Trailblazing Women Leaders Driving Bharat’s Industrial Growth
In Bharat’s manufacturing sector, women are shaping industries with vision and impact. Leading this transformation is SKP Bearing Industries Ltd., a global force in rolling elements, driven by expertise and innovation.
Founded in 1991 by Sangita Palshikar and Shrinand Palshikar, SKP started as a small venture with big ambitions. Today, it has expanded internationally, including a strategic acquisition in France. But what truly sets SKP apart is its leadership—women driving its growth.
Led by three visionary women—a Co-Founder & Director, a Director of Strategic Systems, and a CFO & Business Development Director—SKP continues to advance with expertise in strategy, finance, and operations.
With a workforce strengthened by women, SKP has opened new avenues, particularly for talent emerging from Gujarat’s small towns. Their leadership marked a key milestone in 2025 with the establishment of SKP’s third plant in Surendranagar, dedicated to steel ball manufacturing.
At SKP, women are not just part of progress—they are leading the next era of manufacturing.
Q: You and Shrinand Palshikar started SKP Bearing Industries in 1991. What were the biggest challenges in the early years, and how did you overcome them?
As a first-generation entrepreneur, I entered manufacturing without a family business background or financial backing. My co-founder, Shrinand Palshikar, and I invested everything we had earned in our previous jobs to build this venture. In the beginning, gaining credibility with major clients took time. Our breakthrough came when we secured long-term contracts based on reliability and precision manufacturing. Step by step, we reinforced our foundation, shaping SKP into a name known for consistency and value.
Q: As a woman entrepreneur in a male-dominated industry, what were some of the unique hurdles you faced?
One of the earliest challenges was the assumption that women couldn’t lead technical operations or large-scale supply chains. In the beginning, many believed my role was limited to administration. But from establishing quality systems to strengthening employee relations, I have been deeply involved in every aspect—manufacturing decisions, financial planning, and client negotiations. Over time, expertise and persistence stand out. Leadership is about vision, adaptability, and the ability to mentor future leaders.
Q: SKP has been a strong advocate for women’s empowerment. How do you create an inclusive and supportive work environment?
We believe that manufacturing should be an open field for talent. SKP has been hiring and training women in technical roles—many of whom have grown within the organization. Beyond SKP, we have supported myriad social initiatives through our SHRI Foundation, focusing on education and skill development for women in engineering and business. Creating an inclusive workplace is about providing equal opportunities, mentorship, and a culture of growth.
Q: With SKP now a publicly listed company and expanding into Europe through the VGI acquisition, where do you see the company in the next decade?
Going public was a significant milestone, but it’s just the beginning. SKP is set to expand its global presence, particularly in Europe and North America, through strategic partnerships and investments in advanced manufacturing. The demand for high-performance precision balls, pins, needle rollers, and cylindrical rollers is growing, and we aim to bring Indian manufacturing expertise to a global scale. Automation, AI-driven quality control, & sustainable production will be central to this growth.
Q: SKP follows a sustainability-focused approach. What green manufacturing practices have been implemented?
Sustainability isn’t an add-on; it’s a core part of how we operate. Our facilities prioritize energy-efficient machinery, waste reduction, and optimized material usage. We have also integrated water recycling systems into production. The goal is to improve efficiency while reducing carbon footprint.
Q: Balancing business and family is a challenge. How have you managed both while mentoring the next generation?
There’s no perfect formula, but having the right support system makes all the difference. I’ve been fortunate to have people who stood by me, allowing me to give my best to both. Women don’t need empowerment—they need access to knowledge, skills, and the right opportunities. SKP has always been a collective effort, and as Shripada and Shrichi bring fresh perspectives, I strive to pass on the same values, trust, and guidance to the next generation of leaders.
Q: What message would you give to aspiring women entrepreneurs in engineering and manufacturing?
Manufacturing and engineering are fields of knowledge, strategy, and execution—gender has no role in defining capability. Be bold, be prepared, and never stop learning. The industry is evolving, and women hold the power to take India’s innovation worldwide.
Q: As the Quality & Systems Head, how do you ensure SKP maintains world-class standards in rolling elements manufacturing?
Quality isn’t just about meeting standards—it’s about consistently improving them. We have implemented AI-driven inspections, automated measurement systems, and Six Sigma methodologies to enhance product accuracy. We prioritize precision control at every stage—from sourcing raw materials to final dispatch. Our systems are designed to ensure that consistency in quality is always the natural outcome.
Q: How has innovation and digital transformation strengthened SKP’s manufacturing?
Smart manufacturing is the future. We have introduced IoT-based monitoring, predictive maintenance systems, and automated production lines to optimize efficiency. These innovations minimize downtime, ensure consistency, and elevate output quality. Our next step is advancing our factories to IIoT 4.0 standards.
Q: What lessons from your parents’ entrepreneurial experience influence your leadership?
Two key lessons stand out: resilience and forward-thinking decisions. They built SKP with long-term vision, discipline, and adaptability—qualities I apply in my role today.
Q: What’s next for you in SKP’s leadership?
I am dedicated to strengthening our manufacturing systems, expanding technological capabilities, and ensuring SKP remains at the forefront of global supply chains. Future leadership is about continuing the legacy while pushing new boundaries.
Q: Taking SKP public was a major milestone. How has this transformed financial planning and growth strategies?
Listing SKP on the stock exchange opened doors to broader investments, expansion opportunities, and stronger financial stability. We now have the ability to scale operations as we did with our third ball plant in Surendranagar, explore new markets, and invest in future-ready technologies without traditional financial constraints.
Q: How are you strengthening SKP’s global presence, especially after the VGI acquisition?
The acquisition of VGI France has provided a strong European foothold for SKP, and we are leveraging this to expand client networks and diversify our advanced product range. Our focus is on establishing the company as a preferred global supplier for high-precision rolling elements. Strategic partnerships and local market insights are the bedrock.
Q: Women in finance and manufacturing leadership roles are still rare. What advice would you give to young women entering these fields?
Master the fundamentals, build financial acumen, and always stay ahead of market trends. Leadership in these industries is about making informed, strategic decisions—not about fitting into a predefined mold. Be confident in your knowledge and let results speak for themselves.
Q: How do you feel about playing a role in the development of a global company celebrated for its innovation, sustainability, and ethical practices?
There is immense pride in seeing SKP grow from an idea to a globally recognized company. The real satisfaction comes from building something meaningful—an enterprise that stands for innovation, inclusivity, and sustainable progress. I hope our efforts ignite ambition in the next wave of women entrepreneurs, propelling Bharat’s manufacturing toward global excellence.
For more information,
skpbearings.com
