While Farrokh Cooper, Chairman & Managing Director, Cooper Corporation, is extremely proud of his legacy, he is also equally future oriented with his feet firmly grounded in the present times. His paternal grandfather, Sir Dhunjisha established Cooper Engineering in Satara way back in 1922, manufacturing metal ploughs and built India's first diesel engine. While Cooper Engineering lost its way after independence for many reasons, Farrokh Cooper not only revived it with entrepreneurial zest but also ensured that set new benchmarks of success inspired by his grandfather's legacy and vision.

Under his leadership, the company has grown over a whopping 500 percent just in the last ten years. You ask him what is the secret of his success and he doesn't take much time in sharing it with you. "Have a good product, maintain discipline at all levels, invest in new technology, focus on innovation, take good care of your people and keep your ego at the gate," he says with a smile. Cooper strongly believes that India's strength lies in its people. "We are an extremely talented bunch of people with skills rarely found in people of other region. Indian skills are unique. Unfortunately, our country and its people are not projected properly at the global stage. Yes, some start has been made in the recent times but we have a long way to go," he believes.

Cooper gives full credit to his people for the company's successful journey so far. And in turn, the company has taken good care of its people. This is reflected in the fact that Cooper Corporation has retained many of its employees for decades. "In some cases there are three generations of the same family working at Cooper and there are more than 200 people who have been around for more than 25 years," he says with pride. Cooper Corporation follows a unique method of engaging with its workers. "We have what we call a workers' society. All our work is done through this society which not only ensures that the rightly skilled people are employed for the required assignments but also take cares of the employees' welfare," Cooper says. It is like an extended HR department. Cooper today employs over 2,000 people including engineers, quality control personnel, workmen and administrative staff.