Mr. Shrinand Kamlakar Palshikar
Chairman and Managing Director
&
Ms. Sangita Shrinand Palshikar
Non-Executive Non-Independent Director
A car accelerates on a busy highway. A textile machine operates continuously for hours. A healthcare device performs with remarkable accuracy. An aircraft system functions thousands of feet above the ground. Behind these everyday moments are countless engineering elements working tirelessly within machines and equipment. Though rarely seen, these products play an important role in modern life.
For decades, India’s industrial sector has supplied engineering solutions to industries across the globe. What began as a small production capability has gradually evolved into advanced product development, engineering expertise and international competitiveness. Indian companies today are increasingly participating in global supply chains while investing in technology, sustainability and innovation.
Among the leaders contributing to this evolution are Mr. Shrinand K. Palshikar and Mrs. Sangita Shrinand Palshikar, the founding team behind SKP Bearing Industries Ltd.
When the company was established in 1991, their vision extended beyond building a business. They sought to establish a company that showcased the capabilities of Indian engineering, developed products for international markets and generated opportunities through industrial advancement.
While Shrinand Palshikar contributed expertise in production engineering, industrial systems and operations, Sangita Palshikar brought strengths in finance, administration and business management. Together, they laid the foundation for what would gradually evolve into one of India’s recognized names in rolling elements and engineering solutions.
Today, SKP Bearing Industries offers industrial steel balls, needle rollers, cylindrical rollers, precision pins and customized solutions serving sectors such as automotive, textile, healthcare, aerospace, cosmetics, industrial machinery and several others. Many of these products remain unseen by end users, yet they contribute significantly to the functioning of equipment and systems that people depend upon every day.
The company now operates three facilities in Gujarat and an international facility in La Talaudière, France. A defining milestone in its growth came with the acquisition of VGI, a French company with a heritage approaching a century.
The acquisition expanded SKP’s presence within Europe and established a stronger platform for serving customers across international markets through what is now known as SKP France.
Growth at SKP has been accompanied by a strong emphasis on responsible industrial practices. Renewable energy initiatives through windmills located across Gujarat, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, solar-powered operations, rainwater harvesting efforts and the company’s long-term aspiration of becoming a zero-discharge organization highlight its environmental focus.
Equally important is the company’s investment in people. Employee welfare measures including health check-up initiatives and residential facilities near manufacturing locations are complemented by the activities of SHRI Foundation, which supports education, healthcare, tree plantation, heritage restoration, food and clothing distribution, and various community development efforts.
While both founders continue to play important roles in shaping the company’s future, this conversation focuses on the engineering mind and entrepreneurial vision of Shrinand Kamlakar Palshikar, Chairman and Managing Director of SKP Bearing Industries Ltd., whose pursuit of manufacturing advancement has helped transform a small Indian enterprise into a growing international organization.
Mr. Shrinand Kamlakar Palshikar
Chairman and Managing Director
Ms. Sangita Shrinand Palshikar
Non-Executive Non-Independent Director
Q1. Your association with engineering began long before SKP Bearing Industries. What first sparked your interest in this field?
Engineering appealed to me because it connected ideas with practical outcomes.
As a student, I was always curious about how things functioned and how thoughtful design could improve efficiency. I enjoyed solving problems and finding better ways to do things. That curiosity eventually became the foundation of my professional life.
Q2. You graduated among the top students in your academic programs. How did your education influence your approach to business?
My academic years taught me how to think systematically. During my Master’s in Production Engineering at IIT Bombay, I learned that every challenge can be broken down into smaller parts and addressed methodically. That mindset has remained with me throughout my career, whether I am evaluating investments, entering new markets or planning future expansion.
Q3. Before becoming an entrepreneur, you spent several years building your professional foundation. What lessons did those experiences provide?
The early phase of my career exposed me to factory environments, quality systems, supply chains and business management. I learned how decisions made on paper ultimately affect people, customers and outcomes on the shop floor.
International exposure also broadened my perspective and helped me understand how businesses in different parts of the world approach productivity, quality and customer service. Those experiences gave me confidence, discipline and a practical understanding of how to build and scale a company.
Q4. What motivated you to establish SKP Bearing Industries in 1991?
I believed India possessed tremendous technical talent and entrepreneurial spirit. My aspiration was to build a company that could create quality products, serve customers consistently and contribute to the country’s industrial development.
We began with needle rollers and a small team. Over time, customer trust encouraged us to expand into additional product categories and new markets.
Q5. Looking back, what were some of the biggest challenges during the initial years?
The early years required patience and perseverance. Access to technology, financial resources, customer acceptance and market visibility were all significant challenges
Every stage demanded careful planning and disciplined execution. Those experiences taught us resilience and the importance of maintaining long-term relationships.
