Interview with Mr. Sandip Dutta, Director, Sankar Tools
Established during the pandemic, Sankar Tools, based in Vasai, Mumbai, is a rising name in the Indian mould manufacturing industry.
Polymart : · Could you brief us about Sankar Tools?
Sandip Dutta : Sankar Tools Private Limited, based in Vasai, Mumbai, is a fast-growing manufacturer of high-precision injection moulds for plastic caps and closures. Founded during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the company has grown from a small repair unit to a full-fledged manufacturing powerhouse with 95+ employees and over 350 moulds delivered to more than 65 satisfied clients globally.
PM : What was the initial goal or mission of the company?
SD : Our mission has always been to empower manufacturing businesses by providing reliable, high-quality, and precision-engineered moulds. We set out to solve problems of inconsistent quality, lack of transparency, and weak post-sales service in the mould manufacturing space.
PM : · What were the biggest early challenges the company faced in its journey?
SD : Starting during the pandemic posed major operational and market challenges. Building infrastructure, developing a skilled team, and shifting from repairs to full-scale manufacturing required persistence, trust-building, and innovation in approach.
PM : What are your core products, and how do they serve the needs of your clients?
SD : We specialize in injection moulds for plastic closures and containers such as lipstick caps, flip-top caps, bubble top caps, eyedropper caps, baby wipes caps, cosmetic jars, and a wide range of industrial and consumer packaging moulds. These products help clients maintain high production efficiency, durability, and consistent quality.
PM : Which technologies or machines are essential for your tool and mould production?
SD : We use state-of-the-art technology including VMCs, CNCs, toggle injection moulding machines, laser cutting, sparking, grinding, lathe, and drilling machines, along with CAD/CAM software for high–precision tooling and automation-ready designs.
PM :How do you ensure precision and maintain consistent product quality?
SD : By combining skilled craftsmanship, strict process controls, ISO certifications (9001, 14001, 45001), and digital traceability through QR-coded moulds, we ensure every unit meets exact specifications and performance expectations.
PM : Which industries or sectors form your main customer base?
SD : We cater to diverse sectors including FMCG, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and industrial packaging. Our expertise lies in understanding the sector-specific packaging requirements and delivering moulds accordingly.
Director
PM : How does Sankar Tools introduce innovation in its product designs and processes?
Surjeet Kumar : We use QR code integration on all moulds for full digital access to mould operational and maintenance manual. Our design team also adopts CAD-driven customization to tailor each mould to the client’s product and production line needs.
PM : What key strategies have helped you achieve growth and customer trust?
SK : Customer-centricity, transparency, digital-enabled service, after-sales support, and continuous investment in infrastructure and skills have been the key pillars of our growth. These practices have made us a reliable partner for our clients.
PM : How has your personal experience shaped the way you lead the company?
SK : Both directors bring over two decades of experience in the mould industry. This hands-on experience helps in practical decision-making, deep problem-solving, and guiding the company with a strong industry insight.
PM : How do you ensure timely delivery and maintain strong client relationships?
SK : We use digital project tracking displays in our toolroom and design department to monitor deadlines and progress. Regular communication, QR-code-based support systems, and a reward-based internal system drive timely delivery and client satisfaction.
PM : How is new technology changing the Indian mould and tooling industry?
SK : Technologies like CNC, VMC, automation, and CAD/CAM have dramatically improved precision, speed, and scalability in the industry. It has enabled SMEs to compete with global standards while reducing lead time.
PM : How do you decide which new technologies to adopt for your company?
SK : We evaluate technologies based on their ROI, scalability, automation-readiness, and alignment with our long-term vision of full digital integration and global competitiveness.
PM : How do collaborations, joint ventures, or technology partnerships help SMEs like yours scale faster in the future?
SK : Collaborations provide access to advanced tech, new markets, and better resource allocation. They are critical for scaling operations, accelerating innovation, and fostering sustainable growth.
PM : What opportunities do you foresee for the Indian mould and tool manufacturing sector in the coming decade?
SK : There will be strong demand for customized, eco-friendly, and high-speed production moulds. With the rise of e-commerce and automation, the Indian moulding sector is poised for massive expansion in domestic and global markets.
PM : What steps do you take to ensure sustainability and reduce environmental impact?
SK : We follow ISO 14001 standards, optimize material usage, and design moulds to reduce plastic waste. Our manufacturing practices are geared toward energy efficiency and long mould life to avoid frequent replacements.
PM : How do you ensure safety, training, and skill growth for your employees?
SK : We regularly conduct safety drills, technical training, and offer upskilling programs. Employees are rewarded through a performance point system that includes outings, picnics, and recognition, fostering both motivation and safety awareness.
PM : Has your company been recognized with any awards, certifications, or industry achievements that you are proud of ?
SK : Yes, we have been recognized as the “Most Trusted Precision Mould Manufacturer 2025”, and are certified under ISO 9001, 14001, 45001, and MSME ZED schemes. We were also featured among the “Top 10 Mould & Die Manufacturers” by The Industry Outlook.
PM :· Are there any new developments, partnerships, or milestones you would like to highlight?
SK : We are working towards 100% ISO implementation and 100% automation across departments. We also aim to launch our IPO within the next three years, as part of our long-term strategic roadmap.
PM : How important do you think industry exhibitions and events are for SMEs like yours to grow and network?
SK : Extremely important. These events offer networking, lead generation, brand exposure, and help SMEs stay updated on new technologies, trends, and competitor insights.