CEO Insights Magazine

The mining industry plays a vital role in global economies by extracting valuable minerals and resources from the Earth. With its complex operations, rigorous safety protocols, and significant contributions to employment and economic growth, mining remains an indispensable sector that fuels industrial development, infrastructure, and technological advancements worldwide. The mining industry is currently witnessing several prominent trends that are profoundly influencing its trajectory. Technological advancements, such as automation and digitization, are revolutionizing operational efficiency and safety standards. Furthermore, the industry's growth is fuelled by escalating global demand for minerals and metals, particularly in emerging economies.

Nevertheless, mining consumers encounter intricate supply chain complexities due to the international scope of mining operations, involving multiple stakeholders and logistical obstacles. Overcoming these challenges necessitates meticulous coordination, streamlined logistics, rigorous compliance protocols, and strategic cost optimization strategies, all of which are crucial for ensuring seamless operations and maximizing profitability. Sandeep Lalwani, a highly accomplished professional with a wealth of experience in the mining sector, addresses these challenges through his profound expertise in supply chain optimization, ensuring operational smoothness and exceptional customer satisfaction.

Sandeep Lalwani is a highly regarded figure within the mining industry, renowned for his exceptional leadership as the driving force behind Lalwani Ferro Alloys. With over two decades of experience, Sandeep has spearheaded the company's growth and solidified its position as a prominent player in the sector. Under Sandeep's guidance, Lalwani Ferro Alloys has flourished from a single furnace operation to a thriving organization with five operational furnaces. This remarkable expansion has positioned the company as one of the top exporters of ferro alloys in India, contributing significantly to the international market.

Sandeep Lalwani's success stems from his strategic vision, transparent communication, and strong emphasis on team building. His unwavering dedication, commitment to excellence, and focus on customer satisfaction has propelled the companyforward. Sandeep Lalwani's leadership embodiesprinciples of continuous improvement, adaptability, and a strong work ethic. His success is a testament to his ability to drive growth, foster a collaborative work environment, and consistently deliver value to customers. With his astute leadership, Lalwani Ferro Alloys continues to thrive and make significant contributions to the mining industry. In the last 13 Years Lalwani Ferro Alloys have grown with CAGR of 24.3 percent.

In an exclusive interview with CEO Insights, Sandeep Lalwani enlightens us more about his professional traits and Lalwani Ferro Alloys.

Could you give a brief account of your professional background and experiences? What motivates you as anew-age leader?

With a Bachelor of Commerce degree from St. Xavier's College, Kolkata, and participation in an entrepreneurial development program at IIM Ahmedabad, I embarked on a journey in my family business, driven by the desire to gain practical experience and develop strong business acumen. I would like to thank my father Shri Kamal Kishore Lalwani who has been a key & most instrumental person, guiding me in all challenging situations to make me a more refined person today. As a new-age leader, what drives me is the dynamic nature of the business world and being part of an organization that has been running successfully for 40 years.

Our company caters to 724 customers across 23 countries on three continents, providing us with new experiences and learning opportunities every day. It's a mutually beneficial relationship where we learn from our customers, and they learn from us. Being the only company in India manufacturing master alloys, global alloys, and bulk alloys, we work with top clients like Tata Steel and the Steel Authority of India. Dealing with such reputable companies and having a global customer base gives us daily encouragement and keeps us motivated.

How would you define Lalwani Ferro Alloys as an organization? Could you explain the quality control measurestaken in your organization during the manufacturing process?

Lalwani Ferro Alloys is among the top 10 exporters of ferro alloys in India, making significant contributions to the international market. Our organization is recognized for providing value-added solutions to customers, focusing not only on competitive pricingbut also on reducing their specific consumption of ferroalloys through knowledge sharing and the provision of optimized compositions. When it comes to raw materials, we procure from the top three global miners, including Comilog and Ore and Metals. These partnerships ensure that we receive stringent and consistent quality grades of ore in the required quantity. As for our production process, we adhere to a comprehensive set of checklists.

These checklists cover everything from material input to output, encompassing maintenance, sales, after sales, and other aspects. In total, our team follows around 18 checklists, each with 18 to 25 points, resulting in approximately 500 checkpoints being met. Additionally, our advantageous position lies in having cheapest power supply coming from DVC (Damodar Valley Corporation), which offers the most cost-effective power supply in India while maintaining consistency.

Could you elaborate on your flagship offerings and the products your organization imports, exports, and trades?

Our flagship offerings fall into three categories: Master Alloys, Bulk Alloys, and Noble Alloys. Master Alloys cater to the foundry industry, which primarily supplies the automotive sector. Noble Alloys are used in special steel castings, including stainless steel and high-alloy content steels. Bulk Alloys find their major applications in Tor Steel manufacturing. Our product range includes High Carbon Silicon Manganese, Ferro Manganese, Nickel Magnesium, Ferro Silicon Magnesium, Ferro Molybdenum, and various types of Inoculants based on specific requirements. We supply these products to domestic customers such as Tata Steel and Steel Authority of India, as well as for exports to customers like Posco, Emirates Steel, TATA Steel(Overseas Companies), and Arcelor Mittal group companies, and more.

What are the unique traits of your leadership and what has been your success mantra throughout your twodecade- long journey

In terms of leadership, I have a clear vision and set goals to achieve it. I ensure that our strategies align with the vision and that the entire team moves together toward those goals. Transparency and effective communication are key aspects of my leadership approach. I value team building and empower our team members to showcase their skills and contribute to the organization's growth. As leaders, we make thoughtful decisions and remain open to learning, both within and outside the organization. We prioritize weekly reviews of Management Information Systems (MIS) and follow a concept called CAPA (Corrective Action and Preventive Action) to address problem-solving. Overall, we strive for alignment, continuous improvement, and adaptability within the team.

My success mantra revolves around the belief that there is no substitute for hard work. I firmly believethat there are no shortcuts to success and that it is the cumulative effort put in overtime that yields fruitful outcomes. The journey itself holds immensevalue, and I find joy in the work and the process of achieving our goals. Some outcomes may exceed expectations, while others may fall short, but it is the continuous effort and contribution to creating a better life for ourselves, our associates, and the society that matters most.

What are the future goals and plans for Lalwani Ferro Alloys in the coming years and as a leader in the industry, what advice would you give to upcoming leaders?

Our plans involve two phases of growth. Firstly, we aim to double our capacity by expanding our existing facilities. Land acquisition has alreadybeen completed, and we are currently awaiting Environmental Clearance from the Indian Government. Secondly, we are exploring the establishment of a greenfield, integrated steel plant from Ore to Tor Steel with an estimated capacity of approx. 1 million. These expansion initiatives form our roadmap for the coming years. My advice to upcoming leaders would be to prioritize hard work and give their best in every endeavour. Focusing on the goal and implementing small, incremental improvements daily can lead to significant success over time. Additionally, be open to learning and continuously strive for personal and professional growth. Embrace the concept of being a lifelong learner and commit to giving your work your utmost dedication each day.

Sandeep Lalwani, Director, Lalwani Ferro Alloys

Sandeep is a distinguished professional with a strong presence in the ferroalloys industry. Sandeep is known for his strategic vision, transparent communication, and emphasis on team building. His commitment to continuous learning, adaptability to new technologies, and focus on customer satisfaction make him a respected leader in the industry.