India’s Most Influential Leaders Making Waves in the Manufacturing Industry to Know in 2025.pdf

India’s Most Influential Leaders in Manufacturing 2025 edition showcases visionaries driving innovation, growth, and industry transformation.

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EXCELLENCE IN EVERY EDITION
W W W.T H E P R I M E TO DAY.C O M | 2 02 5
2025
What Is Lean
Manufacturing?
Principles Explained
Role of Robotics in
Modern Manufacturing
Plants
Dhruv
Garg
Building India's Quality-
First Mobile Accessories
INDIA'S MOST
Inuential
Leaders
Making Waves in the
Manufacturing
Industry
TO KNOW IN
Co-founder
TAV

4. Edits

5. or decades, manufacturing has been the backbone of
F
India's economy. It is a sector that blends skill, vision,
and determination. Those who lead it today are not
just overseeing production lines. They are creating new
possibilities for growth, building stronger supply chains, and
transforming challenges into opportunities.
These leaders understand that manufacturing is not only about
making goods. It is about shaping the economy, creating jobs,
and building a future where innovation drives progress. They
work tirelessly to improve efficiency, adopt smarter
technologies, and ensure sustainable practices. For them, the
goal is clear; to make India a global manufacturing hub.
Their journeys are rooted in resilience. Many began their
careers facing obstacles that could have halted their progress.
Yet they chose to innovate instead of follow the ordinary
path. Their leadership comes from experience, vision, and an
ability to adapt in an ever-changing world. From introducing
automation and green manufacturing to redefining supply
chain models, they are setting benchmarks for the industry.
What they share is a belief that manufacturing must evolve
with purpose. They see technology as an enabler and
workforce development as a priority. They view sustainability
not as a trend but as a necessity for the industry's survival.
In this latest edition, India's Most Influential Leaders Making
Waves in the Manufacturing Industry to Know in 2025, we
highlight the visionaries who are transforming the
manufacturing landscape. Their stories reflect a deep
commitment to progress and a belief in building a future
where India leads the world in manufacturing excellence.
Have an inspiring read!
Forming the
Future of
Manufacturing
in India

6. Editor In Chief -
Senior Editor -
Executive Editor -
Visualizer -
Art and Design -
Vice President -
Sales Manager -
BDE -
Operation Manager -
Technical Head -
Digital Marketing -
Sara Nethan
Mark Levine
Jessica Grey
Johan Marshall
Kiran Kamble
Kathleen Lewis
Ashwini Kamble
Prashant Chopade
Tracy Oliva
Chris Dey
Ritu Baviskar
PRIMETODAY
THE
EXCELLENCE IN EVERY EDITION

8. C
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9. Dhruv
Garg
A R T I C L E S
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The Role of Robotics
in Modern
Manufacturing Plants
What is Lean
Manufacturing?
Principles Explained
26
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12

13. Dhruv
Garg
Building India's Quality-
First Mobile Accessories
Co-founder
TAVC
O
V
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R

S
T
O
R
Y
Leading TAV in designing,
manufacturing, and
delivering durable, India-
focused tech products!

14. he sound of a screwdriver
T
twisting into plastic, tiny
screws rolling across the floor,
and the thrill of seeing a gadget come
apart; these were Dhruv Garg's
childhood playgrounds. While other
kids collected toys, he collected
questions: How does this work? Why
does it fail? That hands-on curiosity
became the lens through which he
would see the world.
It was that same curiosity that formed
his journey as a second-generation
entrepreneur. After completing his
post-graduation, Dhruv could have
joined an established company, but he
wanted to build something of his own.
Mobile accessories were expanding
fast, yet most products did not fully
meet the demands of Indian users
while maintaining global-quality
standards. He saw a gap and, more
importantly, a challenge worth solving.
That challenge became TAV, the
company he co-founded and now
leads. From product design to
operations and customer partnerships,
Dhruv carries the same attention to
detail he learned on factory floors.
Every accessory is tested, molded, and
refined to ensure it delivers both
durability and practicality for Indian
consumers. The company's growth has
been steady, driven not by flashy
marketing but by consistent quality and
responsiveness to real-world needs.
For Dhruv, TAV is a reflection of his
approach to life. Understanding how
things work, respecting the process,
and focusing on people have guided
every decision. What began as
childhood curiosity evolved into a
company that connects innovation with
everyday life, showing that thoughtful
design and careful execution can make
a tangible difference in the market.
Dhruv's journey is proof that when
passion meets purpose, even small
observations from childhood can grow
into ventures that cultivate an industry.
From dismantling gadgets in his room
to building a world class
manufacturing setup in mobile
accessories, his story is one of vision,
dedication, and a belief in solving
problems the right way.
Defining the Vision in
Manufacturing
In the early stages, the company
experienced the challenges of import
dependence, including minimum order
quantities that did not align with Indian
market realities, extended lead times,
advance payment requirements, and
unpredictable quality.
A pivotal moment occurred when the
team demonstrated the ability to scale
India-made products at volume while
maintaining consistent quality. This
achievement built confidence, which
grew as production lines and
throughput expanded. Today, the