Q6. SKP today serves numerous industries. How did this diversification take place?
It happened gradually through customer engagement. As relationships developed, customers approached us with additional requirements beyond our original product range. This encouraged us to expand into industrial steel balls, cylindrical rollers, precision pins and tailor-made solutions. Today, our products serve sectors ranging from automotive and textile to healthcare, aerospace and cosmetics.
Q7. Many people may not realize how extensively your products are used. How would you describe their significance?
Most people encounter products containing our solutions every day without realizing it.
Whether it is a vehicle, medical equipment, textile machinery, industrial equipment or cosmetic packaging systems, these applications depend on products that enable smooth movement and consistent functioning. They may remain largely unnoticed, yet they contribute significantly to everyday life.
Q8. What inspired the decision to acquire VGI in France?
The decision was guided by a long-term vision. We wanted to establish a stronger presence within Europe while creating greater proximity to customers in the region.
VGI brought a rich heritage, strong customer relationships and valuable technical knowledge. We saw an opportunity to combine those strengths with SKP’s experience and create a stronger platform for future expansion.
Q9. How has the transition to SKP France benefited customers?
Customers today have easier access to local support within Europe while benefiting from the broader strengths of the SKP group.
The integration has improved responsiveness, expanded product offerings and created greater flexibility for serving international customers.
Q10. What does global expansion mean to you beyond business growth?
For me, it is an opportunity to demonstrate what Indian companies can achieve on the international stage.
When customers across different countries choose our products, it validates the dedication of our team and highlights the growing reputation of Indian industry.
Q11. Sustainability appears to be an important aspect of SKP’s operations. How do you approach it?
Responsible business practices should be part of every company’s long-term thinking. Our investments in wind energy, solar power and rainwater harvesting are guided by the belief that economic progress and environmental responsibility should advance together. Our long-term aspiration is to operate as a zero-discharge company.
Q12. After more than three decades in this field, what excites you most about India’s future?
India has an exceptional combination of talent, ambition and adaptability.
Young professionals are embracing technology, businesses are investing in innovation and the country is becoming increasingly integrated with international supply networks. These developments create tremendous possibilities for the future.
Q13. What is your vision for SKP Bearing Industries over the next decade?
We aim to continue expanding our international presence while investing in technology, research and product development.
Our focus remains on serving a diverse range of industries through industrial steel balls, needle rollers, cylindrical rollers, precision pins and customer-specific solutions. Alongside business expansion, we will continue investing in environmental initiatives, employee welfare and community development.
Ultimately, we hope to contribute positively to industry and society while showcasing the strength of Indian enterprise on a global platform.
Shripada Patil
Shrichi Palshikar
After speaking with
Mr. Shrinand Palshikar about engineering, business growth and international expansion,
it becomes equally important to understand another pillar behind SKP Bearing Industries’ evolution.
Every successful enterprise has its own balance of technical vision and human understanding, strategic thinking and practical execution. At SKP, that balance has long been represented by Sangita Shrinand Palshikar.
When SKP Bearing Industries was established in the early 1990s, the industrial sector remained largely male dominated, particularly in smaller towns where opportunities available to women were far more limited than they are today. Entrepreneurship itself presented significant challenges, and active participation of women in industrial businesses was far less common.
Yet Sangita Palshikar chose to become part of the company’s foundation at a time when many women were expected to limit their aspirations to conventional roles. Armed with a background in business administration and finance, she became an integral part of SKP’s growth, contributing across administration, finance, people management and strategic planning.
Over the years, her role extended far beyond boardroom discussions. Alongside her professional responsibilities, she balanced family life, motherhood and community engagement while helping build a company that today serves customers across multiple continents.
Today, as Non-Executive Director of SKP Bearing Industries Ltd., Trustee of SHRI Foundation, former President of Rotary Club of Wadhwan, President of the Business Women Wing and Advisory Board Member of the Women SME Forum, she continues to advocate for entrepreneurship, women’s participation in business and community development.
Her achievements have earned recognition at the national level, including the
Equally fulfilling for her is seeing the next generation actively contributing to the company’s future.
Her daughters, Shrichi Palshikar and Shripada Patil, hold leadership responsibilities while her extended family members Mr. Pankaj Patil, Director – Operations and Mr. Vikrant Saharan, Director – Administration continues to support various aspects of the organization’s growth. Amidst these responsibilities, she also cherishes her role as a wife, mother and grandmother.
In the following conversation, Sangita Palshikar shares her experiences of building a business, responding to challenges as a woman entrepreneur and balancing multiple responsibilities across family, community and industry.
Mr. Vikrant Saharan,
Director - Administration
Mr. Pankaj Patil,
Director - Operations
Q1. When SKP Bearing Industries was established in the early 1990s, entrepreneurship itself was challenging and women in industry were relatively uncommon, particularly in smaller towns. What convinced you to step into that space?
