Not having a technical background did not discourage executive director of Saj Test Plant, Rujuta Jagtap, from learning the nitty gritties of manufacturing test equipment. Tania Roy asks her about her initial challenges and how she managed to overcome them

Valve Train Test Rigs, Generator Test Systems, Firing Test Beds, Cold Test Rigs… Lost in this sea of technical jargon? Well, if you meet Rujuta Jagtap, you will be surprised how this non-techie makes them sound so easy.

It is rare to find women working in the manufacturing sector, which entails a thorough knowledge of mechanical, electronics, instrumentation and computer engineering. Jagtap is one of those few women who has found a strong footing in this industry. Her extensive knowledge about test rigs is mighty impressive!

‘Mechatronics was alien to me’

“When I joined my father’s organisation Saj Test Plant, which manufactures engine, vehicle and transmission test systems, I had a tough time. I had a four-and-a-half-year work experience in metallurgy in Tata Steel, but mechatronics (which involves mechanics, electronics, informatics, automation, robotics and so on) was a completely new territory. Most of the engineering terms were alien to me,” says she.

But far from being discouraged, Jagtap decided to take up the challenges of her new job. “I started working on the shopfloor and assembled the dynamometer myself. Gradually, I learnt the products on the job. Today, I am well conversant with the entire range and I have successfully made my firm’s film, presentation, brochures, etc. Barring the core application engineering, which is the forte of my R&D department, I know all the technical aspects well enough,” says the executive director of Saj Test Plant.

Making the base strong

Before moving back to Pune in 2006, Jagtap, who has a Masters in International Business, was working at Standard Chartered Grindlays Bank and Tata Steel in Mumbai. “Prior to joining my family business, I wanted to prove myself in other organisations. When you are an employee, you are always under the scanner and all the constructive criticism makes your foundation robust. It has helped me immensely. Also, working elsewhere helps you see issues from the employees’ point of view as well and come up with better amicable solutions,” she shares.

The learning at both the places was excellent. Her job gave her the opportunity to travel extensively to remote locations independently. “I used to work long hours, almost 16-17 hours a day. I even worked on my weekly offs and at times on national holidays because overseas markets are open. It gave me a good insight into the way business is done in the manufacturing sector,” notes Jagtap.

About her working rapport with her dad, Jagtap says it’s great. “There are many advantages of working together, for instance, both of us come from different schools of thoughts, so we bring different perspectives on issues. My father’s 43 years of experience in the manufacturing sector and my work experience in diverse industries work for the benefit of our organisation,” explains she.

Networking
Jagtap is also a part of the core committee of the British Business Group and a member of The Indus Entrepreneurs (TIE) Pune. “TIE meets have been a great learning experience. The interactions are not confined to fellow entrepreneurs, but you come across students who are aspiring entrepreneurs or have just established their start-ups. This platform has helped me widen my business network, identify many new vendors, guide students in their entrepreneurial journey, and I have also helped TIE by volunteering to help in their different initiatives,” she says.

Jagtap has also been on the MITCON Mahila Udyojika Awards for more than four years and a panelist for a Google event on Women on the Web organised by MoneyChat India. She was also a part of Vodafone’s Drive Into The Big League Season-2, which was aired on TV, and interviewed on Hello Sakhi as well. “Recently, I was a part of the Tanishka Women’s Dignity Foundation which I feel is a very innovative and brilliant initiative by Sakal Times,” she says.

It’s not all work!

Jagtap’s hobbies are travelling and horse riding. “I used to be a professional rider and have done 30 horseback treks to Singhagad, Raigad in the past. I also enjoy listening to music, watching good theatrical performances and movies. But many a time I end up working on my weekly offs, which is on Thursdays, because our customers and vendors work on this day,” she shares and smiles.

What lies ahead

Revealing her long-term plans, Jagtap says, “I would like to expand our business by broadening our product, project and services base. I would also like to do substantial social work.

For the past few decades, we have been providing financial and infrastructure support to a few schools in rural areas, and blind schools, orphanages etc, but in the future I would want to take up more social causes.”
A hardworking girl with a heart of gold, must say!