It takes courage to bid adieu to a cosy job and instead take the risk of starting a new venture. However, in this age of cut-throat competition, there are young entrepreneurs with their novel ideas who brave all odds and come out smiling.

"It just passed through our mind that we should start our company," says Suruchi Shanbag. She is one of the brains behind Shachi Engineering, a known name in the field of drying solutions for varied industries.

"We both had a decent job in a private enterprise, but it wasn't giving us the much needed satisfaction," says Ms Suruchi of the decision to quit the job and starting a own venture. That is how Shachi Engineering was founded in 1998. And with just Rs 5,000 to pump in initially as capital, it was a consultancy firm till 2002 when Ms Suruchi and Ms Shanbag took the decision to start manufacturing.

New ventures have their own set of difficulties. "One has to ensure a constant source of funds and manpower for the new baby," says Ms Suruchi.

Now, after 12 years of hard work and innovations, Shachi Engineering, is an established name in drying industry. Manufacturers, designers, and consultants of process equipment it now serves many industries like food, pharmaceutical, chemicals and ceramic.

With a specialisation in implementing turnkey projects, at Shachi, the engineers mould the assigned tasks to the perfection of their clients. "We ensure that our designs understand the needs of our clients," says Ms Suruchi. The impetus is on in-depth knowledge and the best possible quality so that the clients benefit in ways more than what a conventional plan would have done otherwise. A well-trained team of expert engineers makes sure to check the possibility that the product can be dried, the suitability of the dryer and providing basis for process and equipment design.

"We have a clear policy for maintaining quality," says Ms Suruchi. "To ensure client satisfaction the equipment are designed to established specifications and expectations in the most cost effective manner. Moreover, time is of utmost importance and thus the deadlines are taken seriously and it is ensured that the equipment is supplied at the designated place in time," she adds

Also, rigorous tests make sure that the final product is does not lag behind in terms of safety and performance. "This is achieved through continual improvements in technology, manufacturing processes, knowledge base and quality thrust of all employees by meeting applicable statutory and regulatory requirements," says Ms Suruchi.

With global warming now a reality, Shachi too is striving to bring on green technologies which consume less of precious energy.

"A system of the highest structural integrity, energy efficient and advanced technology is not only the easiest amongst the industry to operate and maintain, but more importantly is one, which delivers consistency in quality," says Ms Suruchi.

Also, Shachi's relationship with IndiaMART.com too has been beneficial in generating curiosity from clients all across the world with some enquiries materialising into orders. Indeed, B2B portals like IndiaMART.com have succeeded in furthering the reach of the SMEs in a big way.

Shachi's endeavour to provide its clients with the products of the highest quality has paid off rich dividends. The annual turnover, which is now Rs 9 crore, is expected to jump to Rs 13 crore. Moreover, satisfied clients pass on the word and ensure that there is no dearth of orders.