR policy. When we identify key talents, we have a reward and recognition system in place. We work in cross-functional teams with an open and transparent system to select the best performers in specific departments. Employees are given stars based on their performance if some one does an exceptional job that benefits the entire organization across the department, you can give them a five star rating.
What does Classic Stripes expect from new candidates in terms of attitude, work ethics, and talent, among others?
When it comes to new recruits, the company is more concerned with the person's talent and approach than with his or her qualifications or level of experience. During the interview process, a series of questions or assignments are given to assess a person's thought process in that particular listing.
Are there any CSR activities where employees are encouraged to take part in?
There are a number of CSR activities conducted through Kishore Musale Charitable Trust, named after our chairman and founder of this company. Right from tree plantation or from acquiring schools, acquiring villages and providing them with either grocery, things related to the stationery for the schools, and a number of activities. In fact, during the COVID period, in the tribal area, people taught stitching to manufacture the mask to give them employment opportunities.
Ram Bhagwat, Vice President, Classic Stripes
Ram, M.Tech from IIT Kanpur, is currently positioned as the Vice President, Classic Stripes and has been associated with the company for the last 21 years.
Reflect on the unique aspects of your HR policy. What are the growth opportunities and recognition the employees can expect from the organization?
There are strict guidelines, which are supported by a strong open HR policy. When we identify key talents, we have a reward and recognition system in place. We work in cross-functional teams with an open and transparent system to select the best performers in specific departments. Employees are given stars based on their performance if some one does an exceptional job that benefits the entire organization across the department, you can give them a five star rating.
What does Classic Stripes expect from new candidates in terms of attitude, work ethics, and talent, among others?
When it comes to new recruits, the company is more concerned with the person's talent and approach than with his or her qualifications or level of experience. During the interview process, a series of questions or assignments are given to assess a person's thought process in that particular listing.
Are there any CSR activities where employees are encouraged to take part in?
There are a number of CSR activities conducted through Kishore Musale Charitable Trust, named after our chairman and founder of this company. Right from tree plantation or from acquiring schools, acquiring villages and providing them with either grocery, things related to the stationery for the schools, and a number of activities. In fact, during the COVID period, in the tribal area, people taught stitching to manufacture the mask to give them employment opportunities.
Ram Bhagwat, Vice President, Classic Stripes
Ram, M.Tech from IIT Kanpur, is currently positioned as the Vice President, Classic Stripes and has been associated with the company for the last 21 years.