15. organization is recognized within the
ecosystem for its capabilities in data
cables, PCBA, and allied accessories,
continuously raising standards through
rigorous testing and disciplined
processes.
Filling the Gap in Mobile
Accessories and Gadgets
The company aimed to eliminate the
classic sourcing challenges such as
trust deficits, rigid minimum order
quantities, cash lock-ups, erratic
schedules, and inconsistent quality.
TAV's approach focused on transparent
costs, reliable timelines, accessible
MOQs, and designs suited for India. As
domestic demand matured, the mission
evolved into leading ODM and OEM
solutions across USB data cables,
earphones, speakers, and PCBs, all
customized for Indian usage conditions
and rigorously tested.
Building Trust Through Principles
Dhruv believes that a company's
personal code serves as its operating
system:
• Transparency—on costing,
timelines, and constraints
• Customer-first—solve, do not
deflect
• Zero compromise on
quality—spec adherence over
shortcuts
• Own the miss—if there is an issue,
fix it fast and learn
• Share efficiencies—when input
costs fall, pass it on
• Stay close—founder-level
touchpoints with key accounts
He emphasizes that while these
practices appear simple, compounding
them over time creates trust that cannot
be bought.
Balancing Innovation, Cost, and
Quality in Consumer Electronics
Dhruv explained that the company
carefully scans global product launches
and selects only those with real
adoption potential in India. Each
product undergoes India-specific
optimization, considering durability for
local climate and usage, supply-chain
resilience, and serviceability.
Cost efficiency is achieved through
scale, line balancing, yield
improvement, and backward
integration, without compromising
quality. The Noida plants are equipped
with modern machinery and follow a
rigorous R&D and testing discipline,
ensuring that quality remains a priority
while costs reduce as production
volume increases.

17. Learning Drives Digital Clarity in Manufacturing
In a crowded OEM world, clarity holds the greatest value.
TAV uses digital channels to share capabilities, laboratory
results, and reliability stories instead of merely listing
prices.

Thoughtful content, such as process walk-throughs, quality
assurance insights, and case studies, enables brands and
D2C founders to evaluate TAV efficiently. This approach
accelerates sales cycles and ensures alignment of
expectations before purchase orders are issued.
Dhruv emphasizes that the commitment to continuous
learning has shaped this approach, blending traditional
manufacturing expertise with digital marketing strategies to
thrive in a digital-first environment.
Transforming Manufacturing Through Data-Driven
Action
Certifications and training provide valuable tools, yet their
practical application in manufacturing occurs rarely. At
TAV, a measurable impact emerged when a client's cable
SKU underwent a complete revamp.
Transparent test dashboards were introduced, displaying
pull strength, bend life, and resistance, while line-level
CAPA closures appeared in near-real time. The outcome
included a reduction in returns, an increase in reorder
frequency, and the unlocking of a multi-SKU mandate from
the same brand. This experience demonstrated that trust
grows faster through data-backed storytelling than through
mere claims.
Acknowledging the Dual Role of Maker and Strategist
Dhruv approaches marketing and branding with a hands-on
mindset rather than delegating it. Two driving factors define
this choice.
First, speed; the market moves too fast for silos.
Second, signal versus noise, OEM claims surround the
industry, and genuine operators must present their
engineering perspective.

