Sarda Plywood Industries, Makers of ‘Duro’ are celebrating their successful 60 years in wood panel industry. Sarda Plywood is known for long term business association with their dealers. In this issue, The Ply Reporter presents interaction with Elite Dealers of Duro Mr. Bhanwar Lal Joshi of MJ Enterprises, Sarat Bose Road, Kolkata.
MJ Enterprises was a brain child of Mr Bhanwar Lal Joshi who was born and brought up in Sikar, Rajasthan had worked for Andman Timber Industries for over 12 years in Kolkata. With the support of the then leading players in the industry he stated his business in plywood industry and incepted MJ Enterprises in 1978. As the time passed away his business has grown to Bihar and Odisha. He believes that in his growth and development, DURO played a considerable role and during 39 years of relationship with DURO they together grew up to many folds. The Ply Reporter interacted with Mr Bhanwar Lal Joshi talking to their close relation with DURO. Here are the words of Mr Joshi who answered himself each and every question asked to him.
Q. How long have you been associated?
A. Reminiscing over the 4-decade long journey, I have enjoyed each one of these thirty-nine incredible years spent with this company ever since 1978.
Q. When and how did you come to know about DURO, what is your experience with this company during this time-period?
A. Associations are found upon the principles of business interest for the advancements of their company members as one can achieve more collectively, than by working alone. The success I have achieved during these 39 years of my career in the plywood industry would not have been possible without the support of Late Mr. P.D. Chitlangia provided me with. I look forward to continuing my association with this organisation till eternity.
Q. Which one DURO’s product is very close to your heart and why?
A. Greatness is experienced by its constituents customers, dealers, associates, owners and business partners. This organisation is perfect as it has been performing well year after year. Quality is what a producer can guarantee to a customer and DURO is a good example of a company who understands that trust and quality is what that matters and it takes into consideration the expectations of a customer. They have various varieties of products to offer to this oligopolistic market of plywood, decorative veneers and flush doors. It is a simple thing to quote that DURO is a house under whose one roof, we can get all the amenities needed to survive throughout our life. Amongst the various options offered by DURO, Puma ply and DURO boards are one of my favourites and blockbuster sellers as they match every customer’s needs perfectly and fits into their budget just like bread and butter. In these 39 years of my association with DURO, I have never received any quality complaints against these products and the customers are fully satisfied.
Q. Sarda completes its successful 60 years, what is your message to Team DURO?
I started my plywood business in the year 1978 with DURO brand of Sarda Plywood and I feel extremely proud that till date we are successfully dealt together. It is the high-quality products, good after-sales service, hard work, desire and the spirit that has made this organisation what it is today. The warmth and welcoming nature of the company’s principals act as a cherry on the cake. Business anniversary is always a milestone to celebrate achievements and opportunities to set new goals. Today this organisation completes its 60 years and we congratulate them for their success. It is a wonderful achievement and I hope I always am a part of such moments of sheer joy and happiness. It is a pleasure to deal with this company.
Q. How brand DURO is important for the growth of a dealer?
A. My experience with DURO has helped my business to prosper and reach greater heights. Due to its affordable costs, the sales seem to inelastic in nature. After taking the dealership of DURO, my business has witnessed a rapid growth towards the profit curve. The brand has added value to the quality of products it sells.
Q. What is your expectation from the company?
DURO team must concentrate on maintaining the current quality and on improving their quality further in order to produce zero defect plywood and block-boards. Also, there should be a range of products being offered at lower prices, without compromising on the quality for it being more affordable to the lower parts of the society too.
Q. Give brief about yourself such as when and how did you enter this business, your growth story, your strengths etc?
A. I, Bhanwar Lal Joshi, was born and brought up in a small village near Sikar, Rajasthan. At the mere age of 17, I came to Calcutta, in search for a job, with only Rs10 in my pocket. To sustain a living, I tutored kids in the subjects of Hindi and Mathematics until 1965 when I got a job at Andaman Timber Industries with a salary of Rs 150 per month. After 12 years of service life, with time and God’s grace, I met some gracious people who held my hand and guided me to set my foot in the plywood industry as a business man. As time progressed, I managed to setup 2 shops which dealt in different brands and types of plywood, expanded my business in Odisha and Bihar. Since then, there was no looking back ever. I started dealing with DURO in 1978. As I was a quick leaner and a great team player, these qualities helped me prosper my business.
Q. Your future-plans and opinion about present market scenario?
A. During my entire career in the plywood industry, apart from appraisals and profits, I think I have earned a bunch of great and successful colleagues in my life. I would expect to gain some professional advancement in my future by being able to cope up with the new technological and digital banking, and mode of payments. The present market scenario is bad since, Goods and Service Tax (GST) overtook the market. I am not sure how we are going to cope-up with the high tax slab of 28% which is being charged from the plywood industry. Though GST has made business tough, I am glad that now solid players would survive and rule the market industry.