Guntur-based Gadupudi Parimala says financial assistance from govt will go a long way

Gadupudi Parimala started Fortune Homecare Industries in 2017 with an investment of Rs 50 lakhs. The Guntur-based industry has a turnover of Rs 40 lakhs. Fortune Homecare Industries manufactures all types of cleaning products, pet bottles, and plastic containers catering to the Andhra Pradesh market.

Parimala initially started with cleaning liquid sachets for car wash and later diversified into pet bottles and containers.

‍Excerpts from an interaction with Gadupudi Parimala.

SMBStory: What are the key milestones in your journey?

Gadupudi Parimala: I attended the Entrepreneurship Development Programme organised by MSME Development Institute in association with State Bank of India at Guntur in Andhra Pradesh. Later, we got financial assistance of Rs 12.48 lakhs from the SBI, Guntur.

SMBS: What has been the impact of your work on the customers and society?

GP: We have created employment for 15 people. We are supporting Scheduled Caste dealers by motivating them by offering price discounts. We also provide 50% discount to orphanages and old-age homes. We support low income SC community women who run plant nursery from home with flower pots.

SMBS: What are the challenges in terms of sustaining and growing the business?

GP: We are up against competition from the local unorganised manufacturers in the market. We are planning on entering into related products like industrial laundry detergents, powders, and liquids.

SMBS: What is your advice to people who want to set up business in the same sector?

GP: Training in the relevant field or product development is compulsory. Innovative ideas and presentations help the entrepreneurs to spread the good word about their business.

---

SMBS: How do you manage critical areas such as supplier management, cash flow management and capital management?

GP: We use Tally for financial management. We have an established dealer and retailer network. I believe selection of bulk suppliers is key to product pricing by credit or cash.

SMBS: What is your customer acquisition strategy?

GP: By entering into related products like industrial laundry detergents, powders, and liquids we hope to increase our customer base. We also attend special Sunday markets, stalls in exhibitions, mobile van sales to reach rural areas.

SMBS: What is your dream for your business in the future?

GP: To enter into the laundry industry by investing an amount of Rs 75 lakhs. All related groundwork is over and we have uploaded it in Stand Up India portal.

SMBS: What are your expectations from the government?

GP: More support in the form of financial assistance, raw material supply on credit through NSIC without bank guarantee.

SMBS: What are the top 3 leadership lessons you have learned over the years that you live by?

GP: Materials management through bulk purchase, smart marketing techniques, identifying the needs of the customers based on their feedback.

SMBS: What are the biggest learnings from your business journey?

GP: The fact that I should know the technology or training of operating and managing a machine without depending on the operators. And also operate it without stopping the production.

(This story is published in partnership with the MSMEs Ministry to showcase success stories of SMEs)