18. By directly engaging with both product
and messaging, he ensures
communication focuses on outcomes:
yield, lifespan, defect rates, total
landed cost, and on-time delivery.
Choosing Focus Over Temptation
Resisting the temptation to launch a
consumer brand presented the hardest
personal decision for Dhruv as a co-
founder.
While the economics and excitement
of such a venture appeared compelling,
he guided the company to remain the
backbone for multiple brands rather
than compete with them. This choice
refined the organization's emphasis on
process excellence, confidentiality, and
a partnership mindset, earning clients'
trust with strategic roadmaps and
forecasts.
The Evolution of Influence
In the early days, influence represented
the ability to convince, showing that
Make-in-India products could compete
with imports in both quality and cost.
Over time, influence has come to mean
enabling; supporting brands in
derisking supply chains, co-designing
SKUs suited to Indian realities, and
localizing value creation.
The focus has shifted from seeking the
spotlight to building ecosystem
strength through vendor development,
skill training, and creating repeatable
best practices that others can adopt.
The visible push into ODM and OEM
leadership, alongside R&D-led testing,
exemplifies this transformation.
Building Resilience in a Competitive
Environment
Dhruv believes that operational
transparency forms the foundation of
resilience. When a line misses yield,
the entire team observes the same
dashboard, ensuring clarity and shared
understanding. Rapid root cause
analyses are conducted, solutions are
celebrated, and lessons are shared
openly across all shifts.
The organizational culture encourages
problem-solving and ownership rather
than reactive theatrics. On a personal
level, Dhruv maintains grounding
through routine practices such as
factory walks, reviewing daily metrics,

19. and engaging in customer
calls, which focus attention on
actionable inputs instead of
headlines.
Power of AI in
Transforming Operations
and Marketing
On the shop floor, computer
vision and predictive quality
identify failure modes before
they appear, while MES
combined with analytics
continues to increase yields
and reduce downtime.
In go-to-market strategies, AI-
assisted content transforms
technical specifications into
decision-ready narratives for
brand teams. The convergence
of smart factories generating
smart stories compresses
cycles from research and
development to purchase
order. Industry observations
already indicate accelerated
adoption in TMT, and this
momentum is visible in
devices and accessories.
Discipline Defines
Leadership - In His Words
That discipline beats drama.
We built TAV by showing up
for the tough stuff, process
audits, boring checklists,
hundreds of micro-
improvements that customers
never see but always feel.
If there's one takeaway, it's
this: Indian manufacturing
wins when we obsess over
reliability, respect partners'
capital, and keep learning;
every day, every shift.

22. anufacturing is at a turning point.
M
In the last decade, robotics has
moved from being a futuristic
concept to an essential part of modern
manufacturing plants. Today, robots are no
longer confined to automotive production
lines. They are transforming electronics
assembly, food processing, packaging, and
even pharmaceuticals. According to a report
by the International Federation of Robotics,
the number of industrial robots in use globally
surpassed 3 million in 2023.
The role of robotics in modern manufacturing
plants extends far beyond automation. It is
about precision, speed, reliability, and
consistency. Robots handle tasks that require
exact measurements, high repetition, or
dangerous conditions.
How Robotics Improves Manufacturing
Efficiency
One of the biggest advantages of robotics in
modern manufacturing plants is efficiency. A
robot can work continuously without breaks,
fatigue, or distraction. For example, in
automotive plants, robots handle welding,
painting, and assembly with speed that far
exceeds human capability.
The efficiency gained from robotics is not just
about speed. Robots reduce waste by
performing tasks with precision. In electronics
manufacturing, even small errors can cause
defective products. Robots reduce such errors,
ensuring consistent quality and saving both
time and materials.
Another point to consider is flexibility.
Modern manufacturing robots can be
programmed for different tasks without a
complete overhaul of the production line. This
adaptability allows plants to respond quickly
to changing demand.
Robotics and Quality Control in Modern
Manufacturing Plants
Quality is a key differentiator in
manufacturing. Robotics plays an important
The Role of
Robotics in
Modern
Manufacturing
Plants

