Karnataka Turning Components

Disclaimer: When I refer to "Americans" in this article I am referring to the stereotypical American worker. I understand there are many many exceptions to this and I don't mean to offend anyone. I hope that after reading this you too can become an exception to this stereotype.

On the morning of January 6th, we woke up and headed to our first corporate visit - Karnataka Turning Components, an auto components manufacturing plant. This was by far my favorite visit because I could relate to the company. It reminded me a lot of the company I worked for this summer - DRP Machining. Also, I would like to go into the manufacturing industry so I enjoyed seeing how these companies are run in India versus the United States. 

Karnataka is a 50 year old company with 3 plants and 175 workers at this particular one. They manufacture parts, mainly fuel injector pumps, for Bosch a German auto and appliance company. The reason why Bosch began using companies in India is because of the cheap labor costs. Their men workers tend to stay for the majority of their working life, whereas their women stay only for 5-6 years, or until they get married. A normal day is 12 hours long with 2 shifts available. They are paid 6000 Rupees per month starting out (or $120/month) and can advance up to 40,000 Rupees when at managerial level. Their pay includes benefits and they are allowed to work over time (14-18 hours) for double pay. 

Walking around the plant, I was blown away by the commitment to detail. Half of the shop was manufacturing the parts and the other half were doing inspections, quality control, and research. Each work station had multiple diagrams and reminders of specifications. Dr. Gaspar says this is a new type of work ethic in India. Before big companies like Bosch starting using India, there was no need for regulations; as long as the product worked it sold. Now that these established companies are coming to India for the cheap labor costs, they are enforcing regulations. One of the stereotypes that comes with cheap labor is a cheap product. If India is going to survive they need to break this stereotype, and quite frankly they have no choice. A misconception I had coming into this company was that Germany was using this company to make parts for cheap and then using the parts to sell automobiles outside of India. This isn't true. Only 5% of Karnataka Turning Component's parts are being exported. Mostly they are being used for the growing auto industry in India. 

After taking the tour and speaking to the manager, I came to a conclusion. "Americans" are lazy and complacent. I know many of us laugh at this, but for the most part it's true (and generally I am speaking about the younger generation, I understand there are many exceptions to this). We work because we want to have extra spending money and so we can buy the house and car we want. India works to survive. To feed their children. To have a roof over their heads. Many Americans have gotten into a routine of trying to fly by doing the bare minimum, hoping we don't get caught. We have grown accustom to complaining about our horrible working conditions and our long hours. After visiting India, I hope that I no longer am one of these people. In India these emerging companies are following regulation to the T and their workers are committed because they are trying to survive. When they go home from work many of them walk because they can't afford transportation. And when they do get home it's not anywhere I would ever want to live. I was truly humbled on this trip. I take my blessings for granted and I am ashamed of that.
Looking around at inspection line I couldn't imagine "Americans" doing their work. We would get bored, quit, and complain about not finding another job. Not here in India. They do their work and they do it with the utmost attention to detail. There was even a blind guy working at the deburring station. The manager said he was one of their best workers - rarely ever making mistakes or complaining.

So the next time I think my life is hard I'll remember back to when I visited India. I'll think about all the people who go to work everyday and only earn $4. And I'll remember their motivation and drive, and I'll try to mimic that here. There's a lot that India is still behind in or hasn't learned, but there's a lot that we can learn from them in return.

My Prayer: Heavenly Father, I pray that in this world full of Earthly desires we can turn to you, that we can live for you. In the mindset of business we tend to be fascinated with money and some idolize it. Lord, help us to remember why we are here on Earth - to spread your love and your grace. In your almighty name, Amen!