Introduction

AAAG was established in 1933 with the objective of manufacturing quality fire fighting equipment and fittings, and strengthen the hands of the fire fighter. To meet market demands, the company continued to add different fire fighting equipment to their product range over time, and today, produces a wide range of water and foam based fire fighting equipment for fixed, mobile and vehicle based fire fighting applications. Throughout this period of more than 8 decades, it has maintained its status as one of the leading fire fighting equipment manufacturing company in the country.

Today, AAAG boasts of a modern 70,000 sq. feet factory equipped with state of the art manufacturing and testing facilities, which include the latest equipment and technology in Foundry, Machining, Assembly Workshop, Hydraulic Pressure Testing and Performance Testing. The company's inherent quality consciousness and commitment coupled with stringent manufacturing practices are endorsed by the fact that it has been recognized by ISO:9001-2008 series certification by BVQI, for manufacturing of above products.

AAAG has over a thousand clients, which includes large corporates as well as dealers all over the country. Our products have been exported to countries such as the USA, UK, Italy, Singapore and the Middle East. Within the country, our clientele is a veritable who's who of the Indian Industry, and covers every major sector of commerce and industry.

Mukesh M. Shah is the third generation into the business and is involved in almost all activities of the firm, with focus on development and evaluation of products, as well as marketing. Under his leadership, the firm has grown to a remarkable level, becoming one of the largest firefighting equipment manufacturing companies in India today. He interacts with clients from different sectors, which include large corporate clients, OEMs, Systems Integrators as well as a countrywide dealer network. He has visited a number of foreign countries, including USA, Germany, China, UAE, etc, as an exhibitor at international expos and on professional matters.

Q. Why is Improving Fire Safety Culture so Important in our Point of View for Indian Market?
There is a general tendency in the country to cut costs on safety aspects and this leads to a compromise on quality of firefighting equipment.

However, human life is a gift from god, and every possible effort must be made to preserve this life. This includes safety of life from the threat of fire. There is a general tendency in the country to compromise on quality of firefighting equipment, and as an industry, we should strive to maintain optimum quality standards. Government and Authorities have a major task on hand to develop codes and standards that ensure quality and performance of equipment. Industry associations have a big responsibility to educate clients and society on fire safety issues and reduce our fire safety problem.

Q. What are the Biggest Issues the Industry is Facing Today?
How did you Respond to Challenges Posed by Present Pandemic (COVID-19) Situation? The pandemic situation was a very challenging time from both business and humanitarian point of view. It was important to keep business running to ensure that employees and vendors are able to survive these difficult times. At the same time, it was critical to ensure safety of all involved by following norms laid down by the government. We were fortunate to survive this difficult time with minimal impact (except for 2-3 months).

As a fallout of the Covid-19 time, prices for most raw materials have shot up tremendously in the recent past, and this has put the industry in a very difficult situation.

Q. What is the Kind of Efficiency you Promise the Market with your Systems and Equipment?
Our state of art manufacturing facility on the outskirts of Ahmedabad which is over 70,000 sq. feet, has the latest foundry, casting technology, machining and testing facilities. We are looking at new casting techniques to improve product quality and reduce production time. At the same time, we are continuously looking to increase our product portfolio with new firefighting branches, monitors and accessories which will strengthen the hands of the firefighter and contribute to better firefighting at the incident scene.

AAAG always remains fully aware of the fact that it's growth and status is solely due to the faith and trust shown by its valued clients, and so remains firmly committed to providing quality equipment to them at all times.

Q. Share an Experience in which you Successfully Tackled a Difficult Problem or Challenge. How were you able to be Successful?
We face different challenges everyday; however the Covid-19 pandemic was a difficult challenge, both from human and business point of view. There was not clear information available and we saw some difficult times in terms of large-scale movement of labourers and their travails. One of the first steps we took was to reassure our workforce and make basic arrangements for their stay and other requirements. It was aso important to take care of employees/workers who were affected due to the pandemic. We were able to do this by having the belief that all employees are part of our larger family and only if we take care of them in difficult times, they will reciprocate accordingly in the future.

Q. What are the Latest Emerging Technologies which will Help Firefighters and Emergency Responders in their Fight Against Fire?
For Firefighting Equipment, newer and lighter materials of construction (metals, composites & plastics) are being used more and more with the intention to reduce weight, improve durability and lessen maintenance. At the same time, new developments in foam and other suppression technologies always poses challenges to manufacturers to come up with newer products, compatible to these technologies/ changes. Environmental challenges of firefighitng chemicals are an important consideration, and the industry will have to ensure that the technologies and products they use do not impact the environment adversely.

Q. What is the Key to Success when Communicating with Employees and Clients?
Having been in the industry for more than 4 decades, I can confidently say that my communication with clients has been based on mutual respect and trust. Once committed to a client, I have always ensured that his expectations are met whatever be the circumstances - for a brand to survive 8 decades, this is a basic prerequisite.

As far as employees are concerned, my communication with them is based on empathy and faith; many of our employees have been with us for 4-5 decades and in some cases, even the second and third generation from the same family have been with us. Our employees have stayed with us due to our open and clear communication with them.

Q. What is the Final Advice you would Like to Guide the Readers when Selecting the Products, When it Comes to Safety and Fire Protection?
We urge all readers to be fully aware of the fire risks prevalent in their workplace and home, and take suitable preventive and protective measures for dealing with the same (could be as simple as installing a fire extinguisher and fire blanket at home, and learning to use them). Do not compromise on quality where firefighting equipment is concerned; it could make the difference between life & death - for building occupants as well as firefighters.

For more information visit:
www.aaagindia.in