I am thrilled to launch "Random Voice" - a new platform for sharing my perspectives on the woodworking industry, which will hopefully help our community stay up-todate on the latest trends, innovations, and opportunities for growth. I've always wanted to contribute to the close-knit woodworking community, and I couldn't think of a better way to do so than by following in the footsteps of the inspiring Ramu Sir. To kick off this journey, I'd like to share with you the story of a remarkable man who has had a lasting impact on me and the industry as a whole. Mr. V. Ramakrishnan, fondly known as "Ramu Sir," was a visionary leader who inspired many with his dedication and passion for woodworking. Throughout his career, he achieved the remarkable success that has left a mark on the industry.
Ramu Sir's professional journey started in the woodworking industry when he implemented process changes and introduced alternative wood materials. He went on to revive a sick plywood mill and introduced pre-pressing technology and special thicknesses for veneer packs. During his time with Hansbrasboden and Osbahr KG in Hamburg, Germany, he executed projects in several countries and established Hansabrasboden+Ramu Sir in 1983 to sell and service German machines and spares in India. In 1989, he rebranded the company as HBR Consultants. Ramu Sir launched WoodNews magazine in 1991, which was the first of its kind in India and was distributed for free until 2001. His dedication and contribution to uplifting the woodworking industry were truly inspiring. WoodNews magazine became a channel for a lot of aspiring brands to come to light and understand the ins and outs of the business. It helped to an extent in getting the woodworking community organized and getting future-ready in terms of the newest technologies and global opportunities.
His success allowed him to export machinery back to Germany. He played a pivotal role in establishing well-known brands of today’s Indian woodworking machinery market by bringing companies such as Leitz German tooling to India and creating Homag India etc. He was the name that the industry resonates with even to this day for his commendable leadership skills, which helped these brands reach greater heights in the Indian market. His name was a brand in itself for his humble and philanthropic nature. He was always the one person during the 90s whom all aspiring woodworking machinery startups including myself had looked upon. He was the teacher for many in his nature to guide anyone who seeks him.
Ramu Sir organized India's first exhibition of woodworking machinery – INDIAWOOD in 1996, which even to this day is a benchmark that the industry follows. Not just for the woodworking segment but it set a great example for even Event Organizers across the globe. INDIAWOOD is one of India’s largest tradeshows to this day after so many years of its inception. It is through his vision that the industry flourishes to raise to newer heights.
Ramu Sir continued to make an impact in the industry, establishing India's first rubberwood processing facility and helping set up several other rubberwood processing units. He assisted in launching a machine manufacturing company for chemical pressure impregnation plants and seasoning kilns. He also ventured into the manufacture of particle boards from jute stalk and fiber. He aided in setting up a rice husk-based particle board plant in the Philippines, a brush handle manufacturing company in Sri Lanka, and a furniture company in New Delhi to name a few other achievements amongst many on the list.
As someone who runs a woodworking machinery company, I find Ramu Sir's story particularly inspiring, and I hope it inspires you as well. His life serves as a testament to the impact one person can have on an entire industry; and the importance of perseverance and innovation in bringing the industry to new heights.
Stay tuned for more insights into the woodworking industry through "Random Voice”.
