CEO Insights Magazine

Jharkhand is one of the richest mineral zones in the world and boasts of 40 percent of India's mineral reserves. Due to the availability of rich mineral deposits in the state, the scope of mining activity is immense, and the scope for development of the mineral based industries is huge. Realizing the great scope of enlarging this resource base and applying her entrepreneurial skills, Usha Jha, MD, MPME Abrasives, established her venture. In the light of her pronounced knowledge, the company has grown from strength to strength and become the largest manufacturer of steel shots and grit in the country in a span of five years. Before MPME Abrasives, Usha was the President of Jindal Mahila Samitee, handling its CSR, academics, and infrastructure development. She has also played the role of the Director of Prowess International, responsible for the company's finance & accounts, HR, CSR & IT, and administration. During her illustrious professional journey, she was felicitated by the Honourable Vice President of India Venkaiah Naidu in 2019 as one of the top 200 women who can transform India. Recently she was selected among the top five in the country for the Economic Times Innovation Awards for Most Innovative SME & Innovation to drive sustainability. Moreover, she was recognized for running a skill development program for the underprivileged, especially women, under the banner of Muskaan. Below is the excerpt of an exclusive interview of Usha with CEO Insights.

Take us through your journey from being an employee to an entrepreneur.
I started my journey into academics in the year 1988 by pursuing MSc in Zoology and later on pursued a Post Graduate Diploma in Environment Management. I started my professsional career as a lecturer at

Women's College Jamshedpur and gained ample experience while sharing my knowledge with the students for almost three years. I have also held significant positions in multiple renowned companies in the steel industry. Even though I was leading a good life for myself, something kept me unsatisfied. I wanted to be a job provider and not a job seeker. I applied my learnings of an entrepreneurship course that I have pursued during my academic years from NIT Jamshedpur, and I started my own company. NIT Jamshedpur had taught me how to be a successful entrepreneur, and I have been putting all my efforts into being one through my venture, MPME Abrasives.

Tell us about MPME Abrasives and its position in the market. How do you differentiate your company from the rest of the steel abrasives in India?
MPME Abrasives (MP Mining & Energy)has become, in a short span of five years, the market leader in steel abrasives in India. We have partnered with Tatanagar Enterprises, a technologically superior, high quality metal abrasives manufacturing house. The brand has become synonymous with cost effectiveness, timely delivery, and consistent, high quality. We supply customers across the country and have also started exporting to SE Asia this year. Next year, we plan to expand our international footprint by expanding further into SE Asia and the Middle East. Competing with incumbents who have been in the industry for decades, we have been able to thrive because of a simple strategy and strong execution. We work hard to stay keenly aware of customer needs and constantly keep improving on our promise of being the most high quality and cost effective manufacturer of steel abrasives in the country.

How has your response been to the challenges posed by the covid affected market? Also, post COVID, what are the changes in market behavior that you anticipate, and what opportunities do you foresee?
During the pandemic, the leadership team's focus was the safety of employees and financial management. We are one of the few companies in our sector and industry that had no lay offs during this period. Our strong prioritization of operational efficiency and employee well being allowed us to survive during and thrive after the pandemic. Post COVID, the metals industry has come back strongly. There has been a lot of talk about digitalization and industry 4.0, which might become a reality as manufacturers increase their focus on operational efficiency. Digitalization of the B2B supply chain is another exciting trend that we are witnessing. Recycling is also an important aspect that could promote a circular economy.

As an experienced stalwart working in the Mining & Metals industry, what advice would you give to thebudding professionals in this domain?
The Mining & Metals industry is one of the biggest employers and contributors to the GDP of our country. There is a lot of scope for impactful contributions and career growth in the intersection of digital technology and traditional industries. The Mining & Metals industry is ripe for digital transformation, and young professionals who take this opportunity seriously can have an enviable career.

Usha Jha, Managing Director, MPME Abrasivest
With MSc in Zoology and a Post Graduate Diploma in Environment Management, Usha has played reputed roles in well known organizations. Today, she successfully leads one of the prominent metal abrasives manufacturers.

Hobbies:Reading and Cooking
Favorite Cuisine: Indian
Favourite Book:'Discovery of India', book by Jawaharlal Nehru
Favourite Travel Destination: Kerala and Scotland