At that time, there were very few examples of women actively participating in industrial businesses. However, I never viewed business as something restricted to a particular gender. I believed that if one could contribute meaningfully, one should participate wholeheartedly.
When we started SKP, there was a shared vision between Shrinand and me. We understood the challenges ahead, but we also recognized the potential. Rather than standing on the sidelines, I wanted to be actively involved in helping build the company.
Q2. In the early years, what role did you play behind the scenes that many people may not know about today?
The early years required everyone to perform multiple responsibilities simultaneously. I was involved in administration, finance, documentation, people management and strategic planning.
When a company is young, every decision has a direct impact on its future. Those years taught me the importance of discipline, resource management and attention to detail.
Q3. Mr. Shrinand Palshikar is often associated with engineering and business expansion. How would you describe your contribution to SKP’s growth?
Our roles were complementary. While he focused extensively on technical development, customers and business expansion, I concentrated on finance, administration, internal systems and people-related matters.
Building a company requires many different strengths working together. Sustainable growth is possible when every aspect of the business receives equal attention.
Q4. You helped build SKP while simultaneously managing family responsibilities. Looking back, what were the biggest challenges during that phase?
The biggest challenge was balancing multiple responsibilities without allowing one area to suffer.As a wife, mother and business leader, every day required prioritization and discipline. There were demanding periods, but family support played a very important role. We always believed that growth at work and stability at home should complement each other.
Q5. Today, both your daughters occupy leadership positions within the company. What does that transition mean to you personally?
It is rewarding to see them contributing meaningfully to the company. They have earned their positions through education, dedication and hard work.
Watching the next generation participate actively in the business brings fresh perspectives and new ideas. It is encouraging to see the values and principles on which the company was built continue through a new generation of leadership.
Q6. Few families successfully transition leadership across generations while maintaining professional governance. How has SKP approached this?
We have always encouraged professional thinking and accountability.
Family members entering the business are expected to contribute meaningfully, take responsibility and continue learning. The objective has always been to build a strong institution that remains relevant for future generations.
Q7. You received the Best Woman Entrepreneur in India Award from the President of India. What significance did that recognition hold for you?
It was certainly a proud moment, but I viewed it as recognition for the efforts of everyone associated with the company.
Awards are encouraging because they validate years of hard work. At the same time, they also remind us that there is always more to achieve.
Q8. As a woman leader, what changes have you witnessed in Indian industry over the past three decades?
The change has been remarkable. Today, women are participating across leadership, finance, technology, entrepreneurship and industrial sectors. Opportunities have expanded considerably, and families are increasingly encouraging women to pursue professional ambitions.The future appears very promising.
Q9. Many young women hesitate to enter industrial sectors because they perceive them as male dominated. What would you tell them?
Every field presents its own challenges, regardless of gender.
Rather than focusing on whether a sector is traditionally male-dominated, focus on developing knowledge, gaining experience and creating value through your work. Over time, meaningful contributions speak for themselves. Today, women have greater access to education, mentorship and professional opportunities than ever before. I encourage them to pursue their ambitions wholeheartedly and participate wherever their interests and abilities take them.
Q10. Beyond business, you have remained deeply involved in Rotary, industry associations and community initiatives. Why has social engagement always been important to you?
Business and society are closely connected.
When communities progress, businesses also benefit. Through various initiatives, I have always tried to contribute wherever possible and support activities that create meaningful impact.
Q11. As Trustee of SHRI Foundation, what kind of impact do you hope to create?
Our objective is simple: contribute positively to people’s lives.
Whether through education, healthcare support, environmental initiatives, heritage conservation or assistance for underserved communities, every effort can make a meaningful difference.
Q12. SKP has invested in renewable energy, water conservation and employee welfare. Why were these areas important to you?
Long-term success should benefit all stakeholders
Environmental responsibility, employee well-being and community development are closely connected to the future of any company. These initiatives reflect our belief that business growth and social responsibility should progress together.
Q13. You hold several leadership positions beyond SKP. How have those experiences influenced your perspective?
Working with diverse groups of people exposes you to different ideas, challenges and opportunities.Those experiences have broadened my understanding of leadership and reinforced the importance of collaboration, empathy and continuous learning.
Q14. What continues to inspire you after more than three decades in business?
The opportunity to contribute and create positive impact.
Whether it is helping a business grow, supporting employees, mentoring young professionals or contributing to society, there is always meaningful work to be done.
Q15. When future generations look back at your contribution, what would you like them to remember?
I would like them to remember that great achievements are built through perseverance, values and collective effort
If my work encourages even a few women to pursue their ambitions, create meaningful careers and contribute positively to society, I would consider that a worthwhile legacy.
For more details:-
www.skpbearings.com
