Imagine a woman holding a tool stiffly while grinding it and enjoying every part of shaping it on a lathe machine! Ranjan Soni, who has been in love with machines since childhood, made mechanical engineering her career choice. Her story grips us with the courage, determination, and never-ending attitude she possesses today to defy all odds while entering an industry partial to men and then rising above and beyond.
In the industrial heart of MIDC Rabale in Navi Mumbai, Ranjan Soni has carved a niche in engineering solutions with her venture, M J Engineering. Starting M J Engineering along with her husband over a decade ago, Ranjan, the Managing Partner, has shown that it’s not gender that determines who can join the manufacturing industry, but rather a passion. Her educational journey began with a mechanical engineering degree from K J Somaiya College, a path she chose despite societal expectations and stereotypes. Growing up in a family immersed in manufacturing, Ranjan drew inspiration from her father’s business and aspired to follow in his footsteps.
Under the vibrant brand name VIBRANTÉ, her company has become a synonym for versatility in storage solutions, catering to an array of sectors from expansive warehouses to dynamic educational institutions, from bustling corporate offices to frontline healthcare facilities and beyond. At M J Engineering, the philosophy is simple yet profound: prioritise the client. This client-oriented mindset, combined with unparalleled value, has solidified its reputation as the first choice for customers. Fueled by professionalism and a keen understanding of bespoke needs, the team at M J Engineering ensures that every product and service offered is as unique as the clients they serve.
With a product line that spans across the educational, healthcare, hospitality, and retail industries, M J Engineering delivers more than just furniture; they provide comprehensive solutions that evolve with the needs of their clients. From ergonomic school desks to modular hospital wards, from comfortable hostel furnishings to efficient warehouse racking systems, each offering is designed to enhance the spaces they inhabit. The trust vested in Ranjan and her team is reflected in their prestigious clientele, which includes industry giants like Tata Projects, L&T ECC, and Adani Green Energies. Their commitment to delivering excellence without compromise has not just satisfied customers but has built long-standing relationships based on reliability and innovation.
Championing Capabilities: Women in Engineering
Upon completing her degree, Ranjan ventured into the corporate world, gaining valuable experience as an HVAC design engineer in a consulting firm. This corporate stint gave her insights into organisational structures and operational dynamics, laying the groundwork for her future entrepreneurial endeavours. Soni’s foray into entrepreneurship came with the establishment of M J Engineering, which marked a strategic shift towards product manufacturing in the furniture and warehouse racking sectors.
Ranjan faced the stereotypical mindset of society from a very young age when people questioned her choice to pursue mechanical engineering as a career. In fact, during her first year of the course, she was the only girl in a class of around 70 students. However, things gradually changed as the number of female students increased. Ranjan mentions that she always felt the same among her peers despite being the only girl in the class. While other students doubted their decision to pursue mechanical engineering, Ranjan inspired them with her passion for engineering.
Despite initially facing doubts on the shop floor, Ranjan eventually earned the trust of her seniors through her work. As one of the few women on the shop floor, she felt responsible for maintaining the perception of women among those involved. She was aware that her actions would be generalised as belonging to the category of “women.” Among her experiences, Ranjan recalls one incident when she applied for a job and was rejected due to her gender despite being overqualified. She was told that she could not be hired due to safety reasons and the nature of the job’s location.
Breaking Maritime Barriers: Women’s Rising Tide in Engineering
Recalling another incident, Ranjan mentioned, “Back then, I was interested in marine engineering too. But when I tried to apply for it, I realised there was no application form for women candidates.” While the criteria may have changed now, she found it surprising that women were considered unfit for that role. Today, however, Ranjan believes that times are changing, and women are gaining an upper hand with additional benefits provided by the government for women entrepreneurs. Unfortunately, many people are unaware of these schemes and fail to leverage them.
Ranjan emphasizes adapting to changing times, which she believes can be achieved through continuous learning. From learning about finance for a better understanding and management of the company’s balance sheets to adding advanced hospital beds to their product portfolio during the COVID-19 phase, Ranjan has exemplified the process of adaptation. Passion is another value that adds to Ranjan’s principles. She believes that without passion, one might get burned out due to the tough roles and responsibilities in manufacturing.
Ranjan considers soft skills to be important in the manufacturing sector. She emphasises skills such as understanding people, negotiation, and networking. While both Ranjan and her husband founded M J Engineering, Ranjan usually appears as the face of the company. However, Ranjan states that her husband is the backbone of the company. In fact, during their college days, Ranjan and her husband discussed founding a manufacturing business together. She feels proud to have her husband’s support and recalls an incident when her husband sent her to handle a heated situation in the factory, which she bravely handled.
Designing Functionality: The Story of MJ Engineering’s Innovative Quest
Ranjan Soni and her husband stand at the forefront of MJ Engineering, a company that combines visionary furniture manufacturing with a commitment to space efficiency and customer comfort. Their mission is not just about crafting furniture but providing revolutionary affordable solutions that resonate with their vision of organized and comfortable spaces.
At the core of MJ Engineering’s operations is a state-of-the-art infrastructure, segmented into specialized units for designing, manufacturing, marketing, and production. The manufacturing unit boasts advanced machinery including CNC turret machines for precise cutting and punching, CNC bending, shearing machines, CO2 welding, power press, and an eleven-stage treatment powder coating setup. Each department, from design to delivery, upholds the company’s policy to meet the highest standards of quality, safety, reliability, and service.
The Sonis’ leadership ensures that every product embodies their dedication to quality and innovation, satisfying customers’ needs for quality assurance. Their team environment is one of respect for diversity and new ideas, fueling their pursuit of excellence and hard work. Under their guidance, MJ Engineering continues to evolve, providing perfect storage solutions and managing space with unparalleled quality and competitive prices.
Breaking Barriers: Spreading Wings Globally
When asked about her future plans, Ranjan expressed her excitement about speaking at her former college and her dream of expanding her manufacturing business. She aims to break stereotypes and grow her company to employ more people. With current exports to places like Russia and the UAE, she hopes to expand her overseas sales. She also aspires to become a director in other companies and learn new skills. While she doesn’t plan too far ahead due to life’s uncertainties, she focuses on daily and weekly goals to stay productive. She believes in making the most of each day and isn’t limited by long-term plans.
Ranjan expressed her observation that women often stereotype themselves, which she views as detrimental. She believes that women should not compare themselves to men as a standard, as it implies considering women inferior. Instead, she advocates for viewing both genders equally without placing one above the other. She argues against the notion that performing tasks traditionally associated with men makes one superior, emphasizing the importance of not setting low standards for oneself based on gender. She encourages women to aspire to higher goals and not limit themselves by comparing to unreasonable gender standards.
