In an exclusive conversation with Kaushal Mehta, Managing Director of Walplast, we delve into the company’s remarkable journey as India’s 3rd largest Wall Putty manufacturer and a leading exporter. With a strong emphasis on innovation, sustainability, and customer-centricity, Walplast has set new industry benchmarks through its NABL-accredited R&D labs, eco-friendly manufacturing practices, and a robust international presence across 23+ countries.
Kaushal Mehta shares insights into the strategic initiatives that have propelled Walplast’s growth, the company’s approach to delivering superior customer experiences through its HomeSure brand, and the vision behind its commitment to sustainability. As the company scales operations across multiple geographies, he also highlights the challenges and opportunities in global markets, particularly in the GCC and North & Central Africa. With a workforce of over 1,000 employees and a Great Place to Work recognition, Walplast stands as a testament to fostering excellence both in products and people.
Join us as we explore Walplast’s journey, its industry-leading innovations, and the roadmap for future expansion in this insightful interaction with Kaushal Mehta.
1. Walplast is the 3rd largest manufacturer of Wall Putty in India and a leading exporter. What strategic initiatives have helped Walplast achieve this position, and how do you plan to sustain growth in a competitive market?
Walplast’s position as the 3rd largest Wall Putty manufacturer in India and a leading exporter is a result of its unwavering focus on quality, innovation, and customer-centricity. Our key strategic initiatives include substantial investments in cutting-edge technology and NABL-accredited R&D labs to develop top-notch products. Moreover, a robust distribution network nationwide, coupled with a firm commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly practices, has bolstered our market dominance. To ensure sustained growth, our focus remains on expanding our product range, enriching customer value, and advancing our export endeavours, especially in flourishing markets like the GCC and North & Central Africa.
2. With NABL-accredited R&D labs and cutting-edge technology, Walplast places a strong emphasis on innovation. Can you share insights into how your R&D efforts have influenced product performance and customer satisfaction?
Walplast prioritizes innovation through its NABL-accredited R&D labs and advanced technology. This commitment significantly enhances product performance and customer satisfaction. The company’s R&D efforts focus on continuously refining product formulations, ensuring they meet evolving customer needs with unmatched quality and durability. By implementing stringent quality control measures and actively seeking customer feedback, Walplast maintains high satisfaction levels across various markets.
Moreover, the integration of cutting-edge technology in their research facilities underscores Walplast’s dedication to creating superior building materials that not only align with market demands but also exceed customer expectations. This approach has solidified Walplast’s reputation as a leader in the building materials industry, contributing to both product excellence and enhanced customer experiences.
3. Walplast’s vision incorporates the protection of ecology and natural resources. Could you elaborate on the specific steps the company has taken to ensure sustainable practices in its manufacturing processes and business operations?
Walplast is dedicated to sustainability, weaving eco-conscious practices throughout its manufacturing and operations. By utilizing eco-friendly raw materials, energy-efficient processes, and cutting-edge waste management systems, the company minimizes its environmental impact. Initiatives such as water conservation, reduced carbon emissions, and the adoption of renewable energy sources like solar power reflect this commitment.
Under its Homesure brand, Walplast presents products like MasterTouch Paints with low VOCs, Waterproof Putty containing recycled materials, and Self-Curing Plaster that not only conserves water but also reuses byproducts such as fly ash. Furthermore, sustainable practices like thin-layer technology, eco-sand utilization, and the recycling of stone byproducts underscore the solid commitment to environmentally responsible production. Walplast’s endeavours epitomize its dedication to both preserving the planet and fostering innovation.
4. Walplast emphasizes customer value addition as a core focus. How does the company ensure consistent delivery of superior customer experiences through its HomeSure brand and across its extensive network of distributors, dealers, and influencers?
At Walplast, our commitment to customer value drives us. Under our HomeSure brand, we offer premium products like MasterTouch Paints, Wall Putty, Tile Adhesive, Gypsum products, and Construction Chemicals. Designed for durability, sustainability, and ease of use, our range meets diverse construction needs. We empower our distributors, dealers, and influencers through training and technical support, fostering collaboration for expert service. With a reliable supply chain, we ensure product availability and prompt assistance. By prioritizing sustainability and customer satisfaction, we deliver not just products, but enduring solutions that forge trust and strong relationships with all stakeholders of the Homesure brand.
5. Walplast exports to over 23 countries. What challenges and opportunities have you encountered in expanding to international markets, particularly in the GCC region and North & Central Africa? How do you tailor your offerings to meet diverse regional needs?
Expanding internationally to over 23 countries, including the GCC region and North & Central Africa, has brought forth a mix of challenges and opportunities for Walplast. One significant challenge lies in navigating the varied cultural, regulatory, and economic landscapes of each market. Yet, this diversity also opens doors for product diversification and accessing new customer segments. To address these differences, Walplast customizes its offerings by conducting thorough market research to create products that align with local requirements, fostering product relevance and robust customer relationships. Our emphasis on quality and sustainability strikes a chord with global consumers, contributing to our continued success in international markets.
6. With direct employment of over 1,000 individuals and a strong commitment to recognizing employee contributions, how does Walplast maintain a motivated and engaged workforce while scaling operations across multiple geographies?
Employing over 1,000 individuals, Walplast fosters a motivated workforce through a culture of recognition and empowerment. By offering avenues for continuous learning, career progression, and engagement programs, we nurture a positive work environment. While expanding operations across diverse geographies, our commitment to inclusivity and employee empowerment remains unwavering. We believe in enabling our teams to assume responsibility for their roles, fostering a sense of ownership that fuels their contributions to the company’s achievements.
Furthermore, the group company has recently received Great Place to Work recognition, underscoring our dedication to creating a supportive and fulfilling workplace for all our employees. This acknowledgment reinforces our ongoing efforts to maintain high morale and performance standards across all our global locations.
