In conversation with Smit Dedhia of Aristo Steel about the latest innovative products that are produced by Aristo Steel and that are changing the game for stainless steel kitchenware.
Aristo Steel, founded in 1986 by three founders Mohan Gada, Vasant Chheda and Ratilal Dedhia, took on the competitive business of stainless steel utensils, kitchenware and other kitchen products, emerging a leader in this segment. In an exclusive interaction with Stainless Today, Smit Dedhia of Aristo Steel talks about their latest innovations, market trends and the way forward for stainless steel kitchenware in India.
Excerpts from the interview:
Tell us about Aristo Steel and your role in the company.
Aristo Steel is a 37-year-old company founded by my father and my uncles. We manufacture stainless steel utensils, covering almost everything required in the kitchen, including cookware. As per qualification, I am a Chartered Accountant, and I have been in the business for over two years now. I handle a separate production plant that produces premium stainless steel products. These are primarily allied products, such as triple-layered products called tri-ply, which combine stainless steel and aluminium to ensure even heat distribution while maintaining food safety.
What kind of premium products are these?
These premium products are essentially triple-layered or tri-ply products. They consist of an outer layer of stainless steel, a middle layer of aluminium for even heat distribution, and an inner layer of high-grade stainless steel, often referred to as surgical steel. This ensures no hazardous emissions and is very safe for cooking. The bottom layer is magnetic stainless steel, making it compatible with induction cooktops and other advanced cooking technologies.
What are the quality standards and innovative practices that set Aristo Steel apart from the competition?
We utilise advanced manufacturing technologies to enhance efficiency and product quality. Our commitment to quality is demonstrated by our three-stage quality control (QC) process. Unlike the usual practice of checking quality at the end of production, we have designated employees to check quality at each stage of production. This allows us to take corrective measures immediately, ensuring the final product meets our high standards.
How do you ensure sustainability in your production process?
Aristo Steel has invested significantly in green technologies. For example, our factory shed is equipped with solar panels, reducing our reliance on conventional electricity and promoting environmental sustainability. Additionally, we manage waste efficiently by recycling steel scraps, which are further processed and reused, ensuring nothing is wasted or harmful to the environment. This approach helps us maintain a circular economy within our production process.
What are the current trends in kitchenware, and how is Aristo Steel leading these trends?
Current trends focus on health, safety and durability. Customers are more conscious about health, and rightly so. We address this by offering premium products like tri-ply cookware, which combines the benefits of aluminium for heat distribution and the safety of high-grade stainless steel. We ensure that all raw materials used are of high quality and safe for health. Durability is also a key factor; our products are designed to last for decades, with adequate amounts of nickel, chromium and carbon to ensure strength, corrosion resistance, and longevity.
What challenges are you facing in the stainless steel industry?
One major challenge is the fluctuation in raw material prices, which significantly impacts our cost structure. My father and uncles, with their decades of experience, help predict market changes, and combined with strategic analysis from the younger generation, we take proactive steps to manage these fluctuations. This helps us maintain cost efficiency and pass on the benefits to our customers.
Does government policy play a role in helping you face these challenges?
Yes, government policies and schemes, especially those supporting MSMEs, have been beneficial. For instance, the recent amendment requiring payments within 15 to 45 days has improved liquidity in the market. However, these policies can also affect demand and other aspects, so it’s a mixed impact.
Are there any innovative products in the pipeline from Aristo Steel?
Yes, apart from our existing premium products, we are working on more innovations like induction-bottom utensils and hybrid products that combine tri-ply technology with non-stick coatings. These innovations are aimed at making cooking easier and more efficient.
What is your vision for Aristo Steel in the next 5 to 10 years?
Currently, we deliver our products pan-India and to over 16-17 countries worldwide. We aim to expand our global presence to 40-50 countries in the next few years, enhancing India’s reputation in the global stainless steel industry.
Do you cater to both individual households and industrial kitchens?
Yes, we manufacture utensils ranging from small sizes suitable for nuclear families to large sizes for hotel chains. Our product variants cater to both household cooking and the hospitality industry.
What kind of distribution or retail network do you have?
We have a wide distribution network across India and a showroom and warehouse in Mumbai. We ensure timely delivery across Maharashtra with daily tempo facilities and export our products directly and through agents to various countries.
How is the current state of the supply chain for procuring stainless steel?
The supply chain is steady to some extent but still requires more structuring. There is potential for more automation and regulation to improve efficiency. Working together as an industry, we can create a better procurement system.
