Mr Amol Kote
July 18, 2023
DGM, HSM-Operation, Jajpur
His name translates to invaluable, precious and he truly lives up to that word. With nearly 13 years as a cherished member of the stainless family, he has proven time and again to be an invaluable asset to the company. Hailing from a farming family, hard work and sincerity are ingrained in his DNA. But what truly distinguishes him is his remarkable composure and poise in the face of crises. Get ready to meet this true gentleman, who wears a smile that never fades, as we unveil his extraordinary journey and witness the profound impact he has made within our stainless family.
Q. TELL US ABOUT YOUR LIFE BEFORE JINDAL STAINLESS.
A. I come from a small village named Wakadi near Shirdi in Maharashtra. I grew up under the nurturing guidance of my hardworking farmer father. My mother was a homemaker. I have five siblings including four sisters. While I loved sports, especially cricket, my fascination with science and knack for innovation set me on a journey to explore a career in the field of science. I participated in numerous science exhibitions, I crafted projects that not only garnered awards but also instilled in me a relentless drive to excel. This drive propelled me to become the topper in the 10th board examinations in the Shirdi board. Although I wanted to become a doctor after that, I couldn’t crack the exam because of just one mark. I decided to choose engineering as my love for science in me was still on fire. In 2001, I started my engineering journey at Pune University, where I pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and graduated with distinction. I began my career at Uttam Galva Steel Limited as a GET. Later on, I joined Jayaswal Neco Industries Limited in Raipur, where I started my journey in hot rolling. I accumulated invaluable experience for eight years in the core steel industry. These years instilled in me a deep understanding of operations, further honing my skills before my path led me to Jindal Stainless.
Q. HOW HAS THE JOURNEY WITH JINDAL STAINLESS BEEN FOR YOU?
A. I joined the Jindal Stainless in December 2010 as a Manager in the Hot Rolling Mill Operation. Our previous Unit Head and the then Head of HSM, Late Mr Ravindra Vaidya had interviewed me. I joined at a time when the Jajpur plant was taking shape and the commissioning of Hot Strip Mill was going on. Entrusted with the crucial task of commissioning the Reheating Furnace and Roughing Mill, my responsibilities encompassed ensuring the production of the first hot slab rolled through the roughing and finishing mills, a feat that required meticulous attention to detail. Navigating the complexities of the hot strip mill, I confronted the task of stabilising and setting the thermal profiles of various stainless steel grades within the Reheating Furnace. One of the challenges I encountered stood out prominently-tackling the instability of 409L grade slabs in the soaking zone. Through thorough analysis and innovative thinking, I successfully adjusted the thermal profile and introduced a combination of slab lengths, effectively mitigating the issue of a larger overhang on the skids. I could provide innovative solutions, including modifications in refractory design and material enhancements for the side walls and flue gas lintel. These initiatives not only resolved the problem of falling refractory but also contributed to significant fuel consumption savings and enhanced operational reliability. This extraordinary journey would not have been possible without the guidance of visionary leaders such Late Mr Ravindra Vaidya, who provided his support and invaluable insights. In 2020, the then Head of the Rolling Division, Mr Deepak Agrawal, entrusted me with the oversight of the entire Hot Strip Mill operations. Under the guidance of Head, HSM, Mr Arun Kumar Tripathi, we embarked on a relentless pursuit of optimising production parameters, implementing innovative solutions, and fine-tuning processes to meet the stringent demands of quality and production. And over time, we witnessed production numbers go from a modest 0.2 million tons to an impressive 1.3 million tons-an achievement for the entire unit. With their mentorship, I persevered through challenges and grew both personally and professionally.
Q. TELL US ABOUT YOUR MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT HERE.
A. Every day in my journey is memorable for me as each day presents new challenges. At Utsav 2019, I was bestowed with the prestigious Best Cost-Saving Award, a recognition that filled me and my family with immense pride. Standing before the CMD, MD, and their families, I received this honour, a testament to our collective commitment to efficient operations. In another moment of triumph, I was honoured with the Star Award for elevating the quality standards of 316L plates. Contributing to our company’s innovation, I along with my team played a pivotal role in the development of Martensitic and Duplex grades, pushing the boundaries of excellence in our offerings. Apart from these wonderful memories, let me tell you about a difficult and challenging moment as well. Sometime in 2015-16, the flue gas duct collapsed in the reheating furnace, and the furnace was getting pressurised. Due to this breakdown, we had to completely shut down the reheating furnace. Experts estimated it would take approximately three months to get it running again. We took the challenge and could start the furnace again in just 19 days. It took meticulous planning, strategising, and working with multiple teams to get it running again in record time. The whole experience is just unforgettable. As we march forward, we continue to set remarkable milestones and create many such moments that we will cherish in the future.
Q. WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO IN YOUR FREE TIME?
A. I love to watch movies in theatres with my family whenever I get time. I enjoy long drives. My son and I play chess on Sundays. I am a Mumbai Indians fan and love to watch whenever they are playing. Apart from all this, I also like to read motivational books such as Atomic Habits, Rich Dad Poor Dad, and Power of Positive Thought, etc.
Q. WHAT IS YOUR MESSAGE TO OUR STAINLESS FAMILY?
A. My message to the Jindal Stainless family is simple. Follow your passion, believe in yourself and the company, and together, we can accomplish the impossible. Never give up and stay open to learning new things.
