Praburam Gururao
Managing Partner
Praburam Gururao has led a remarkable transformation at Alubee Die Casters over his three-decade-long career. Starting from a modest venture, he has turned the company into a technological powerhouse and an industry leader. His journey is characterized by an unwavering commitment to quality, a sharp focus on technological innovations, and a strong dedication to customer satisfaction. Below is an excerpt from Praburam Gururao’s exclusive interaction with CEO Insights magazine.
Tell us about your illustrious professional journey and what drives you today.
First and foremost, I extend my immense gratitude to my mother, father, guru, and God for their care. We are blessed to have our beloved GURU Mahatria in our life and we live by HIS teachings. The words I speak are HIS words.
I embarked on a journey as a first-generation entrepreneur, breaking the conventional career path and laying the foundation for generations to come. Today, our second generation has joined the business, a testament to our enduring legacy. Thirty-three years ago, my brothers and I started with nothing but courage, and we have been addicted to growth ever since. My brothers (Veeraragavan and Sairam) have been my partners and strong support system.
Moreover, what drives me today is the opportunity to use my accumulated wisdom and experience to benefit all our stakeholders. Our mission now is to bring happiness to as many families as possible, not just through employment but by teaching holistic living and personal development. Our journey is a testament to the power of unity, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of growth. With the second generation now contributing, we are poised for even greater success. The question isn’t where we’ve been, but where we’re going, and I am excited for the future we’re building together.
What are the major achievements in your journey that you feel most proud of today?
Our journey is filled with numerous achievements that I am immensely proud of. Starting with a modest 10x10 tool room, we have expanded into CNC, VMC machining, die casting, and eventually assembly. Our journey has been marked by many twists and turns, but it has been a fulfilling one.
Being an entrepreneur is a blessing; every day presents new situations to handle, which is both a challenge and a rewarding opportunity. Initially, we faced many problems, but we reframed them as situations and even interesting opportunities. This positive mindset shift has been crucial.
One significant catalyst for our growth has been our response to adversity; we used discouragements and setbacks as fuel for inspiration and progress.
Over 30 years, our commitment, courage, and willingness to learn have driven our success. Our success mantra is simple: innovation, resource management, and solid commitment. These principles have guided us to where we are today, and they will continue to do so as we move forward.
As you follow the spiritual concept of 'Atithi Devo Bhava' in your organization, could you elaborate on the work environment established in your organization to always ensure excellent services to the customer?
At our organization, the spiritual concept of 'Atithi Devo Bhava' is deeply embedded in our work culture, ensuring we always provide excellent service to our customers. As I mentioned earlier, investing time and communication is crucial in developing any culture within an organization. We prioritize cultural development because, while many things can be taken from an organization, its culture cannot be stolen. Our culture revolves around being 'customer crazy.'
Our guiding principle is simple: service loyalty to the customer and financial loyalty to Alubee. We recognize that customers do not just buy products and services; they buy experiences. Therefore, we focus on making every interaction with Alubee a positive experience. We are committed to never letting our customers down. When we commit to a delivery date, our customers plan their commitments based on that. We understand the chain reaction of commitment, and we strive to ensure our customers never face failures due to our shortcomings.
Could you tell us about the quality control measures you have adopted in the organization in sourcing raw materials to deliver the highest quality standard products?
Quality, cost, delivery, and attitude are all crucial in today’s business landscape. At our organization, quality is integrated into our production process and never compromised. We begin with sourcing the finest raw materials, understanding that the quality of the final product hinges on this first step. Selecting the right partners is vital; we focus on value delivery and ensure our expectations are clearly communicated to our suppliers. Additionally, potential business partners are evaluated by understanding their motivations and core values, ensuring alignment and commitment to high standards. Internally, we employ a systematic, process-driven approach, including process design validation and stability. We emphasize quality assurance over control, recognizing that while zero defects may be challenging, striving for zero errors is essential.