23. role in maintaining and improving
quality standards. Robots equipped
with sensors and cameras can detect
defects that are invisible to the human
eye. This improves product reliability
and strengthens brand trust.
In modern manufacturing plants,
quality control robotics can inspect
components at a rate impossible for
human workers. For example, in
pharmaceutical manufacturing,
precision is critical to avoid harmful
consequences. Robots ensure every
unit meets strict safety and quality
requirements without slowing
production.
Consistency is another advantage.
Human workers can deliver high-
quality work, but variations occur.
Robots perform with the same
precision every time. For
manufacturing plants, this means fewer
recalls, less rework, and stronger client
relationships.
The Impact of Robotics on
Manufacturing Safety
Safety is a critical concern for any
manufacturing plant. Many tasks in
manufacturing involve heavy lifting,
repetitive motion, or hazardous
environments. Robotics significantly
reduces workplace accidents by taking
over such tasks.
For example, in steel production
plants, robots work in extreme heat,
handling molten materials that are
dangerous for humans.
Reducing human exposure to
dangerous work not only saves lives
but also reduces workplace injuries,
which can disrupt production. This
creates a safer work environment and
reduces costs related to compensation
and downtime.
Robotics and Cost Optimization in
Manufacturing Plants
Adopting robotics requires an upfront
investment, but in the long run, it often
leads to cost savings. Robots increase
productivity and reduce human errors,
which saves money. Over time, these
savings can outweigh the initial costs
of installation and maintenance.
For manufacturing plants, robotics can
also reduce labor costs. While robots
do not replace skilled workers entirely,
they allow human workers to focus on
higher-value tasks such as planning,
problem-solving, and quality
improvement. This improves
productivity without inflating costs.
Additionally, robots can operate in
shifts without additional expenses,
unlike human labor that requires
wages, benefits, and breaks. For
manufacturing plants that run 24/7, this
becomes a significant advantage.
Challenges in Adopting Robotics in
Manufacturing
Despite the benefits, the adoption of
robotics in manufacturing plants comes
with challenges. The initial cost can be
high, and small or mid-sized plants
may struggle with affordability. There
is also the need for skilled workers
who can program, operate, and
maintain robots.
Integration is another challenge.
Adding robotics to existing production
lines can be complex. Manufacturers
must ensure that robots work
seamlessly with current systems and
processes.
Another concern is workforce impact.
Automation changes the nature of jobs.
Some roles may disappear while new
technical roles emerge. This requires
manufacturers to invest in training and
workforce development to balance
efficiency gains with human
employment.
The Future of Robotics in Modern
Manufacturing Plants
The future of robotics in
manufacturing is promising. Advances
in artificial intelligence and machine
learning are making robots smarter,
more adaptable, and capable of
handling complex tasks. Collaborative
robots, or cobots, are already working
alongside human operators, making
manufacturing more flexible and
efficient.
Robotics will also play a key role in
sustainable manufacturing. Robots can
reduce waste, improve energy
efficiency, and ensure more precise
resource use. In industries such as
electronics, where environmental
impact is under scrutiny, robotics can
help meet sustainability goals.
Manufacturing plants that embrace
robotics will likely be more
competitive. They will respond faster
to market demands, deliver higher
quality products, and operate with
greater safety and efficiency.
Conclusion
The role of robotics in modern
manufacturing plants is transforming
how goods are produced. Robotics
delivers efficiency, quality, safety, and
cost optimization.
What this really means is that robotics
is no longer optional for competitive
manufacturing. It is a necessary step
for plants that aim to remain relevant
and efficient in a fast-changing
industrial landscape. Robotics is not
just about replacing human effort.

