Mr Rajesh Sharma
December 14, 2022
General Manager, Projects, Hisar
“We live in a rapidly changing world. But industries need predictability and forecasting to thrive. How does the world manage this dichotomy? One word: Strategists. Let’s meet one of our very own strategists, who has been running a marathon of projects with his out-ofthe-box thinking, willingness to step beyond templates, and developing signature strengths for our Hisar plant. Read about Mr Rajesh Sharma’s amazing journey with Jindal Stainless, right from 1992 when he joined as a trainee engineer to becoming the man to turn to for Projects.”
TELL US ABOUT YOUR LIFE BEFORE JINDAL STAINLESS
I was born in Rewari, Haryana. Raised in a strict and disciplined academician family, I have always been interested in academics. I was interested in a variety of sports and games, such as athletics and wrestling. After my matriculation, I did my Diploma in Mechanical Engineering, followed by BSc in Engineering & Technology from BITS Pilani, Rajasthan. An interesting fact from my school days: Ramkishan, a dear friend of mine, is now known as Baba Ramdev, the founder of Patanjali Ayurveda. Isn’t it fascinating?
HOW HAS THE JOURNEY OF JINDAL STAINLESS BEEN FOR YOU?
I started as a trainee engineer at Jindal Stainless in 1992 when the company was expanding fast. Jindal Stainless made a significant expansion in 1999 when it acquired a complete cold rolling complex BHP plant from Australia and decided to set it up at the Hisar plant. I was given the opportunity to oversee the maintenance of the company’s first 20 Hi cold rolling mill, “Z1.” I had the good fortune to work in the Operations and Maintenance departments of various processing lines. I am grateful to my entire team, colleagues, and mentors in the organisation for supporting me in shaping my skills and excelling this far in my journey. I was a key member of the team responsible for our group company PTJSI’s performance improvement project in Indonesia. I was assigned to the projects department in 2016, and we have since completed back-to-back projects comprising 115 Cr CRD expansion (5000 MT/Month), 190 Cr SPD expansion (2000 MT/Month), and 131 Cr JBS expansion (500MT/ Month). These projects were completed through a great deal of design and equipment engineering experimentation. As a member of the team and witness to the company’s efforts, I can confidently recommend Jindal Stainless for developing world-class products that meet global standards.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT HERE.
There are too many moments to choose from. However, let me highlight a few noteworthy examples. A major breakdown occurred at the Z3 mill in 2003, and it was presumed that the mill would be shut down for six months. I was given the task to avert it because I was a member of CRD’s core maintenance team. I accepted the challenge of resuming mill operations. I worked with my team and implemented some unconventional and innovative ideas. The mill was up and running in just 15 days. That was a watershed moment in my career with Jindal Stainless. In 2004, I was sent to Japan to train as a Rolling Mill Expert. Following this, my journey with Jindal Stainless continued, with the learnings multiplying over the years as I continued to receive such training and experiences in South Korea, Indonesia, China, and Europe. I’m constantly gaining experience in multi-functional roles involving operational activities, critical decisionmaking, costing, and commercial matters.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO IN YOUR FREE TIME?
In my spare time, I like to socialise. I spend time with my friends and family. I am very interested in fitness and health, so I regularly practice Yoga. I also try to make time on weekends for social networking so that I can relax while learning from others in all aspects of life, whether professional or personal. This motivates me to refuel for the days ahead. I feel in this way I can reach the best of my potential and spread positive energies.
WHAT IS YOUR MESSAGE TO JINDAL STAINLESS FAMILY?
I believe that industries are the forerunners in shaping society, and our management has created an environment for continuous improvement by bringing innovative ideas. Jindal Stainless has always encouraged us to perform the best in our respective scopes of responsibilities, which is also an inherent part of our organisation’s core values. I hope and pray that they continue to support and guide us in this constructive light for many years to come.
