Satyanarayan Steel and Cement Depot, a Kalol-based business, has been synonymous with honesty and commitment for three generations. Led by Kaushik Rameshchandra Shah, affectionately known as Lalabhai and Sanjay Rameshchandra Shah, the company has maintained a strong partnership with Saurashtra Cement for over 55 years.
Formerly known as Ratilal Ranchoddas Shah Company, the company adopted the name Satyanarayan in 2017. Currently managed by Kaushikbhai and Sanjaybhai, the company has witnessed a significant growth in cement sales, increasing from a few tonnes per year in 1975-76 to approximately 2,000 tonnes per year today.
Satyanarayan Steel and Cement Depot has built a reputation for conducting business with integrity and financial discipline. By eliminating credit sales, the company has established a strong foundation. The exceptional quality of Saurashtra Cement’s Hathi brand, combined with the company’s own stellar reputation, has enabled them to operate successfully on these principles.
Lalabhai’s unwavering commitment to honesty and commitment is evident in his business practices. He adheres to the principle of honoring agreed-upon prices, even if market conditions change. Moreover, the company readily refunds any overpaid amounts if the price of goods decreases.
Ratilal Ranchoddas Shah had a rapport with the founders of Saurashtra Cement. Ratilalbhai’s sons – Rameshchandra and Rajendrabhai have been associated with Saurashtra Cement from the day one of their business venture. Thus, the legacy started with Lalabhai’s grandfather was passed on to his father and uncle. Now Lalabhai and his brother Sanjaybhai have inherited the business. Satyanarayan Steel & Cement Depot in Kalol has achieved a reputation that is as well-known as the Hathi brand of Saurashtra Cement.
Lalabhai extols the quality of Hathi cement, asserting its ability to consistently outperform competitors.
Lalabhai highlights Saurashtra Cement’s exceptional support for both dealers and customers. He attributes their enduring partnership to the company’s reliability and responsiveness, noting that despite numerous offers from other companies, they have remained loyal to Saurashtra Cement. The company’s commitment to providing all necessary support has resulted in a positive experience for both dealers and customers, with minimal complaints and prompt resolution of any issues.
Lalabhai emphasizes the reciprocal nature of their relationship, stating that the company’s care for dealers is mirrored in their own commitment to customer service. He describes the partnership with Saurashtra Cement as a family-like bond, which has not only elevated the business but also enriched the lives of his family members. Lalabhai says that doing business with Saurashtra Cement brings prosperity to associated dealers. The Shah family’s success can also be attributed to this fact, which has enabled their children to pursue higher education and establish successful careers.
Lalabhai’s family includes his mother Kailasben, wife Yoginiben, and two sons, Deep and Jeet. Deep’s wife is Jaimini. Sanjaybhai is married to Yoginaben and has three children: Dhrumil, Vraj, and Bhoomi. The younger generation of the family has pursued diverse academic and professional paths, with Jeet working as an additional assistant engineer at the Narmada Corporation. Deep holds an M.Com. degree and is involved in the cement business. Jaimini is a Pharmacist and is working as a junior pharmacist with Kalol ESI clinic. Dhrumil, a Civil engineer is also engaged in the business of cement. Vraj is pursuing MBA and Bhoomi is a physiotherapist and is studying for Masters degree.