In the die-casting industry, we concentrate on the Four M's - Machine, Mold, Method, and Mind. Ensuring machinery is in top condition, molds are perfect, processes are disciplined, and associates are motivated and quality-conscious is critical. We've developed in-house inspection systems to prevent defective parts from reaching our customers. By combining global thinking with local execution, we consistently deliver superior-quality products.
We have ingrained this commitment into the DNA of every Alubee employee. It took time, but the result is a culture where the customer always comes first. At Alubee, we are not just focused on delivering products and services but also on delivering exceptional experiences. This dedication to our customers defines our organization and drives us to excel in all we do.
As you follow the spiritual concept of 'Atithi Devo Bhava' in your organization, could you elaborate on the work environment established in your organization to always ensure excellent services to the customer?
At our organization, the spiritual concept of 'Atithi Devo Bhava' is deeply embedded in our work culture, ensuring we always provide excellent service to our customers. As I mentioned earlier, investing time and communication is crucial in developing any culture within an organization. We prioritize cultural development because, while many things can be taken from an organization, its culture cannot be stolen. Our culture revolves around being 'customer crazy.'
At our organization, the spiritual concept of 'Atithi Devo Bhava' is deeply embedded in our work culture, ensuring we always provide excellent service to our customers
Our guiding principle is simple: service loyalty to the customer and financial loyalty to Alubee. We recognize that customers do not just buy products and services; they buy experiences. Therefore, we focus on making every interaction with Alubee a positive experience. We are committed to never letting our customers down. When we commit to a delivery date, our customers plan their commitments based on that. We understand the chain reaction of commitment, and we strive to ensure our customers never face failures due to our shortcomings.
Could you tell us about the quality control measures you have adopted in the organization in sourcing raw materials to deliver the highest quality standard products?
Quality, cost, delivery, and attitude are all crucial in today’s business landscape. At our organization, quality is integrated into our production process and never compromised. We begin with sourcing the finest raw materials, understanding that the quality of the final product hinges on this first step. Selecting the right partners is vital; we focus on value delivery and ensure our expectations are clearly communicated to our suppliers. Additionally, potential business partners are evaluated by understanding their motivations and core values, ensuring alignment and commitment to high standards. Internally, we employ a systematic, process-driven approach, including process design validation and stability. We emphasize quality assurance over control, recognizing that while zero defects may be challenging, striving for zero errors is essential.
In the die-casting industry, we concentrate on the Four M's - Machine, Mold, Method, and Mind. Ensuring machinery is in top condition, molds are perfect, processes are disciplined, and associates are motivated and quality-conscious is critical. We've developed in-house inspection systems to prevent defective parts from reaching our customers. By combining global thinking with local execution, we consistently deliver superior-quality products.
We have ingrained this commitment into the DNA of every Alubee employee. It took time, but the result is a culture where the customer always comes first. At Alubee, we are not just focused on delivering products and services but also on delivering exceptional experiences. This dedication to our customers defines our organization and drives us to excel in all we do.
Tell us about your leadership approach. What are the guidelines or methodologies you follow as a leader?
My leadership approach centers on leading by example. Nothing motivates a team more than seeing their leader put in an honest day’s work with energy and enthusiasm. As a leader, I aim to be a role model, demonstrating dedication and celebrating performers. In India, we often overlook celebrating achievements, so I make it a point to cherish and reward my team’s efforts daily. Simple gestures, like giving gifts and rewarding them, go a long way.
Clarity of expectations, consistent reviews, and timely feedback are key. My guidelines include consistent decision-making and fostering a win-win-win situation, where the business owner, the customer, and all associates and suppliers benefit. Balancing results and relationships is crucial; we strive to achieve both, creating a team that is both motivated and successful. Our goal is to be the first, the best, and the fastest, aiming for excellence in everything we do.
What is the future destination you are heading towards?
Our future destination is transitioning from primarily B2B, focusing on IC engine components, to embracing the sunrise industries of EVs, power electronics, and solar components. We've already established a dedicated plant for EVs and power electronics and are exploring solar tracker components. With the automotive industry shifting, we aim to leverage our extensive knowledge and experience to move from B2B to B2C. The second generation, including my sons and my brother’s son - Pradeep, Praveen, and Nikhil, who have completed their engineering and master's degrees, are taking on leadership roles. By creating individual entities and assigning responsibilities, we are poised to take Alubee to the next level.
