Amritsar-based screw manufacturer R K Steel Industries is all set to expand its distribution network in 2018. At present the company has over 550 dealers, with a majority of them being located in the states of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Rajasthan and Delhi. “We are gradually expanding our retail presence across the country,” said Veerain Mahajan, the company’s managing director, in an exclusive conversation with Sourcing Hardware. The company manufactures drywall screws, SS screws, brass plated screws, oxidise (black) screws, wood screws, etc.

“In the year 2018 we intend to add 50 more dealers to our channel network,” he shared. “This year we will focus on eastern India, Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.”Mahajan is of the view that market expansion must be based on meticulous market survey and be focussed on growth drivers. “We have done our homework and are hopeful that expanding in these market regions will help the company garner new growth avenues.”

The company, he said, has been receiving dealership enquires from across the country. “While we encourage people to partner with us, we always look for passionate people who can devote time, have trade (screw segment) knowledge and are financially sound.” The investment required, he said, depends on the dealer’s stock keeping requirements. “Investment in our business is open, it largely depends on what is the order quantity you want to place or the stock that you want to maintain; we do not have any stringent terms and conditions that a dealer has to maintain a minimum order quantity.”

“We have been in this business for the last five and a half decades; our partnership is based on long-term business relation,” said Mahajan, adding that the company supports dealers by offering them timely, attractive schemes.