Sanjaykumar Sanap : A Problem Solver On A Mission To Revolutionize Agrochem & Speciality Chemicals
Sanjaykumar Sanap
CEO
Observing Indian markets from the close quarters, Sanjaykumar found that no vendors in the Indian rust prevention space catered to small-scale companies' corrosion problems. To fill this gap, Sanjaykumar decided to build his company, Sanjuraj Agrochem & Speciality Chemicals. The company is renowned for manufacturing Rust Preventive Additives & Lubrication Oil Additives.
In this interview, Sanjaykumar shares his views and opinions on Indian rust pre-vention and lubricant space and how he is transforming the space.
Can you highlight the path of your professional career journey?
After completing my education, I worked for two large companies where I learned a lot about the industry and client challenges. This experience acted as a launchpad for me to start my own venture. Initially, we operated from a small 400-square-foot space and now we relocated to 1,000-square-meter area. Despite the limited space, we experienced consistent growth of around 25 percent until the COVID-19 pandemic hit.
Fortunately, we managed to sustain our business during the pandemic, albeit with reduced requirements from customers. We did not rely on debt; instead, we used our earnings and paid taxes. Post-pandemic, although our growth has slowed, we continue to expand. One of the key aspects of our business is that we do not actively seek customers; they come to us with their problems. We
develop products for them, provide blends, advise on raw materials, and ensure the final product meets their requirements. Our customers have been loyal to us because of our track record of solving their problems for the past 18 years.
What drives you as a modern leader? What motivates your daily routine?
Every day, I encounter three to four customer problems that need solutions. For example, in the iron mining sector, there's a lot of dust powder that spreads easily and is challenging to transport. Customers need blocks that are sturdy and don't break easily. We're also working on green energy solutions, such as products for generating electricity. Additionally, we're exploring techniques for vertical agriculture to increase oil seed yield, as there's a significant shortage of oils in India.
Currently, I am devoted towards advancing sustainable technology while contemplating consumer demands in the lubricant and rust preventive sector. These challenges and projects motivate me. I start each day with work, and our production is ongoing daily. I handle everything myself, from production to billing and collecting payments. My wife manages the finances, and my son assists in developing new molecules. We have a collaboration with ICT to develop new raw materials that are used in our products, which are unique and not copied. We ensure fair pricing with no bargaining, ensuring that both we and our customers benefit.
Can you share your experiences at the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT) and how they have influenced you beyond academic learning?
ICT (Formerly known as UDCT) offers truly unique experiences. Unlike other univer-sities, we had visiting professors who were experts in their fields, often from institutions like Godrej and BARC, who taught us about the real-world problems they faced. For example, one professor taught us about supercritical extraction, a topic not covered in any available literature or books. This emphasis on practical knowledge and current industry
I believe that leaders should not only focus on their own business but also look for oppor-tunities to solve pro-blems in other busi-nesses
What drives you as a modern leader? What motivates your daily routine?
Every day, I encounter three to four customer problems that need solutions. For example, in the iron mining sector, there's a lot of dust powder that spreads easily and is challenging to transport. Customers need blocks that are sturdy and don't break easily. We're also working on green energy solutions, such as products for generating electricity. Additionally, we're exploring techniques for vertical agriculture to increase oil seed yield, as there's a significant shortage of oils in India.
Currently, I am devoted towards advancing sustainable technology while contemplating consumer demands in the lubricant and rust preventive sector. These challenges and projects motivate me. I start each day with work, and our production is ongoing daily. I handle everything myself, from production to billing and collecting payments. My wife manages the finances, and my son assists in developing new molecules. We have a collaboration with ICT to develop new raw materials that are used in our products, which are unique and not copied. We ensure fair pricing with no bargaining, ensuring that both we and our customers benefit.
Can you share your experiences at the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT) and how they have influenced you beyond academic learning?