Praburam Gururao, Managing Partner, Alubee Die Casters
Praburam Gururao, Managing Partner at Alubee Die Casters, brings over three decades of expertise in transforming the company into a leader in die-casting. His strategic foresight and commitment to excellence have navigated Alubee through industry shifts, pioneering advancements in EVs, power electronics, and solar components
Knowledge Sharing for Upcoming Industry Leaders: Ask yourself these five questions and answer them before you plunge:
Do you have a compelling why? Your purpose drives your actions and decisions. Ensure your 'why' is strong and clearly articulated to inspire and guide you and your team.
Do you have clarity about what you want to create? Clear goals and a vision for the future are essential. Define what success looks like and chart a course to achieve it.
Everything is getting standardized. What is the one thing you want to differentiate and add value to the customer? Identify your unique value proposition. Focus on what sets you apart and how you can provide unmatched value to your customers.
Do you have control over your price and volume? Price x volume = turnover. Understanding and managing your pricing strategy and production volume is crucial. If not both, at least you should have control over one. Otherwise, think and start a new business parallelly where you have control over both or one.
Do you have a methodology to find your profits within your own organization through innovation and resource management? Look inward for efficiencies and innovations that can drive profitability. Effective resource management and continuous improvement within your organization are key to sustained success.
My leadership approach centers on leading by example. Nothing motivates a team more than seeing their leader put in an honest day’s work with energy and enthusiasm. As a leader, I aim to be a role model, demonstrating dedication and celebrating performers. In India, we often overlook celebrating achievements, so I make it a point to cherish and reward my team’s efforts daily. Simple gestures, like giving gifts and rewarding them, go a long way.
Clarity of expectations, consistent reviews, and timely feedback are key. My guidelines include consistent decision-making and fostering a win-win-win situation, where the business owner, the customer, and all associates and suppliers benefit. Balancing results and relationships is crucial; we strive to achieve both, creating a team that is both motivated and successful. Our goal is to be the first, the best, and the fastest, aiming for excellence in everything we do.
What is the future destination you are heading towards?
Our future destination is transitioning from primarily B2B, focusing on IC engine components, to embracing the sunrise industries of EVs, power electronics, and solar components. We've already established a dedicated plant for EVs and power electronics and are exploring solar tracker components. With the automotive industry shifting, we aim to leverage our extensive knowledge and experience to move from B2B to B2C. The second generation, including my sons and my brother’s son - Pradeep, Praveen, and Nikhil, who have completed their engineering and master's degrees, are taking on leadership roles. By creating individual entities and assigning responsibilities, we are poised to take Alubee to the next level.
Praburam Gururao, Managing Partner, Alubee Die Casters
Praburam Gururao, Managing Partner at Alubee Die Casters, brings over three decades of expertise in transforming the company into a leader in die-casting. His strategic foresight and commitment to excellence have navigated Alubee through industry shifts, pioneering advancements in EVs, power electronics, and solar components
Knowledge Sharing for Upcoming Industry Leaders: Ask yourself these five questions and answer them before you plunge:
Do you have a compelling why? Your purpose drives your actions and decisions. Ensure your 'why' is strong and clearly articulated to inspire and guide you and your team.
Do you have clarity about what you want to create? Clear goals and a vision for the future are essential. Define what success looks like and chart a course to achieve it.
Everything is getting standardized. What is the one thing you want to differentiate and add value to the customer? Identify your unique value proposition. Focus on what sets you apart and how you can provide unmatched value to your customers.
Do you have control over your price and volume? Price x volume = turnover. Understanding and managing your pricing strategy and production volume is crucial. If not both, at least you should have control over one. Otherwise, think and start a new business parallelly where you have control over both or one.
Do you have a methodology to find your profits within your own organization through innovation and resource management? Look inward for efficiencies and innovations that can drive profitability. Effective resource management and continuous improvement within your organization are key to sustained success.