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Sanket Kulkarni

Managing Director of Pooja Castings Pvt Ltd

Brings 16 years of experience and expertise in operations management. He has actively represented the company in national forums such as MCCIA, CII, ACMA, NADCA, and GDC Tech and was a part of the Indian contingent that represented the Indian foundry industry at NADCA in 2019. In addition, Sanket has shared his knowledge through lectures on new product development and digitisation in the foundry sector across multiple locations in India.

With a background in mechanical engineering and post-graduation in tool and die design, Sanket has played a significant role in transforming Pooja Castings from a small enterprise to an organised private limited company. In addition, he has spearheaded the company’s technological advancements and system orientation, leading digital initiatives.

Sanket’s vision is to make Pooja Castings a 1000 crore company by 2032, believing in the potential of ordinary individuals to achieve extraordinary things when they focus their actions in the right direction. He emphasises adherence to the law of the land and expects his team members to follow suit. Quality and timely delivery are paramount to him, and he ensures his team is satisfied, committed, and motivated to take care of the company.

Outside work, Sanket enjoys weightlifting, gym workouts, and playing country songs on the saxophone. He believes that the essence of business lies in its people and strives to create an environment where his team can thrive.

Deepak Survase

Plant Head - Pooja Castings Pvt Ltd – (Foundry Division)

My journey at Pooja Castings began in 2005 as a Trainee Junior Engineer. Now, I have the honour of serving as the Plant Head.

In 2007, I was promoted to Senior Engineer, and by 2010, I stepped up to the position of Assistant Manager. In 2014, I advanced to the role of Manager – Production. By 2016, I was tasked with the responsibility of Foundry Incharge.

In 2018, my role expanded, giving me additional responsibility for Supply Chain Management while also overseeing Foundry Manufacturing. In 2020, I was promoted to Supply Chain Management Head.

Fast forward to 2022, and I was given another great opportunity as the Plant Head. This marks my 18th year with the company, a journey that has been deeply satisfying on a professional, personal, and family level. The company has given me an incredible platform for growth, pushing me to improve consistently.

Living a happy and healthy life with the PCPL family, I plan on continuing this journey for as long as I can work and contribute.

Mr. D D Kumbhar

I joined Pooja Castings Pvt Ltd in 2000 as a Foundry Manager, bringing my experience from Piston Industries. Under the guidance of Chairman Mr Anil S Kulkarni, I started my career with hand-operated dies at the company. As we transitioned to machine-operated dies, the company began to experience growth. In 2008, I was promoted from Manager to Plant Head to Technical Director (Foundry).

From 2010 onwards, we embarked on a journey of innovation. We designed the GDC Tilt Gravity Versatile machine, developed multi-cavity dies, introduced heat treatment processes, and implemented a drop bottom furnace. We also established India’s largest Centrifugal Impregnation plant, contributing to our substantial growth. During this time, I pursued my PhD in “Effective Practices and Metallurgy in Production of Aluminum Alloys and Critical Die Castings,” combining theoretical and practical studies.

I received immense support from our dynamic Managing Director, Mr Sanket Kulkarni, in overcoming the challenges faced in GDC and achieving exceptional casting quality. Alongside the company’s growth, I experienced personal development in terms of technical knowledge, technical capabilities, and financial advancements.

The company has also allowed me to share my expertise as a faculty member in technical forums such as GDC Tech, Alucast, IIF, ARAI, and engineering colleges. Over time, my relationship with the company has evolved into that of a family member. Both our Chairman and Managing Director are committed to retaining talented employees and continuously supporting their professional development.