India - Grundfos

Grundfos was the business in Chennai that we visited on January 11th.  Managing Director Ranganath N.K. sat with us for quite awhile discussing his views on the differences between modern day India and the United States.  Mr. Ranganath is a constant visitor to America.  Grundfos is a Danish company having started in 1977.  The green building of Grundfos in Chennai has garnered awards for its use and design. It opened during 2005.   Mr. Ranganath spoke on the social responsibility of creating a pump that was energy efficient therefore it was natural that they would inhabit a building that would be healthy and happy for its employees to work in and that would not be harmful to the environment.  Grundfos creates pumps for domestic waste water applications.  We were shown how discarded wood had been turned into office furniture for use in the building.  Mr. Ranganath opined that he did not believe that American/Indian abilities were so different but rather there are cultural differences which require consideration in the workplace.  In wrapping up his visit, Mr. Ranganath spoke on the unnecessary violence in the United States saying it was more challenging to get a driver’s license than a gun permit.  He also gave an example of a senseless practice when he tried to turn in a rental car earlier than the contracted date.  Even though he was willing to pay the difference in the contract, the rental company refused to allow return of the car.  His personal opinions on U.S. policies were insightful and gave reason to consider an outsider’s view.   Generously we had a tour of the plant and enjoyed lunch in the company lunchroom.