A conversation with Dilip Chandak: Leading Vega Auto Accessories Pvt. Ltd. to excellence
Can you elaborate on the founding story of Vega Auto Accessories Pvt. Ltd and the role played by the Chandak family in guiding the company’s growth?
Founded in 1982 at Belgaum, India, Vega Auto Accessories Pvt. Ltd. is the flagship company of the Vega Group of Companies. Under the visionary leadership of the Chandak family, Vega has emerged as a leading player in the Indian helmet manufacturing industry, competing globally in terms of design, process and product excellence.
Vega’s success is rooted in a passionate team and a relentless pursuit of innovation. With an unwavering commitment to quality, Vega has always prioritized excellence over quantity. This dedication to quality, further strengthened by advancements in fiberglass and carbon fiber technology, has propelled Vega’s sales to new heights over the past two decades. With four state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities across India, each with comprehensive in-house design, machining, manufacturing, assembly and testing capabilities, Vega has a reputation for superior craftsmanship and reliability.
Embodying the ethos of safety and style, Vega has revolutionised the notion of helmets being perceived as a fashion statement rather than just a piece of protective equipment. Certified by the Indian Standards Institute (IS-4151), DOT and ECE, Vega’s range of helmets has earned it acclaim both locally and internationally. With a vast network of over 400 dealerships across the country and a growing presence in overseas markets such as the US, Germany, Italy and the UAE, Vega continues to expand its reach and influence, enriching lives through its commitment to safety and style on the road.
Vega has four well-equipped manufacturing facilities in India. Can you elaborate on the capabilities of these facilities, particularly in-house design, machining, manufacturing, assembly and testing?
For Vega, “quality over quantity” is not just a motto, it is our guiding principle. We believe in developing expertise through a dynamic interaction between our customers, our products and our organization. Our helmets are more than just protective gear; they reflect style, innovation and above all, safety and comfort.
When making products that are essential to life, ensuring the highest standards of quality is paramount, so every aspect of our production process, from design to assembly to testing, is meticulously controlled in our state-of-the-art facilities. Our unwavering commitment to excellence ensures that every helmet we manufacture meets the highest standards of quality and reliability, giving you the utmost peace of mind on the road.
How does Vega balance safety principles with fashion in its helmet designs, and what sets them apart as pioneers in promoting helmets as “designer head gear”?
Vega’s vision is to provide every biker with the highest quality and safest riding gear. Our goal is to create products that not only serve a purpose but also become the first choice for consumers around the world. With a focus on innovation and quality, we aim to lead the global market and push the boundaries of what’s possible.
Understanding that helmets are not just protective equipment but also a fashion accessory, the company prioritizes producing helmets that are not only well-fitting but also fashion-forward. Offering a wide range of color options, the company aims to cater to the tastes of the younger generation, ensuring safety does not compromise style on the road.
Vega has a wide dealer network across India and also has a presence abroad. What strategies has the company adopted to develop and expand its market presence in countries like the US, Germany and Italy?
Realizing that an efficient supply chain is crucial in today’s business environment, Vega has given top priority to this aspect since its inception. We understand the importance of maintaining close proximity to our dealers to prevent any supply chain interruptions. With strategically located warehouses, we are focused on ensuring ready availability of products. Our company is focused on expanding our brand presence across the globe as the export market forms a major part of our business. We aim to consolidate our position in the international market by strengthening our distribution network and ensuring global brand recognition.
Vega’s helmet products are approved by the Indian Standards Authority (DOT) and ECE. How does Vega ensure compliance with these standards and what measures does it take to maintain its certification?
Vega attaches utmost importance to adhering to safety standards as laid down by regulatory bodies like the Institute of Indian Standards (BIS), Department of Transport (DOT), Economic Commission for Europe (ECE) etc. To ensure compliance with these standards, Vega implements stringent quality control measures and robust testing procedures throughout the manufacturing process.
First, Vega helmets are designed and developed with a focus on meeting the requirements set forth by BIS, DOT and ECE standards. During the design phase, extensive research and analysis is carried out to incorporate safety features and materials that meet or exceed the standards. The specified criteria.
During production, Vega maintains strict quality control protocols, monitoring every stage of helmet production, including meticulous inspection of raw materials, adherence to standardized manufacturing processes, and rigorous quality checks during assembly.
Additionally, Vega performs comprehensive testing on its helmets to verify their compliance with safety standards. This testing includes various parameters such as impact resistance, penetration resistance, stability, visibility, etc. The tests are conducted in accredited facilities using advanced equipment and methodologies to ensure accurate and reliable results.
To maintain certification from regulatory agencies, Vega regularly reviews and updates its manufacturing processes and product designs to align with evolving safety standards, and invests in ongoing training and education for its staff to stay up to date on regulatory requirements and industry best practices.
Overall, Vega’s commitment to safety and compliance is reflected in their proactive approach to quality assurance, robust testing procedures, and ongoing efforts to maintain the highest standards set by BIS, DOT, and ECE.
Can you talk about Vega’s commitment to meeting or exceeding safety standards and how this aligns with the company’s values and mission?
Vega’s commitment to meeting or exceeding safety standards is not just a business imperative, but a moral obligation rooted in its values and mission. By maintaining the highest standards of safety and quality, Vega reaffirms its position as a trusted industry leader and a brand synonymous with reliability, performance and customer satisfaction.
How will Belagavi be an advantageous location to drive Vega Helmets growth?
Belagavi serves as a strategic destination favorable for the growth of Vega Helmets in several ways. Firstly, its geographical location offers logistical advantages due to its proximity to major cities like Bangalore, Pune, Goa etc. This facilitates an efficient distribution and transportation network, ensuring timely delivery of Vega Helmets to dealers and customers across India.
Additionally, Belagavi offers a business-friendly environment featuring supportive infrastructure and industrial facilities. The city’s industrial ecosystem fosters innovation, collaboration and growth, enabling Vega Helmets to leverage local resources, talent and expertise to enhance its manufacturing capabilities and product offerings.
Moreover, Belagavi’s emergence as a manufacturing hub is in line with Vega Helmets’ expansion plans and production requirements. Availability of skilled labour, access to raw materials and supportive government policies have contributed to the company’s operational efficiency. Cost-effective, This will further accelerate our growth trajectory.
Additionally, Belagavi’s strategic location provides access to domestic and international markets, facilitating Vega Helmets’ export initiatives and global expansion strategy. The city is connected to ports and transport networks, enhancing Vega Helmets’ reach and competitiveness in the global market.