26. What is Lean
Manufacturing?
Principles
Explained

28. anufacturing accounts for a significant portion
M
of the global economy. According to a
McKinsey report, manufacturing productivity
can improve by up to 30% when lean principles are
implemented correctly. Lean manufacturing is a proven
approach that changes how organizations operate to deliver
products faster, with higher quality and less waste.
Lean manufacturing is not just a process improvement tool.
It is a philosophy. It demands a deep understanding of how
work flows, how resources are used, and how every step of
production adds value. Companies such as Toyota and Intel
have relied heavily on lean manufacturing to stay
competitive. This is more than a method; it is a culture of
continuous improvement.
What Lean Manufacturing Means
At its core, lean manufacturing is about maximizing value
while reducing waste. The idea originated in Japan during
the mid-20th century, primarily through the Toyota
Production System. It focused on producing exactly what
was needed, when it was needed, and in the quantity
needed.
Lean manufacturing rejects the idea of overproduction and
unnecessary inventory. It emphasizes doing more with less,
less time, fewer resources, and minimal waste. This
approach works because it keeps the focus on delivering
real value to customers rather than simply completing tasks.
Core Principles of Lean Manufacturing
Lean manufacturing rests on five key principles. These
guide how organizations design, manage, and refine their
production processes.
1. Value
Value must be defined from the perspective of the customer.
If a process or product feature does not deliver value to the
customer, it becomes waste. A shoe manufacturer, for
instance, should focus on comfort, durability, and price
rather than adding unnecessary design elements that do not
meet customer needs.
2. Value Stream
This principle involves mapping every step in the
production process and identifying which steps contribute
to value and which create waste. A value stream map can
reveal inefficiencies such as excessive transportation of
goods, redundant tasks, or idle time between stages. The
aim is to streamline processes to focus only on what
matters.
3. Flow
Flow means ensuring that the production process moves
smoothly without interruption. Interruptions create delays
and waste. For example, an automobile assembly line that
stops frequently due to missing parts loses time, efficiency,
and profitability. Lean manufacturing aims to remove such
bottlenecks to maintain a steady workflow.
4. Pull
Instead of producing goods based on forecasts or estimates,
pull means producing only what is needed when it is
needed. This reduces overproduction and excess inventory.
A good example is a just-in-time delivery system, where
components arrive precisely when they are required in the
production cycle.
5. Perfection
Perfection is the pursuit of continuous improvement. Even
small changes can have a significant impact over time. This
principle encourages organizations to regularly review their
processes, learn from mistakes, and adapt. Toyota's culture
of kaizen, which means continuous improvement, is a prime
example of perfection in action.
How Lean Manufacturing Works in Practice
Lean manufacturing works when principles are embedded

29. into daily operations. It is not a one-time change but a long-
term mindset. A good example is a small electronics
manufacturer adopting lean principles. The team might
begin by mapping the value stream for a product line,
identifying waste such as overproduction or excess motion,
and implementing changes to eliminate these issues.
One key practice is the 5S system, sort, set in order, shine,
standardize, sustain. It focuses on organizing the workspace
so employees can work efficiently and with minimal errors.
Lean manufacturing also encourages cross-functional teams
and employee involvement in problem-solving, which
improves both efficiency and morale.
Benefits of Lean Manufacturing
The benefits of lean manufacturing go beyond cost savings.
Organizations that embrace lean principles can see
improvements in product quality, employee satisfaction,
and customer experience.
•Reduced Waste: Less overproduction, fewer defects,
and reduced excess inventory.
•Increased Productivity: Smoother workflows and
better use of resources.
•Higher Quality: Continuous improvement reduces
errors and improves outcomes.
•Flexibility: Organizations can adapt quickly to market
changes.
•Customer Satisfaction: Products are delivered faster
and match customer needs.
For example, Intel uses lean manufacturing to reduce lead
times and respond to demand fluctuations without holding
large amounts of inventory. This has helped the company
maintain competitiveness while keeping costs under
control.
Challenges in Implementing Lean Manufacturing
Implementing lean manufacturing is not without challenges.
It requires cultural change, which can be difficult in
organizations where traditional approaches dominate.
Resistance from employees, a lack of training, and
misunderstanding of lean principles can hinder progress.
Another challenge is sustaining lean practices over time.
Initial improvements may fade if processes are not
monitored or refined. Leadership commitment is crucial.
Lean manufacturing needs to be part of the organization's
DNA, not just a short-term project.
Lean Manufacturing in the Modern Industry
Technology and lean manufacturing now work hand in
hand. Digital tools such as data analytics, sensors, and AI
can enhance lean practices. For example, predictive
analytics can improve forecasting, while automation can
eliminate repetitive tasks.
However, the essence of lean manufacturing remains the
same: focusing on value and reducing waste. Even with
technological advancements, companies must align
systems, people, and processes toward the same goal. Lean
manufacturing continues to evolve, proving its relevance
even in highly automated industries.
Lean manufacturing is more than a production strategy; it is
a mindset that transforms how organizations work. It
creates a culture where efficiency, quality, and improvement
coexist. This approach helps companies deliver more value
with fewer resources while building resilience in the face of
change.
The real power of lean manufacturing lies in its simplicity.
It is about asking what the customer values, mapping the
process, and eliminating anything that does not add worth.
For any organization seeking lasting efficiency and
competitiveness, lean manufacturing offers a clear path.

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EXCELLENCE IN EVERY EDITION