Mrs. Pooja Sood , CEO – Surya Manufacturing Company
From an early stage, I was drawn to manufacturing, fascinated by how raw materials transform into precision-engineered products. When we started producing machine lamps, India heavily relied on imports. This gap inspired me to indigenize machine lamps, driven by my passion for innovation and problem-solving.
Entering a male-dominated sector posed challenges—I had to continuously prove my technical expertise and leadership capabilities. Earning credibility required persistence, but I viewed these challenges as opportunities. Thankfully, I experienced ease in business despite being a woman. Through perseverance and strategic thinking, I carved a niche in the industry, leading a successful manufacturing business while inspiring other women to step into this field with confidence.
One of the most impactful projects I led was introducing energy-efficient lighting solutions to replace traditional incandescent machine lamps. These lamps consumed excessive energy and failed frequently, increasing downtime and maintenance costs. Recognizing this issue, we developed a cost-effective CFL retrofit that reduced energy consumption by 70% and extended lifespan to over two years. With an ROI of less than four months, it became a game-changer, paving the way for our future LED-based innovations.
The role of women in Indian manufacturing is evolving. More women are entering leadership, engineering, and operations roles, proving that manufacturing is not just for men. With automation and digitization reducing the need for physical labor, intellect and innovation now drive the industry. At SMC, over 70% of our staff are women. We provide them with a safe work environment, decent working hours, and well-deserved recognition.
To foster inclusivity and diversity, organizations must take crucial steps:
- Encourage education and skill development through collaborations with technical institutes, scholarships, and mentorship programs.
- Implement inclusive hiring policies that promote fairness and diversity.
- Enhance workplace safety and infrastructure with hygienic facilities and transportation support.
- Provide leadership and growth opportunities through mentorship and training programs.
- Ensure equal pay and recognition, fostering a culture of meritocracy.
My biggest inspiration has been my husband, Mr. Deepak Sood, who started with humble beginnings in 1996 and built a successful organization. His guidance and business acumen helped me navigate challenges and establish myself in manufacturing.
My advice to young women: maintain quality and innovation—excellence in product development is key to success. Manufacturing offers immense opportunities for those willing to take the plunge.
The Indian manufacturing sector is undergoing a transformation with automation, smart factories, and Industry 4.0. AI, IoT, robotics, and data analytics are revolutionizing production, making it more efficient and sustainable. With ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives, India is set to become a global manufacturing hub.
Women can play a crucial role in this transformation by leading in tech and innovation, contributing to digital manufacturing, driving sustainability initiatives, and mentoring the next generation. To accelerate this shift, organizations must invest in skill development and create inclusive workplaces. The future of manufacturing is shaped not just by technology but also by diversity and innovation—and women will be at the forefront of this change.