Uninterrupted Success

Sethi joined APC in 1995, and was based at the companys Rhode Island headquarters in the US. The prodigal returned to India a year later when he decided to accept the post of district manager with APC India: One heard so many good things about India in the US; filtered though they may be, the growth opportunities seemed to be tremendous.

But a year spent in the country has taught the young manager a few things. Importantly, that the Indian market presents its own set of challenges. As a representative of a company which views UPS equipment as an IT peripheral rather than simply an electrical equipment, Sethi found himself doing battle with somewhat archaic perceptions. One of his tasks, then is to create the awareness that APC integrates software and other accessories with its UPS systems, providing a complete network package.

 

But the 12-month grind doesnt seemed to have dampened the Cornell graduates enthusiasm hes targeting a 100 per cent growth in sales over the next year. APC India has also announced its intention to set up a manufacturing site in India by the year 2002.

Sethi doesnt seem to regret his decision to return to the homeland. For one, it has enabled him to discover a new city APC India is based in Chennai. He explains the choice of the city: Chennai offers the advantages of a city at non-city prices; importantly, it is a port and allows warehousing facilities in Pondicherry. As for the adjustment he has had to make to life in South India, Sethi laughs heartily, Im surviving!