MAHADEV CHOUGULE - From Helper to The President of Small-Scale Industries Association.

By BWA Envoy
January 03, 2022
3 Minutes Read

Mahadev Chougule has come a long way – from a helper at a lathe factory at Udyambag, to the newly elected President of Small-Scale Industries Association, Belgaum. He was only 12 when his father’s automobile repair business fell on hard times. To help his family, he took up a newspaper delivery route for a monthly salary of fifteen rupees. He did not study beyond school due to the lack of finances and landed a job as a helper at a lathe factory, earning thirty rupees a month. Being a helper, he could not operate the lathe machine, but he soon learned the ropes from afar - thanks to his determination and passion for learning. When the factory turner was fired, young Mahadev stepped in and displayed his skill which gained the admiration of the factory owner.

At 18, Chougule decided to set up his business. His employer, who had faith in his ability gave him the first lathe machine. Cash strapped Chougule approached his mother for a loan. With the sale of her jewelry, Chougule managed to get the seed money to start his business. And that is how his business venture got its name – Alankar Enterprises (www.alankargroup.net).

His introduction to the CNC machines by Ace Micromatic in 2002 proved to be a game-changer in his business. Chougule was initially apprehensive about procuring the CNC machines. It was not just about the high costs but also his lack of knowledge of computers and English. However, he soon realized the business opportunities that would open-up with these machines. Thanks to KFFC, a cooperative bank, he could secure a 15 lakh rupees loan. It was the beginning of a long- lasting relationship with Ace – from a single CNC machine to twenty CNC machines.

Nearly three decades later, Alankar Enterprises is a leading casting and machining supplier not only nationally but globally as well. Their impressive client list includes global and national players like Dana, SKF, KABRA, Kirloskar, etc. What started as a small workshop at Udyambag Belgaum, with just one lathe machine, is now a globally recognized organization with over 25 CNCs, 2 HMCs, 1 VMC, 1 VLT machine. Today, the company has an annual turnover of Rs 10 Crores – a far cry from the modest beginnings of Rs. 35,000.

With Mahadev Chougule at the helm and ably supported by his brothers and children - Alankar Enterprises is set to become a globally recognized organization for machine castings.