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In the rapidly growing stainless steel industry, one name that has carved a niche for itself is Viraj Profiles Private Limited. This Maharashtra-based company, located in Boisar, has risen through the ranks to become a leading manufacturer and exporter of stainless steel long products, catering to customers across six continents and 96 countries worldwide.

Recently, Mr. Neeraj Raja Kochhar, our visionary Chairman and Managing Director, shared his vision in an insightful interview with the Wire & Cable India magazine. In this interview, he shed light on the company’s three-decade journey, future goals, opportunities, and challenges within the Indian and global stainless steel markets.

A Journey of Three Decades

Sharing the story of the incredible journey across three decades, Mr Kochhar talks about the successes and challenges faced by Viraj Profiles only to emerge stronger. He takes immense pride in proclaiming that Viraj Profiles is truly a ‘Make in India’ brand for the world. 

Focusing on the wire rods and wires business as a strategic unit, Mr Neeraj also highlights the other major business segments of Viraj Profiles which started from a single steel melting shop. The growth story kicked off in 1992 with the establishment of a smelting facility. “Just three years later, in 1995, we achieved a significant milestone by exporting our first consignment of bright bars and flanges to international markets,” he remarks.

Driven by the vision to diversify, Viraj Profiles commenced operations of the profiles manufacturing division in 2000. This was swiftly followed by the commissioning of the state-of-the-art Wire Mill in 2001, equipped with cutting-edge automation capabilities. This facility enabled the production of stainless steel wires products in line with global quality standards, further cementing the position of Viraj Profiles globally.

Becoming a One-Stop Shop for Stainless Steel Long Products

The company’s ambition knows no bounds and aims to solidify our position as a one-stop shop for stainless steel long products globally. With a diverse product range that includes wire rods, wires, welding wires, flanges, fasteners, bright bars, and profiles, Viraj caters to a wide array of industries, including automotive, food processing, construction, oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, and many more.

“We produce more than 50,000 SKUs in various grades like austenitic, ferritic, martensitic, duplex, and electrode with various specifications,” states Mr Kochhar, highlighting the company’s extensive product portfolio.

Global Footprint and Market Reach

The success of Viraj Profiles can be attributed to its strong global footprint and reach across six continents exporting more than 90% of its products and catering to approximately 1,300 customers across the globe.

“Today, we are one of the largest exporters of stainless steel long products in India,” Mr Kochhar affirms the company’s position as a leading player in the international market.

Overcoming Challenges and Driving Innovation

Mr Kochhar candidly shared about the hurdles faced by the sector, including a lack of research and development infrastructure, skilled labor shortages, and the impact of geopolitical tensions on supply chains and raw material imports.

However, he points out that Viraj Profiles remains steadfast in its commitment to overcoming these obstacles. The company employs strategies such as maintaining adequate inventory levels, exploring new markets, and leveraging its global reach to mitigate supply chain disruptions.

“In situations where surplus stock is a challenge, the focus must be on relieving businesses from undue pressure on operational margins. Our forte at Viraj Profiles lies in expanding globally with our export-oriented approach. This powers us with the expertise to explore new markets with ready stock for delivery,” the CMD explains. 

The Road Ahead

As Viraj Profiles continues to strengthen its position in the global market, the company remains focused on driving innovation. With a steadfast commitment to quality, customer satisfaction, and sustainable practices, Viraj Profiles is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for stainless steel long products worldwide.

Mr. Kochhar’s vision and leadership have been instrumental in guiding Viraj Profiles through its remarkable transformation. As the stainless steel industry continues to evolve, Viraj Profiles stands firm in its commitment to ‘Make in India for the World’.