The JTM bureau spoke to Vijay Gopani, Director, Harsh Precious Metals on the evolution of the company and got his opinion on the future of the manufacturing sector post tax regime. Excerpts:
The Indian Manufacturing sector is evolving with the advent of latest tech and machine tools to enable finesse in production and increase in volumes. What is your opinion on this and do you think this phenomenon of increase in mass production is healthy and will it affect the price points?
The Jewellery purchase previously was an investment & protection for Women especially in a country like India. Year 1980 onwards there was a thrust given to jewellery manufacturing sector and the sector grew to serve not only the domestic market, but also satisfied the appetite for excellent jewelley craftsmanship for the European and US markets. SEEPZ and many other free zones were developed thereafter for the evolution of the jewelley manufacturing sector. Large scale jewellery needs were satisfied for large scale chain shops, departmental stores etc in the International and domestic markets specifically the requirements of age groups between 18 to 35. So i believe mass production is indeed healthy as this balances exceptionally well the price points and design creativity. Consumers too get a better choice while purchasing jewellery.
What is your take on the government duties and levies concerning the machinery sector? Do you think that the present structure is progressive especially the GST and any other import duties that are existent in the current policy?
Before GST any goods & service depended on size of the turnover as various taxes were applied for organized and unorganized sector. So there was low scope for large scale machinery manufacturers and the process was tedious when it came to tax filing with forms such “c” form, CST, VAT, Service Tax, Import Duty, - CVD/ Octroi, EntryTax, Quality, standardization, Improvement, Research & Development etc. After GST it is great opportunity to grow along with world Markets. If the jewellery manufacturers are importing machines they get rebate by custom duty, time is saved, paper work has reduced, consultants, (various agent involved) are now non existent and there is a one window to most of the taxations. This will also help the Make In India policy of the government. We should also involve more number of International manufacturing companies, Institutions to collaborate and involve governmental bodies for support for the wellbeing and expansion of the gem and jewellery sector.
The Indian Manufacturing sector is evolving with the advent of latest tech and machine tools to enable finesse in production and increase in volumes. What is your opinion on this and do you think this phenomenon of increase in mass production is healthy and will it affect the price points?
After the second world war the jewellery revolution took place and transited from manual to use of cutting edge tools for manufacturing. This phenomenon started from Rhod Islands, germany in the later part of 90’s and Italy and so on. The Technology that came in from Germany and Italy were robust and low on maintenance as compared to China and any other countries. Depending on the size of production that every manufacturing unit has they should go in for technology and machine tool that is different and that will their needs for manufacturing.
Harsh precious metals has been servicing the Indian jewellery segment for decades now. Tell us about all those important factors that have taken the company to a leadership status that it is today?
M/s Janata Manufacturers, established in 1953 headed by D.C. Gopani – Proprietor has now become a Group of Companies with Vijay D. Gopani of M/s. Aerodiam software (Bombay) Pvt. Ltd and M/s. Harsh Precious Metals Pvt Ltd. Started my career as an apprentice under the guidance of Mr. D.C. Gopani my father, at an early age of 16, initiated firstly in studying the jewellery requirements of this small business gave me the insight of understanding and approaching designers and craftsmen who then became my future customers from whom I bought raw material for manufacturing jewellery of the latest designs.
After graduation, I extended my area of business from Mumbai to other parts of India and later to the International Market. I gathered knowledge from every segment of the Gem & jewellery Industry with a goal of establishing myself in the business. I wanted to project the idea of a “Standard Product”.
In 1987, I was appointed by the Headway Trade Fairs ltd – organizers of the prestigious Hong Kong Jewellery and Watch Fairs, etc., branded as Asia’s No. 1 Business shows of its kind, as representative in India for their various exhibitions, Fashion, Watch and Jewellery Shows. This task was carried out with much success, appreciation and to the satisfaction of the Organizers. In recognition
We understand that the second generation is ready to take on the responsibilities in Harsh Precious Metals. What is it that you have planned for the young gen and also tell us the expansion strategy concerning the gem and jewellery sector in India in the near future?
Already Third Generation As Started.
First generation - Dhirajlal C. Gopani / Second Generation - Vijay D Gopani / Third generation – Harsh Gopani
Our philosophy is to come out with state of the art products and services with thorough process science, Research & Development, keeping Track records to keep up Standardization. We have in house Chemical Testing Lab & Physical Testing Lab. World Class Testing Machine requires on floor shop to achieve results and each product are conceived from own design room to Mfg. process to give consistency in quality. For the future we intend to integrate the front end process as back end processes is already taken care.
There are a number of exhibitions and shows happening in India. How important are they and do you really feel that they do provide value for the exhibitors especially the Technology and Machinery sector? If no, What is your suggestion on the improvements that needs to be carried out?
Exhibitions, we believe is a platform where you introduce yourself & your company products and services.visitor can see their Interest while comparing with other suppliers and get more knowledge and can take faster decisions.
Buyers Sellers meet benefits over all and every Manufacturing set up. According to their marketing strategy from to plan to choosing the right platform, choosing the right Audience is also as Important.
