Anuja Thukral, Director, Congmax Electro.

Section 1: Personal Journey and Vision

As the founder of Congmax Electro, what inspired you to start a company focused on industrial-grade automation components tailored for Indian conditions?

Starting Congmax Electro to develop industrial-grade automation components tailored for Indian conditions likely stemmed from a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities in the local market. Here are a few potential factors that inspired me:

• Local Expertise: Recognising that Indian industries face distinct environmental and operational challenges. This drove in me, a desire to create reliable, robust solutions specifically engineered to thrive in these conditions.
• Market Demand: Observing the growing demand for automation in Indian industries, fueled by the need for increased efficiency, productivity, and quality, I identified a gap in the market for high-quality, locally-tailored automation components for a compelling business opportunity.
• Innovation and Impact: The drive to innovate and contribute to the country's industrial growth.
• Passion for Engineering: A genuine passion for engineering and technology, combined with the entrepreneurial spirit to create solutions that make a tangible difference in the industrial landscape.

Your organisation has achieved an impressive turnover of Rs 42 crore. What were the key challenges you faced while scaling the business, and how did you overcome them?

Key challenges and overcoming strategies: Competing with established players as a new BRAND in the automation industry was a key challenge. Focusing on innovation, offering unique value propositions, and building strong relationships with customers, helped in staying ahead of market trends and continuously improving my product offer, by being agile and adaptable to changing market conditions and customer preferences.

Also as you grow, attracting and retaining skilled talent becomes increasingly important. Creating a positive work culture, offering competitive compensation and benefits, and providing opportunities for career growth helped in attracting and retaining the manpower.

Section 2: Achievements and Industry Contributions

Congmax Electro’s value proposition aligns with global standards while catering to local needs. How has this unique approach positioned your company in the competitive automation market?

Thinking Global and Acting Local has helped Congmax Electro to build a strong brand with unique value proposition helps in building a strong brand identity that is associated with quality, reliability, and local expertise. This brand strength has been leveraged in marketing and sales efforts to attract new customers and retain existing ones. Also Collaboration and Partnerships with global partners has further strengthened our competitive position. By staying committed to global standards and local needs, Congmax Electro has continuously improved its products and services. This commitment to excellence helps maintain a competitive edge and ensures long-term success in the market.

Innovation is a cornerstone of Congmax Electro. Could you share some examples of how your company has implemented innovative solutions in automation for Indian industries?

Customisable Automation Systems has been the hallmark of our company which has helped us in developing modular solutions that can be tailored to the specific needs of different industries. This flexibility ensures that our solutions can adapt to a wide range of applications.

As a trailblazing entrepreneur, how do you ensure quality and customer satisfaction remain at the forefront of your organisation’s operations?

Establishing a system to gather, analyse, and act on customer feedback. Regularly engaging with customers to understand their needs, preferences, and pain points allows us to make informed improvements to your products and services. Maintaining clear and transparent communication with customers about product features, usage, and maintenance, leads us to higher satisfaction levels.

Congmax Electro has become a trusted name in the industrial automation industry. What strategies have been instrumental in building this trust and reputation?

Fostering a customer-centric culture within our organisation ensured that everyone, from top management to frontline employees, prioritises customer satisfaction. This cultural alignment drives consistent efforts to meet and exceed customer expectations.

Section 3: Perspectives and Recognition

As a leader in the SME & MSME sector, what is your vision for the future of industrial automation in India?

The vision we carry is to foster a culture of innovation and continuous research and development to stay ahead of global trends by encouraging collaboration between industry, academia, and government to drive technological advancements. Also, promoting sustainable and environmentally-friendly automation solutions is the endeavour that we wish to create by optimising resource use and reducing waste, wherein automation can contribute to achieving sustainability goals and minimising environmental impact.

What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to make their mark in the industrial automation sector?

My suggestions to the upcoming entrepreneurs in the automation sector is to:

·         To work on the ground and understand the market to identify gaps, opportunities, and emerging trends to create solutions that truly add value.

·         Focus on innovation: Continuously innovate and embrace new technologies. Stay curious and open to experimenting with new ideas, as the industrial automation sector is rapidly evolving.

·         Prioritise quality: Ensure that your products and services meet high-quality standards. Quality and reliability are crucial in industrial automation, where downtime and failures can have significant consequences

Extras: Reflections

What is your opinion on the role of Industrial Automation magazine in showcasing industry trends and empowering women in technology and automation?

Industrial Automation magazine plays a vital role in showcasing industry trends, innovations, and best practices in industrial automation. By providing a platform for knowledge sharing, the magazine helps professionals stay updated on the latest developments and advancements in the field.

Empowering women in technology and entrepreneurship, Industrial Automation magazine can significantly contribute to empowering women in technology and entrepreneurship by:

1. Showcasing Women Leaders: Highlighting the achievements and experiences of women leaders in industrial automation can inspire and motivate others to pursue careers in the field.

2. Sharing Success Stories: Publishing success stories of women entrepreneurs in industrial automation can provide valuable insights and encouragement to aspiring entrepreneurs.

3. Providing Resources and Guidance: Offering resources, such as tutorials, webinars, and workshops, can help women develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in industrial automation.

4. Creating a Community: Fostering a community of women in industrial automation through online forums, social media groups, or in-person events can facilitate networking, mentorship, and collaboration.

What are the three words that best describe how it feels to be a finalist in the Women in Tech 2025 competition?

Empowered. Motivated. Enriched.

Being a Finalist in the Women in Tech 2025 event is an incredible opportunity to connect with like-minded women, learn from industry experts, and showcase your skills and achievements in the tech world.

As a participant, I feel empowered  and motivated at the same time as a fellow woman in tech.

Overall, being part of this event will be an enriching experience that can help me grow both personally and professionally.
Anuja Thukral in her own words: As an Instrumentation Engineer I have experience of more than 20 years in the field of Electrical, Control and Automation Solutions.

As a keen planner and strategist, I have strong skills in troubleshooting, team building and proven abilities in planning and managing resources for handling major projects and key accounts.

Currently running my own venture, where we believe in offering Optimised cost vs Performance ratio for all our customers and at the same time giving consistent support in helping them choose from the CONGress of Components, the solutions which offer MAXimum reliability and suitability as per the demands of their applications.