Brands
Finolex names new MD and technical director as growth picks up
PUNE: Finolex Industries has refreshed its leadership ranks as it gears up for a new phase of growth. The company has appointed Udipt Agarwal as managing director from November 1, while Rambabu Sanka stepped in as director technical earlier on August 2.
Agarwal, 56, arrives with more than three decades of experience across chemicals, bio-industrial solutions and specialty materials. A graduate of HBTI Kanpur and an Insead alumnus, he has built a career around operations, business strategy and market development across Asia. His remit now is to steer Finolex’s expansion as demand for pipes and fittings continues to rise.
Sanka, 63, brings close to forty years of expertise in chemical manufacturing with deep experience in VCM and PVC operations. Known for his strengths in plant management and process optimisation, he is expected to boost Finolex’s quest for manufacturing excellence.
Welcoming the duo, executive chairman Prakash P. Chhabria said their complementary strengths will help drive innovation, agility and market leadership. He added that the company is confident of building a future-ready Finolex that delivers greater value across its ecosystem.
The leadership change follows the retirement of managing director Saurabh Dhanorkar and director technical Saumya Chakrabarti. Chhabria thanked both leaders for laying a strong foundation and for their consistent commitment to Finolex’s values and culture.
Finolex Industries, one of India’s most trusted names in PVC pipes and fittings, has spent 44 years perfecting one craft. From sourcing raw materials and producing resin to manufacturing, logistics, sales and customer engagement, the company has kept its focus narrow and its standards high. The result is a brand known for reliable quality, strong dealer networks and unwavering customer goodwill.
Even as it expands into new markets, the company continues to measure success not just in numbers but in reputation. Its commitment to quality extends to its dealer support, supplier relationships, employee opportunities and social initiatives that improve education, health and living standards in the communities it serves.
After four decades of staying steady, focused and trusted, Finolex now enters its next chapter under new leadership, determined to strengthen what it already does best.
Brands
Ather Energy doubles service network to 500 centres nationwide
EV maker scales support alongside growth to keep riders on the road
MUMBAI: Ather Energy is quietly building more than just scooters. It is building the backbone to keep them running.
The electric two-wheeler maker has expanded its service network to 500 authorised centres across India, nearly doubling its footprint in a year from 277. The move mirrors its growing retail presence and signals a clear focus on one often overlooked part of EV ownership, what happens after the purchase.
From the outset, Ather has prioritised service support in every city it enters, aiming to make ownership as smooth as the ride itself. Its Gold Service Centres bring in upgraded customer lounges, modern equipment and processes designed to make servicing more transparent and reliable.
Speed, too, is part of the pitch. Through its ExpressCare initiative, riders can get periodic maintenance done in about an hour, now available across 82 centres, turning what used to be a chore into a quick pit stop.
Ather Energy chief business officer Ravneet Singh Phokela said, “Crossing 500 service centres is an important milestone as we scale across the country. Reliable after-sales support is central to the ownership experience, and our focus remains on consistent service quality and accessibility.”
The expansion comes as demand grows for models like the Ather 450 and the Rizta, which have helped the company reach a broader set of riders across metros and emerging cities alike.
Alongside servicing, Ather continues to power up infrastructure through the Ather Grid, now one of the largest fast-charging networks for two-wheelers, with over 4,300 charging points.
With plans to scale further and deepen its presence, Ather’s approach is clear. Selling the scooter may start the journey, but keeping it running smoothly is what sustains it.
