admin The leather manufacturing and export industry is a pivotal sector contributing significantly to global trade and employment. Renowned for its craftsmanship and high-quality products, the industry caters to a diverse market, from luxury fashion to functional outerwear. Despite challenges like environmental sustainability and animal welfare concerns, the industry evolves by adopting innovative and eco-friendly practices.
Combining traditional methods with modern advancements, leather manufacturing produces versatile and durable goods. The demand for premium leather products remains strong, driven by consumers who value quality and aesthetics. This industry supports millions of jobs worldwide and is crucial for the economies of many developing countries. Sustainability is now a focal point, with manufacturers investing in green technologies and sustainable sourcing to reduce their environmental impact. These efforts are essential as the industry strives to balance economic growth with ecological responsibility.
One of the key leaders driving the cause of sustainability and transformation within the sector is Prashant Sabharwal, CEO of Pacific Global Exports Inc., one of Top 10 India’s leather Garments & Goods manufacturing and export companies. His visionary leadership and relentless pursuit of excellence have not only transformed his company but also significantly influenced the global leather industry. His innovative strategies and commitment to sustainability have earmarked him as one of the top 10 transformative leaders in the manufacturing sector for 2024.
From Banking to Manufacturing: A Journey of Transformation
Prashant Sabharwal’s professional voyage is nothing short of inspirational. With an MBA from RBS and an initial career in banking selling retail assets with the Bank of Punjab Ltd, Prashant Sabharwal made a daring pivot in 2006 by venturing into merchant exports of leather footwear sourced from factories in Agra. This bold move laid the groundwork for what would become a Star-status export house by the Government of India, recognised for its exceptional quality and innovative practices.
In 2008, responding to a growing demand, Prashant Sabharwal expanded his business to include manufacturing leather garments for an Australian brand. This expansion was not just geographical but also a significant broadening of the company’s capabilities, establishing two factory units and a tannery setup in Jaipur. This strategic integration ensures control over the entire production chain—from sourcing the finest Raw skins to delivering finished products, thereby optimising both quality and cost-efficiency.
Core Business and Market Influence
“We strictly work on the quality of our product; our quality is the backbone of our brand and image”
– Prashant Sabharwal
Prashant has always believed in the distinction through quality. “We strictly work on the quality of our product, our quality is the backbone of our brand and image,” propounds Prashant. Nurtured under the adamant belief that ‘quality speaks for itself’, Pacific Global Exports Inc specialises in high-quality leather garments and outerwear, catering exclusively to the European and Russian markets. The company’s products are highly regarded for their durability in cold weather, which has cemented its reputation in these regions. The longevity of client relationships, some spanning back to the company’s manufacturing inception in 2008, underscores its commitment to customer loyalty and satisfaction.
The firm’s commitment to quality and innovative practices has established it as a leading manufacturer and exporter of leather garments for over 20 years. From humble beginnings with a small order of 1,000 pieces, the company now boasts an annual capacity to produce 400,000 leather garments. “We have expanded our operations to various countries across the globe, including Australia, New Zealand, Croatia, Germany, France, Italy, Russia, and the USA,” says Sabharwal. The recognition as a Star-Status Export House by the Government of India is a testament to their commitment to producing high-quality products that meet international standards.
Innovations in Manufacturing and Sustainability
Innovation is at the heart of Pacific Global Exports Inc. The company thrives on experimenting with new styles, finishes, and colours in leather, driving trends within the industry. Moreover, Prashant Sabharwal has been a pioneer in adopting eco-friendly practices. The establishment of a Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) plant illustrates his commitment to environmental sustainability, ensuring that water used in the tanning process is treated and reused, minimising ecological impact.
Currently, the company is working on sustainable and eco-friendly sources to make leather. “Water is the main ingredient to make leather. Water after tanning of leather is the biggest pollutant to the environment,” explains Sabharwal. The ZLD setup treats and filters the wastewater, making it reusable for the industry. Additionally, leftover trims of skin are processed with soil to make compost, showcasing a comprehensive approach to sustainability.
Workforce Development and Corporate Culture
Prashant believes in the power of his people. Continuous training and upgradation are pillars at Pacific Global Exports Inc. Collaborations with global leather finishing companies facilitate regular workshops, enhancing skills and knowledge regarding the latest eco-friendly tanning techniques. Additionally, the company fosters a positive corporate culture through clear delegation of responsibilities, ensuring a motivated and efficient workforce.
“Leather industry is very vast in variety and quality of finishes as well as treatments on skins. For this, continuous upgradation and training is required from time to time,” says Sabharwal. The company organises training sessions with industry leaders like STHAL BV., TFL France, and ZIMMER DE to educate employees on new eco-friendly tanning techniques. Furthermore, stitching and cutting classrooms are set up for workers to ensure the optimal utilisation of skins in garment preparation.
Measuring Success and Fostering Innovation
Pacific Global Exports Inc has seen constant growth since its inception in 2006. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, though lockdown was there for few months the sales graph remained on an upward trend in later part of the year. This consistent performance underscores the effectiveness of the company’s strategies and its resilience in the face of global challenges.
Innovation is a core tenet of the company’s philosophy. “Leather itself is a term of innovation,” states Sabharwal. The vast sector allows for endless experimentation with styles, finishes, colours, and trends. This innovative spirit is integral to maintaining the company’s competitive edge and ensuring its products remain at the forefront of the market.
Future Plans and Vision
Looking ahead, Prashant Sabharwal envisions scaling operations while maintaining the highest standards of quality and efficiency. He acknowledges the challenges posed by urbanisation and the resulting shortage of livestock, which impacts the leather industry. In response, Prashant Sabharwal is exploring the idea of starting cattle farming in Rajasthan near Jaipur to breed quality livestock for the leather and processed meat industries. “In countries like Australia, New Zealand, England, and some European countries, cattle farming is already in existence from many years and the quality is much improved in,” he notes.
This forward-thinking approach not only aims to secure a stable raw material supply but also aligns with global standards of sustainability and ethical sourcing. Additionally, Pacific Global Exports is dedicated to supporting the Government of India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, which seeks to make India self-sufficient in various sectors, including manufacturing.
Advice for Aspiring Manufacturers
Prashant’s advice to other manufacturing companies aspiring to achieve similar success is straightforward yet profound: focus on quality, competitive pricing, and timely delivery. “If you concentrate on these three things, the customer will never forget you,” he emphasises. This triad of principles has been the cornerstone of Pacific Global Exports Inc ‘ success and is crucial for any company looking to establish a lasting presence in the market.
Legacy of A Leader with a Global Vision
Prashant Sabharwal’s leadership journey exemplifies how visionary thinking and steadfast dedication to quality and innovation can lead to remarkable achievements. His strategies for fostering innovation, commitment to sustainability, and the empowerment of his workforce are key factors that make him one of the most innovative leaders in today’s manufacturing world. Under his guidance, Pacific Global Exports Inc remains poised for further success, contributing significantly to the global leather industry and setting benchmarks for others to follow.
Pacific Global Exports Inc, under Prashant Sabharwal’s leadership, is not just a manufacturing powerhouse but a beacon of innovation and sustainability in the leather industry. His advice to peers in the sector—focus on quality, competitive pricing, and timely delivery—reflects his pragmatic yet progressive business philosophy. As we watch Pacific Global Exports continue to evolve, it is clear that Prashant Sabharwal will remain at the forefront, driving change and embracing challenges in the manufacturing industry.
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