Leaders are not always born, many are forged from the obstacles and fire of challenges that life throws. It is said that life is a continued string of changes and the smartest are those that adapt to these changes. Such is the story and personality of Kawaljit Singh, a dynamic leader in the Rubber industry known for heading one of the most renowned tyres and tubes companies Dolfin Rubbers.
The rubber and tyres industry is a highly competitive and specialized one. The first production facility for rubber goods was created in Kolkata in 1921, beginning India's rubber industry, which has since developed and grown. The industry's export division has grown significantly in recent years along with meeting all types of domestic requirements. The massive domestic market, increasing industrialization, persistent adjustments to the economy, and higher average living standards for the general public are the driving forces behind the exponential growth of the 21st century. Since 1980, Kawaljit has been involved in the tyres and tubes sector, starting with smallscale trading, to now being one of the leading manufacturers of over 230 SKUs and exporters of rubber products. From humble beginnings to leading the industry’s charge, Kawaljit has come a long way through determination, persistence, and a visionary outlook.
Early Beginnings
Kawaljit started working at a very young age after the demise of his father. Starting with simple part-time jobs while studying in the 9th grade, he moved on to pursue a primary graduation degree from the Government College at Ludhiana. During this time as well, he undertook a retail business of tyres and tubes, while he spent his evenings studying for the degree. He then pursued an LLB correspondence from Jammu University. “I started my trading business of tyres and tubes in 1980 and from retailing, whole-selling then started marketing of different brands of tyres and tubes till Feb 1993. Later on, I joined Falcon Tyres (a subsidiary of Dunlop India) as a GSA and was looking after the company’s office in Ludhiana further controlling their marketing of Dunlop Brand of 2/3 wheelers tyres and tubes for Punjab, J&K, Himachal, and Chandigarh.
In 1995, after Falcon Tyres stopped doing marketing through GSA, I along with my wife incorporated this DOLFIN RUBBERS and we both started working as the Founder Director of the firm”, shares Kawaljit Singh. Today, the company has an elaborate network working PAN India. Dolfin separates itself from the competition by offering services and specializing in replacement market sales. During the growth journey, the firm stressed on small counters which helped in strategically creating a big brand over time, gaining public trust and stability in the market.
Overcoming Challenges
Incorporated in 1995, the company grew gradually, establishing a manufacturing plant of tubes and tyres in May 1997.
At this time the firm has only manufactured a few sizes of tyres including 2/3 wheelers. However, soon the product portfolio increased to the manufacturing of cars, SCV, LCV, ADV, tractor front, and rear as well as the truck range also. While expanding the product portfolio, the company also started working on expanding its reach PAN India by appointing distributors and dealers. This allowed the firm to focus efforts on maintaining product quality while easily expanding its national presence. Throughout the journey, the company overcame various challenges and witnessed waves of ups and downs strengthening the will to emerge as the leader.
“The most challenging task ever is to sustain better quality of tyres and tubes. We have developed our best R&D labs to overcome all these qualitative products. The most challenging aspect was to create a network in PAN India for our product. I took it as a challenge and it became my passion then I started visiting each and every corner of India and started approaching prospective customers. Gradually, in a few years we were able to set up a huge network selling our Dolfin brand with a good brand image”, further shares Kawaljit.
Milestones Achieved
One of the firm’s biggest achievements has been building a vast and strong network of Dolfin distributors across the length and breadth of India that offers constant support to the company by aiding in the achievement of sales targets, positive market reception, as well as building relationships with clients. The firm has capably built a transparent and loyal network that further helped the firm overcome the obstacles that came in way. On account of such successes, the firm was able to successfully launch its IPO on BSE in 2018, which not many of its competitors can say. Furthermore, the firm expanded into a new tyre plant for 2/3-wheeler tyres in both tube tyres and tubeless tyres configurations in June 2021, amid the global pandemic.
Kawaljit Believes In The Power Of Periodic Changes & It Is One Of The Things That Has Helped The Firm Stay On Top Of Its Game Through The Years
“I along with my wife incorporated this company as a Founder Director and have been working as a chairman of this company for the last 28 years and during this time we have learned a lot. One of the key learnings for us during this time has been about how challenging it is to enshrine in today’s market and to follow strict quality measures. We need to be abreast of the changes in the market.
The most challenging part is to make available the right amount of funds at the right time and at the right place. Having an understanding of this has helped us seize the right opportunities and leverage all the tools and resources at our disposal to help achieve our goals”, further shares Kawaljit. Kawaljit believes in the power of periodic changes and it is one of the things that have helped the firm stay on top of its game through the years. Adopting new technologies, like changing and upgrading manufacturing procedures as well as manufacturing units/plants like manufacturing of butyl rubber tubes instead of natural rubber allowed the company to create a better product. Many such changes incorporated over the years help the firm to elevate to an upper level and reach the same status as the bigger companies. He uses revolutionary changes to enhance the existing office structure as well as to ensure seamless operations.
"The most challenging task ever is to sustain better quality of tyres & tubes. We have developed our best r&d labs to overcome all these qualitative products"
Vision for the Future
“My guiding leadership philosophy understands core principles, perspectives, and values. True morals of always believing in purpose, taking full responsibility for every core, making sound and timely decisions, maintaining empathy towards the Dolfin family, and most important being optimistic. To lead a business successfully, we need to have a very clear reflection of our business values, dream big, and always be on ready step to create a strategy for realizing our own business. As far as the visionary approach is concerned it is important to remain clear and transparent in your work and most importantly is to be a good paymaster, which will lead you to touch heights”, lastly shares Kawaljit.
His vision for creating a network supported by loyalty and love has enabled the company to receive a high status in the market. Keeping this at heart, Kawaljit’s vision is based on fulfilling one’s core values, and he advises young entrepreneurs to dream big, but also take action to accomplish those dreams. An inspiring leader, Kawaljit and his wife have been an inspiration in the industry, with many more successes waiting for them.
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