‘Slowdown is best time to make new developments in any field’

Amarinder S Dhiman, CEO, Dhiman Group, talks about the present scenario and strategies after the lockdown to boost the economy. Dhiman Group, which is manufacturer and exporter of confectionary machines, has plants in India and Chicago. In an interview with Aakanksha N Bhardwaj, he says it is time to think of developing the business instead of putting blame on someone else. Excerpts…

How has the lockdown impacted your business?

Initially, we faced problems as our business was suddenly hit and supplies were affected. Customers were hesitant and reluctant in purchasing products. Now, things are improving gradually.

Did you plan anything new during the nationwide lockdown?

We have done something different. We immediately started developing our own mask-making machines. Looking at the need of the hour, we used our resources such as the design section and the manufacturing section for manufacturing mask machines. I don't believe in sitting idle and wait for the situation to get normal. Instead, I used the lockdown period to develop mask-making machines. Recently, we started making masks. We engaged in the process when the lockdown was announced and got success within a few weeks. In the factory where we were manufacturing confectionary machines, we started developing mask-making machines. In the candy factory, we started making masks.

What lessons as a businessman have you learnt during the lockdown?

I believe that the best time to make development in new fields is during slowdown because when there is heavy rush of the customers, there is a high demand and pressure. So, during that period, you don't get time to think of new development.

Are you also facing problems due to a shortage of migrant labour?

We used to have labour from UP and Bihar. But, we figured it out that they were not regular. So, a couple of years ago, we decided that we would hire local labourers here. In this way, we didn't have to face any labour shortage after the lockdown.

How much time will it take for the business to revive?

Nothing is certain at present. We don't know how long this problem will stay. I believe it would take another six months for the situation to come back on track.

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