In the heart of Odisha, a state not traditionally associated with industrial manufacturing, a trailblazing entrepreneur is changing the narrative. Shakti Mohanty, the dynamic founder of Forero Plumbing Fittings India Pvt Ltd, is determined to showcase the entrepreneurial potential of the region. His vision? To make Odisha a global hub for bathware products while proving that local talent can make a lasting impact on the industrial landscape.
A Vision Rooted in Passion
Forero Plumbing Fittings, based in Odisha, has quickly emerged as Eastern India’s premier sanitary fittings manufacturer. The company specializes in delivering quality products with a blend of premium design and affordability. Shakti’s goal is clear—Forero aims to become the leading manufacturer of bathware products in the region, serving states across Eastern India. The company’s tagline, ‘Quality & Premium design meets affordability,’ encapsulates its mission of offering high-end products at competitive prices.
Additionally, Mr. Tara Ranjan Patnaik, Chairman of Falcon Marines, has been one of Shakti’s biggest mentors and supporters outside of close friends and immediate family, playing a pivotal role in the company’s journey and success. He also considers Mr. Dev Patnaik, CEO of Jump Associates based in CA, as his mentor, further contributing to his growth and the company’s achievements.
From Management Trainee to Entrepreneur
Shakti’s entrepreneurial journey is as compelling as the company’s mission. Armed with a postgraduate degree from the prestigious Mudra Institute of Communications Ahmedabad, Shakti began his career as a management trainee with CERA Sanitaryware. His expertise in the industry deepened over the next five years. But his hunger for more took him beyond India, to West Africa, where he worked for over seven years in a leading ceramic factory. This international experience sharpened his skills, preparing him for his next big step—launching Forero Plumbing Fittings in his home state.
Aside from his professional pursuits, Shakti is also an avid polo player, a passion that reflects his competitive spirit and love for strategy.
For Shakti, starting a manufacturing unit in Odisha was not just a business venture, but a deeply personal mission. He wanted to demonstrate that Odias could lead industrial development, innovate in manufacturing, and compete on the global stage. His dream extends beyond business success—he envisions “Made in Odisha” products gaining worldwide recognition, establishing the state as a thriving industrial hub.
Building a Culture of Innovation
At Forero, innovation isn’t a buzzword—it’s woven into the company’s DNA. Shakti has fostered a work environment where employees are encouraged to continuously strategize on improving existing products and introducing new ones. The company’s focus is not only on manufacturing excellence but also on strengthening its marketing and customer service capabilities. Shakti believes that the company’s success lies in two key pillars: the loyal distributors, dealers, and retailers who form the backbone of its customer base, and the committed employees who share his vision and have supported the company through its early struggles.
The Entrepreneur’s Journey: Risks, Rewards, and Resilience Shakti’s career is a testament to resilience, continuous learning, and the willingness to take risks. From mastering complex manufacturing processes to exploring new markets, his dedication has been unwavering. He is driven by a singular motivation—to prove that the people of Odisha can break into the hardcore manufacturing industry, both in India and globally.
However, the journey hasn’t been without challenges. “Running an industry in India is like swimming in the deep blue ocean during a storm,” Shakti admits. Every day is a fight for survival, where navigating the complex waters of Indian industry requires perseverance, adaptability, and grit. Yet, it’s these very obstacles that fuel his determination to succeed.
Innovation in Action: The Projects That Define Forero
Two key projects reflect Shakti’s ability to turn vision into reality. The first was converting a manual complain attendance system into an automated online interface, seamlessly integrating it with a toll-free system—an innovation that significantly improved operational efficiency.
The second, and perhaps the most ambitious, was setting up Forero’s factory in India on a bootstrapped budget. From limited resources to countless hurdles, the factory’s establishment is a testament to Shakti’s entrepreneurial spirit and his belief in building something from the ground up.
The Road Ahead: Global Ambitions for Forero
Forero Plumbing Fittings has already set its sights on new horizons. Shakti’s vision is to make Odisha a net exporter of building materials, especially bathware. The company is now focused on fine-tuning its processes to achieve this goal. With its roots firmly planted in the local market and its eyes on global expansion, Forero is poised for rapid growth in the years to come.
Conclusion: A Company to Watch
Forero Plumbing Fittings India Pvt Ltd stands as a symbol of entrepreneurial spirit, innovation, and resilience. Under Shakti Mohanty’s leadership, the company is not only making waves in the Indian bathware industry but is also paving the way for Odisha to emerge as an industrial force to be reckoned with.
For more information on Forero Plumbing Fittings, visit their website or connect with Shakti Mohanty on LinkedIn.
