Pioneering Innovation in Sustainability The Journey of Aslam Moolji and Arshad Electronics Pvt Ltd

In an era where sustainability and innovation are no longer buzzwords but necessities, some leaders are setting new standards. Among them is Aslam Moolji, a third-generation entrepreneur who heads Arshad Electronics Pvt Ltd, a 50+ year old manufacturing firm based in Mumbai. Aslam’s company has made remarkable strides in addressing critical industry challenges through their revolutionary PlasmaRight systems for textiles and grains, offering sustainable solutions that are shaping the future of two important sectors. 

A Legacy of Entrepreneurship and Innovation 

Aslam's story is deeply rooted in family and legacy. He carries forward the legacy of a manufacturing firm founded by his predecessors, positioning himself as a strong advocate for product development and operations. With a background in Electronic Engineering from Mumbai University and a Post Graduation in Family Managed Business from Welingkar Institute, Aslam blends traditional business acumen with modern education.

 His passion for mentoring startups and small businesses also highlights his commitment to the next generation of entrepreneurs. 

The Birth of PlasmaRight: Innovation Sparked by Real-World Challenges 

Every entrepreneur has a defining moment, and for Aslam, it came with two distinct challenges. In 2016, Arshad Electronics was approached by a renowned textile mill facing dye uptake issues. The suggestion of using plasma treatment marked the beginning of what would later become their signature Plasma for Textiles system. Inspired by an 80year-old director of the mill who placed his trust in Aslam and his company, the decision to proceed was made in that very meeting room. 

A few years later, another challenge presented itself. When a shipment of grains was rejected due to insect infestations, Aslam was approached to explore alternative sterilization methods. This encounter, which occurred just after the first wave of COVID19, led to the creation of Plasma for Grains—an eco-friendly, sterilization system that extended the shelf life of grains without using harmful chemicals. 

Tackling Market Gaps and Challenges 

Aslam has always had an eye for market gaps. One of the primary issues he noticed in the textile industry was the lack of willingness to adopt new concepts like plasma despite the industry's growing emphasis on sustainability. Although the textile companies talk about reducing water consumption and harmful chemicals, few have taken real steps towards implementation. Similarly, in the grains industry, alternative methods of sterilization are rarely considered despite extensive research backing their effectiveness. 

Arshad Electronics aims to change that mindset. Through extensive R&D and a focus on sustainable practices, Aslam is determined to bring about a revolution in both sectors. 

A Strong Team and a Vision for the Future 

Behind every successful entrepreneur is a strong team. In the case of Arshad Electronics, Aslam has been fortunate to have unwavering support from his family and colleagues.The all have played pivotal roles in building trust within the market and ensuring the success of their plasma systems.  Their collective effort has resulted in the creation of the PlasmaRight brand, which stands out in the market as India’s first patented online plasma systems for textiles and grains. 

The vision for PlasmaRight is twofold: for textiles, it is about making the process more sustainable by reducing water and chemical usage, while also cutting down on pollution. For grains and millets, the focus is on increasing shelf life and offering clean and green methods of sterilization. 

Overcoming Challenges and Reaching Milestones 

Like any groundbreaking product, the journey wasn’t without its challenges. The biggest hurdles were acceptance of the concept, risk aversion, and the market's reluctance to trust Indian suppliers. Aslam Moolji and his team addressed these by offering free trials, gradually building trust, and demonstrating the tangible benefits of their systems. Major breakthroughs followed—achieving exceptional results with natural dyes for Khadi fabrics and eliminating insect infestation in stored semolina for over a year were some of the proudest milestones for Aslam. 

These accomplishments not only validated the effectiveness of their systems but also increased Aslam’s confidence in the long-term potential of plasma technology.

Building a Culture of Trust and Collaboration 

A company’s culture is often a reflection of its leadership, and at Arshad Electronics, this is evident. Aslam fosters an environment where each individual is empowered with authority and responsibility. Decision-making is a collective process, and employees are encouraged to contribute ideas and be part of the journey toward innovation and success. This inclusive approach has been key in maintaining a motivated team, driven by a shared vision of sustainability and progress. 

The Future of PlasmaRight and Arshad Electronics

Looking to the future, Aslam has his eyes set on an SME IPO within the next five years. He is also excited about emerging trends like AI and automation, which are likely to play significant roles in shaping the industries his company serves. Despite the challenges, Aslam is optimistic about the future and sees opportunities for growth as companies and consumers alike become more focused on sustainable and eco-friendly solutions.

 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs 

When asked what advice he would give to entrepreneurs just starting out, Aslam emphasizes patience, resilience, and trust in one’s instincts. “Go slow and steady,” he advises, adding that failures should be embraced as valuable learning experiences. Reflecting on his own journey, he notes that one thing he would have done differently is investing in sales, marketing, and R&D earlier. “We stuck with old staff and agents for too long and were emotional about it,” he admits, urging new entrepreneurs to be pragmatic when it comes to scaling up. 

Conclusion 

Aslam’s journey with Arshad Electronics and the development of PlasmaRight serves as an inspiring example of how innovation, resilience, and a commitment to sustainability can create meaningful change. His story is not just about business success but also about pushing boundaries, challenging market conventions, and inspiring trust in new technologies. 

To learn more about PlasmaRight and Arshad Electronics, visit their Website or connect with Aslam Moolji on LinkedIn.

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