Mr. Natarajan Iyer – An Innovative Journey of a Business Expert with Professional Insights and Leadership Success

 

 

Mr. Natarajan Iyer, Managing Director, Trimos India Pvt.Ltd.; CEO, Trimaster Metrology LLP

 

For the past 36 years, I've dedicated my career to delivering advanced metrology solutions that truly address the unique needs of our customers. My journey began as a sales and service engineer, where I gained invaluable hands-on experience and a deep understanding of customer requirements. This foundation has been instrumental in shaping my leadership approach.

 

As the Managing Director of Trimos India Pvt Ltd and CEO of Trimaster Metrology LLP, I have had the privilege of working alongside a talented team of over 200 + engineers. Together, we have collaborated to develop and implement innovative solutions that have served over 3000+ customers across India.

 

 

Could you tell us about Trimos India Pvt. Ltd. and Trimaster Metrology LLP and services they offer?

 

Trimos India Pvt Ltd is a joint venture with Trimos SA, a prestigious Swiss metrology company. This collaboration blends European expertise and innovation with an in-depth understanding of the Indian market. We proudly offer a wide range of solutions designed to meet diverse dimensional measurement requirements. Our portfolio includes a variety of instruments, each meticulously crafted for specific applications and engineered to deliver superior precision.

 

Trimaster Metrology LLP is a leading provider of end-to-end metrology solutions, specializing in the marketing, sales, training, servicing and calibration of an extensive range of measuring instruments, software and quality testing equipments. With a team of industry experts boasting over 30 years of experience across the entire product range, we bring profound knowledge of metrology principles and industry best practices to deliver outstanding service and support to our clients.

 

Our commitment lies in delivering customized solutions that precisely cater to each customer’s unique requirements. These include tailored metrology solutions, shop floor standard room applications, Multi-Gauging Online SPC Solutions and Turnkey Projects. By combining our expertise, comprehensive product portfolio, and unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction, Trimos India Pvt Ltd and Trimaster Metrology LLP enable businesses to optimize their quality control processes, enhance product accuracy and achieve greater operational efficiency.

 

 

What motivated you to become an entrepreneur and how has your leadership approach driven your success over the past 36 years?

 

Becoming an entrepreneur is deeply a personal decision, driven by a mix of motivations and aspirations. For me, the main driving forces were the desire to provide customers with accurate solutions through advanced instruments and the potential to transform the metrology field. Over the years, my leadership style has evolved, shaped by both achievements and challenges. Early on, I adopted a more directive approach, focusing on clear goals and expectations. However, as the organization expanded and became more complex, I realized the importance of empowering my team, encouraging teamwork and promoting optimization.

 

A significant factor in our success has been our steadfast commitment to customer satisfaction. We have always aimed to understand our customer needs and surpass their expectations. This customer- focused approach has not only helped us build strong, lasting relationships but also provided valuable insights for product development and service improvement. Another key element of our success has been our ability to adapt and evolve in response to shifting market dynamics. By embracing new technologies and business models, while staying true to our core values, we have been able to overcome challenges and seize new opportunities.

 

Looking back, I see my leadership journey as one of continuous learning and growth. I have learned the importance of listening actively, communicating clearly and offering constructive feedback. I have also come to appreciate the value of trusting my team, delegating effectively, and celebrating their achievements. I am incredibly proud of the work we have accomplished and the positive impact we have made on the metrology industry. I am committed to continuing to provide cutting-edge solutions and having strong customer relationships as we move forward.

 

 

Could you share us your professional journey, highlighting significant milestones and achievements?

 

I started my career in the year of 1988 in a metrology firm as a sales and service engineer and gained foundational skills, developed a strong work ethic and quickly became a valued team member. After understanding the potential of the metrology instruments in the Indian market, I founded my own company and got the opportunity to successfully lead multiple projects. This in turn helped in reaching sales targets and significantly impacting the company revenue. Also, I streamlined the organizational processes, which in turn improved the team productivity and encouraged a collaborative and organised work environment. I am very proud to say that we have successfully handled a challenging period of industry disruption, leading the company's transition to a new market segment. My professional journey is all about consistent career growth and continuous learning process. While I am proud of what we have accomplished, I believe true success lies in the positive impact we have on the world around us. Our goal is to build a sustainable and ethical business that enhances the well-being of our employees, customers and the wider community. I am grateful for this fulfilling journey and excited for what the future holds.