ICT (Formerly known as UDCT) offers truly unique experiences. Unlike other univer-sities, we had visiting professors who were experts in their fields, often from institutions like Godrej and BARC, who taught us about the real-world problems they faced. For example, one professor taught us about supercritical extraction, a topic not covered in any available literature or books. This emphasis on practical knowledge and current industry
challenges was eye-opening.
We were encouraged to think beyond the syllabus and tackle real industry problems. This approach made me realize that solving these industry problems could lead to new business opportunities. Today, when customers come to me with their problems, I convert these challenges into products and commercialize them, a concept I learned from my time at ICT. The univer-sity instilled in us the importance of applying our knowledge to solve real-world problems, which has been invaluable in my career.
What are your future plans for your self and the company in the next five years?
Over the next five years, we aim to develop ecofriendly rust preventive and lubricant additives suitable for export markets. These products will be versatile enough to suit various conditions, including those in India, America, Asia, and Europe. We are about to launch these products, but the process is time-consuming due to the different regu-lations and conditions in each region. We have already started exporting to Nepal and Bangladesh through intermediaries, and we are working on developing products for Thailand and Malaysia as well. How ever, entering these markets requires careful consideration of testing methods, conditions, and customer preferences.
As a leader in the industry, what advice would you give to upcoming leaders?
I believe that leaders should not only focus on their own business but also look for opportunities to solve problems in other businesses. By addressing these challenges, you can create additional business opportunities. Develop your own unique offerings, instead of mimicking other products. Play to your strengths and learn from the experiences of other companies. Stand behind your ideas with confidence, and if you encounter failure, use it as a learning experience and avoid repeating the same mistakes. Financial stability is crucial, so be cautious with finances and explore new business ideas that are outside the box.
Sanjaykumar Sanap, CEO, Sanjuraj Agrochem & Speciality Chemicals
Sanjaykumar Sanap is a visionary problem solver on a mission to revolutionize the Agrochem & Speciality Chemicals indus-tries. With a M.Sc. Tech. in Oils, Fats & Waxes from ICT and experience at Castrol and Gulf Oil, Sanjay brings well-rounded expertise to the sector.
We were encouraged to think beyond the syllabus and tackle real industry problems. This approach made me realize that solving these industry problems could lead to new business opportunities. Today, when customers come to me with their problems, I convert these challenges into products and commercialize them, a concept I learned from my time at ICT. The univer-sity instilled in us the importance of applying our knowledge to solve real-world problems, which has been invaluable in my career.
What are your future plans for your self and the company in the next five years?
Over the next five years, we aim to develop ecofriendly rust preventive and lubricant additives suitable for export markets. These products will be versatile enough to suit various conditions, including those in India, America, Asia, and Europe. We are about to launch these products, but the process is time-consuming due to the different regu-lations and conditions in each region. We have already started exporting to Nepal and Bangladesh through intermediaries, and we are working on developing products for Thailand and Malaysia as well. How ever, entering these markets requires careful consideration of testing methods, conditions, and customer preferences.
As a leader in the industry, what advice would you give to upcoming leaders?
I believe that leaders should not only focus on their own business but also look for opportunities to solve problems in other businesses. By addressing these challenges, you can create additional business opportunities. Develop your own unique offerings, instead of mimicking other products. Play to your strengths and learn from the experiences of other companies. Stand behind your ideas with confidence, and if you encounter failure, use it as a learning experience and avoid repeating the same mistakes. Financial stability is crucial, so be cautious with finances and explore new business ideas that are outside the box.
Sanjaykumar Sanap, CEO, Sanjuraj Agrochem & Speciality Chemicals
Sanjaykumar Sanap is a visionary problem solver on a mission to revolutionize the Agrochem & Speciality Chemicals indus-tries. With a M.Sc. Tech. in Oils, Fats & Waxes from ICT and experience at Castrol and Gulf Oil, Sanjay brings well-rounded expertise to the sector.