«When do we get going?», Massimo Nuti certainly wasn’t expecting such a reply when he spoke to Marino Vitali, current general manager of Sabo Hema Automotive, about his plans to expand to India.
That’s when it all started, during that conversation back in 2007.
Since then things have moved forward at great speed. Nuti and Vitali were already in India in October 2007. In 2008 the joint venture with Hema Engineering Industries was made official and on 10th January 2010 the factory in Gurgaon (18 kilometres from New Delhi) was inaugurated. “Eight days later we produced the first shock absorber in efficient working order, which is now in my Indian office” says Vitali, who moved to India with his wife on 3rd November 2009.
“Our plan was to transfer our technology, skills and professionalism there. The company was to specialise both in original parts (Oem) and in the aftermarket with the same standards of quality as the parts produced in Italy. Our aim was to transfer the style of the Roberto Nuti Spa group: cleanliness, order, efficiency and health, in order to guarantee the workforce the best working environment possible, with respect for people as well as cultural and religious traditions.” Vitali returned to Italy on 27th June 2012. “I’m still manager of the factory in a supervisory role and during 2013 I’ll travel to Gurgaon several times.”
The decision about India was taken with a view to internationalisation. “Before us, various competitors had already arrived and it was impossible for us to compete with products sent from Italy. Now we’re making up for lost time. In January we’ll celebrate our third year there and we’re looking to the future with optimism. Our objectives for 2013 include stability in orders from the parent company and an increase in business in India as well as in other Asian and middle eastern countries.”
V.Z.