 

 

What are your current roles and responsibilities as Managing Director and CEO?

 

My goal is to develop and implement the company's vision, mission and overall strategy by identifying and capitalizing on opportunities for growth, long-term sustainability and expansion. I am committed to leveraging my leadership experience to help the organization achieve its objectives. I take an active role in day-to-day operations to enhance efficiency by addressing operational risks, streamlining processes and ensuring alignment with strategic goals.

 

I prioritize setting clear objectives for the company and regularly reviewing organizational performance to drive improvements in overall efficiency. I strongly advocate for a culture of accountability and transparency within the organization. Recognizing the value of both youthful energy and experienced insight, I personally oversee recruitment and conduct regular one-on-one sessions with team members to encourage collaboration and growth.

 

Clear planning is essential to achieving our goals, which is why we organize internal strategy meetings before and after engaging with customers. As a Managing Director and CEO, I strive to lead the organization with agility and resilience, especially during challenging times.

 

On the financial side, I work closely with my core team to approve budgets, implement cost-saving strategies and plan cash flow to ensure long-term financial stability. Additionally, I understand the importance of branding and marketing, in creating a distinct identity and reputation that drives competitive advantage and business growth.

 

Representing Trimos India Pvt Ltd and Trimaster Metrology LLP at industry forums, trade expos and through digital channels is a key focus. Furthermore, staying updated on the latest trends in the metrology industry helps us maintain a competitive edge in the market.

 

 

What are your core areas of expertise and how have they contributed to delivering solutions in diverse industries?

 

• Understanding current market trends and identifying where we fit within the competitive space.
• Identifying potential customers and engaging with them to thoroughly understand their requirements and business use cases.
• Delivering the best possible solutions within customer budgets without compromising on quality. For complex requirements, collaborating with my team to brainstorm and develop optimal solutions.
• Staying informed about cutting-edge, high-quality solutions in the metrology field and how they can help Indian customers improve their quality and production processes.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with customers before and after a sale. This includes ensuring the accuracy and reliability of every instrument through regular calibration and maintenance processes. Additionally, our technical team is well trained and is always available to assist customers with their concerns.
• Establishing efficient internal processes to ensure customer needs are handled effectively, reflecting our strong commitment to customer satisfaction.

 

We provide tailored solutions to various range of industries such as automotive, aerospace and electronics by optimizing manufacturing processes, verifying dimensional accuracy in critical components and maintaining tight tolerances in electronic component manufacturing. Our instruments significantly reduce production errors, enhancing the quality and reliability of final products.

 

I am confident that my expertise in these areas, combined with my passion for precision and quality, can drive our company’s continued success and enable us to move smoothly during challenging times with resilience and proper guidance.

 

 

How do you stay updated on industry trends and what advice would you give to aspiring professionals and entrepreneurs?

 

To stay ahead in the rapidly evolving metrology industry, I consistently engage with industry leaders to understand their evolving requirements and thus help to deliver innovative and reliable solutions. I strongly believe in the philosophy of “never stop learning.” I stay updated by reading global metrology journals and attending world-class expos in India and abroad, which provide valuable insights into emerging needs and cutting-edge solutions in the field.

 

The growth of social media has also created opportunities to connect with diverse minds worldwide. Through these platforms, I gain insights into advancements like Industry 4.0 and participate in discussions about industry challenges and trends.

 

As a seasoned professional, my advice to aspiring professionals and entrepreneurs is as follows:

1.    Commit to Lifelong Learning

Industries are constantly evolving. Stay curious and never shy away in learning from experienced mentors and never hesitate to ask questions.

2.    Develop Tailored Solutions

Each customer has unique requirements, so a one-size-fits-all approach won’t work. Focus on analysing individual needs and crafting customized solutions. This skill will set you apart and make you more effective in solving challenges.

3.    Prioritize Networking

Build strong connections with peers and industry leaders. Networking not only helps you understand potential customers but also provides insights into future industry requirements. Staying informed about emerging technologies like AI and IoT will ensure you remain competitive and prepared for future opportunities.