“We will create an island of excellence through focus on customer, employee-empowerment and continuous improvement.”- Mission Statement

  “Polyhydron will nurture an ethically managed organization. We will not exploit our

Customers, suppliers, government, society and nature” - Vision Statement

 Those 4 lines of hefty looking words are a brain child of Mr.Suresh 

Hundre, CMD

Polyhydron Pvt.Ltd. Belgaum. He does not run a business he runs Business Ashram, that

not me who says that, numerous case studies by prominent management Gurus mention the same thing.

Mr.Suresh Hundre a down to earth man aimed differently and achieved it. He dreamt of doing business ethically and yet grows the business 30% year after year, be debt free and cash rich.

Polyhydron is in the manufacturing of Industrial Hydraulic Valves, very back from 1981-82. Mobile Hydraulic Valves (Import Substitution) production added in the year 2001-02.

 When he took over the executive responsibility of the company in the year 1986,  anaging he show was easier said than done. With cash flow problems due to pending payments and very high inventory leading to pressure working capital management. Mr.Hundre analyzed the situation to find out that there was much non-compliance with regulatory requirements.

 He is influenced deeply by Swami Vivekanand, the scriptures and spirituality, the Gita & Ricardo Semler’s Maverick. He took the best from all and runs his organization as ‘business ashrama’ as he calls it, where “Honesty is not the best policy, it is the only policy!

 We are honest. We are transparent & we do not pay BRIBE.”

 The Ashrama itself is a place to see and believe. The first plant was constructed in hexagonal shaped structure, surrounding a central octagonal place. This layout provides more floor space, better lighting and ventilation. In Business Ashrama eight groups of three hexagonal structures are constructed. Each group is a ‘focused factory’ for specialized products dedicated to one customer.

 The word Ashrama is aptly used as the place gives a feeling of being close to the nature where ducks, fishes and turtles are also a part of life and also a Dhyan  Mandir .

Mr.Hundre does not pay any bribes anywhere. Customers were not given any credit, and the business was to be done only on payment, He scrapped the material store and established a transparent supplier management system. No price bargain with the customer and started following a transparent discount policy, known to all.

 He does not like pushing people to do duties, on the contrary he believes in creating an environment where people work without compromising ethics and morality. Which company will share its balance sheet with employees, Hundre’s company does it.

 Productivity, profit, growth such data are shared on a NOTICE board and anyone can question a financial transaction of the company.  He believes that any business big or small should be built on own financial strength then only one can achieve sustained growth.

Trust is the core in the company. Security guard is there only during night hours when no one is in the factory, as he does not question the honesty of his employees.

 Only one level of management exists between the CMD and workers and those are the co-oridinators. No supervision what so ever. The workers can stop the production at anytime if they notice some flaw in the product or the raw material. 

The Company maintains almost a paperless office and well networked MIS system. As there is no store for raw materials, the materials are brought Just in time directly to the workstation. Even the quantity brought in is not formally counted as Polyhydron has developed a respect with its suppliers. If something goes wrong only, the workers directly contact the supplier directly as they know the best.

Mr Hundre does not welcome any consultant in his office who may like to offer advice on how to reduce the tax burden! The company plans how they can pay more tax to the Government in the current year as compared to previous year!

 Mr. Hundre’s role models are Mahatma Gandhi, Kiran Bedi, Ratan Tata and Narayan Murthy. 

When he deiced to computerize the whole company all original hardware and software were brought for a high price almost double that of pirated, the employees decided that only half of the computers be bought and employees were ready on rotation basis.

 He does participate in social activities but it will be after 6 p.m. If he has to go somewhere his casual leave application will be on the notice board. In fact, all the employees have to do the same.

 A few more questions I asked to Mr.Suresh Hundre.  

Ø      Your view on Belgaum, its development over years and what you think is in store for it in the future.

 It is a Slow growing Industrial Place , mostly owned by Local People with Small Vision(There are very few exceptions)

Ø      Now that your son also handles some aspects of your business, do you think he will also carry your legacy forward?

Yes, Certainly.

Ø      How has been the support of your parents and family at home?

I had no support from my Parents for starting the Business, but my wife supports me 100% (She shares max. returns From the company -Dividend)

Ø      You have given so many lectures at so many places, any experience worth sharing here?

Once in GIT after my Lecture a North indian Student met me outside the hall and said “All what you talked inside the Hall is Bullshit- what is you comment” I replied “I Pity You”

Ø      You have made your factory a temple of ethics where, even I made my first ever industrial visit way back in 1996 we were impressed and till date people have the same feeling. How do you keep the legacy?

 Perspective, Patience & Persistence

Ø      You are very active in the social field, especially in social justice forum and in the fight to save Vaccine depot. What is your thought on the young generation and their contribution to back to the society?

Generally, Young Generation does not feel obliged to social commitments/responsibility. The young generation is more attracted to worldly pleasures at least efforts and no sacrifice.

Ø      Has you thought of retiring yourself form the day to day activities of the company?

Yes, definitely. I will play role of a mentor.

Ø      You believe in being simple and living simple. Has that raised some conflicts amongst your family members?

 My wife also comes from same middle class,  . My son also belives in simple living.

Ø      Your thoughts for upcoming entrepreneurs in Belgaum?

Have a Big Vision and Go Mad After it. Keep your personal agenda aside until you establish.

Ø      You believe in debt less company operation, but how do we achieve it, if we area first time entrepreneurs?

 Nothing  wrong in borrowing loans. The earlier you are out of it the better.

Ø      What relaxes you after a day’s work?

Social Work 

Ø      You have some hobbies, which keep you engrossed elsewhere?

Reading Spiritual Books

Ø      What do you think of this blog and its contribution to Belgaum?

 Excellent Keep it up.

After reading all this, I am a fan of Mr.Suresh Hundre. Many have their idols or role models like Sharukh Khan, Amir Khan, a few like Gandhi and Nehru, but to be successful in life the correct way is to follow Mr.Suresh Hundre. Its difficult but is the right path.

See company website http://www.polyhydron.com/