WICMA Symposium 2023 was held in the exquisite surroundings of the Radisson Spa & Resorts, Lonavala on 14th & 15th Sept 2023. This was the 10th edition of the Symposium - an event which has evolved into one of the most important industry events in the Western Region.
Growth is vital for the survival of any industry and therefore it is very important that we are abreast with the latest strategies to drive growth in our respective businesses. It was in this context, that the theme of this year’s WICMA Symposium was chosen as ‘BUSINESS STRATEGY FOR GROWTH’.
The event saw a record attendance of over 260 participants comprising corrugators, paper mill owners, machinery and accessory suppliers from all over India. CORPEX 2023, a table-top exhibition, with 12 exhibitors, was held as a synchronising event.
The inaugural session was held on the first day. The lighting of the ceremonial inaugural lamp provided an auspicious start to the proceedings. WICMA members, Shri Ashish Gandhi & Shri Dushyant Patil were felicitated on their elevation to the top posts of two local Industry Associations. There was a celebration and felicitation of the R&D Centre Team for being bestowed with the highly coveted NABL accreditation as well as being approved by Director General Shipping, Govt of India as an IMDG testing centre for UN Certification for corrugated packaging used in shipping hazardous goods by SEA. On the occasion, Shri M. Rajagopal of M/s McSparr Test Systems & Chemicals Pvt Ltd. was felicitated for his support in manufacturing a crucial equipment with non-standard specifications within the shortest lead time.
Shri Pradip Bosmaya, Past President of WICMA & FCBM, was presented the Lifetime Achievement Award, in recognition of his meritorious and dedicated services to WICMA and the Corrugated Industry
The Symposium program comprised information-packed technical sessions, panel discussion and a vivacious Evening program where a musical band regaled participants while they enjoyed a Gala Dinner. The technical sessions spread over two days were based on the Symposium Theme - ‘BUSINESS STRATEGY FOR GROWTH’.
The first was a motivational session addressed by Dr Radhakrishnan Pillai, one of India’s foremost business authors famed for his Chanakya series. He enlightened delegates on the strategies to overcome challenges and drive business growth.
There were two panel discussions – one on kraft paper and the other on corrugated machinery. Panellists comprised representatives of some prominent paper mills and corrugated machinery manufacturers. There was a lively discussion on quality matters, new innovations, and technologies.
The technical session titled “Corrugator’s perspective on Business Strategy for Growth” had four corrugators, Shri Hemendra Agrawal from Jaipur, Shri Aditya Agarwal from Guwahati, Shri Vernon Mathias from Goa and Shri Rakesh Shah from Pune , who presented on successful strategies implemented by them to overcome challenges and which were instrumental in substantial growth of their own enterprises.
This was followed by sessions by Shri Subhasis Kumar Roy on “ TRUE CARE – An Industry 4.0 Initiative in Maintenance”, Dr Ipshita Guha on “ Who is my Customer? Rethinking Business Strategy” and Shri Pravin Jagtap on “Transmissions in Corrugation Industry”
The WICMA AGM was held on 14th Sept 2023. The new President Shri Anil Loya took charge from Shri Kirtikumar Gandhi. Shri Rohit Bubna was elected Vice President. At the Managing Committee meeting following the AGM, Shri Shlok Kedia was nominated as Hon. Secretary and Shri Satyajit Patel was nominated as Hon. Treasurer.
WICMA thanks Sponsors and Exhibitors and delegates who supported and participated in WICMA SYMPOSIUM 2023, making it one of the most successful and memorable events in recent times.
