INDUSTRIAL VISIT – Whirlpool and IFB Plants Ranjangaon As part of the Vocational Avenues project, our club undertakes an industrial visit every year. The VA team aims to introduce club members to various industries, providing insights into how different products are manufactured. These visits offer an opportunity to observe factory layouts, interact with professionals from the corporate world, and witness industrial development first hand. This year, we connected with two prominent consumer durable brands in India: the global leader Whirlpool and the Indian giant IFB. Both graciously accepted our request to tour their refrigerator manufacturing facilities located in the Ranjangaon and Shirur industrial areas. Their cooperation was especially commendable, given that Saturday is a weekly off day for both companies. We departed promptly at 8 a.m., and the bus quickly became lively with songs, laughter, and a spirited round of antakshari. Breakfast on the go included a delightful spread of Gujarati-style upma and vegetable puffs. Along the way, we stopped for a refreshing treat of ?????? ??? (jaggery tea). Ranjangaon, known for the Mahaganapati temple as part of the Ashtavinayak pilgrimage, was our first stop. Naturally, we sought blessings at the temple. Led by Rtn. Ramesh Purandare, we recited the Atharvashirsha there. Additionally, we had the chance to admire solar installations completed by our club members, Rtn. Gayatri and Anna Kunal. Next, we proceeded to the Whirlpool factory, an 80-acre facility specializing in refrigerator manufacturing. Human Resources Manager Mr. Amol Gunjal welcomed us warmly. After a brief introduction over a cup of hot tea or coffee, we were provided with safety shoes—a mandatory requirement for the plant tour. The 300-meter-long, fully automated production line was an impressive sight, equipped with advanced robotics, heavy machinery, and intricate electronics, producing up to 5,000 refrigerators daily. The plant manager gave us an in-depth explanation of the manufacturing process, and our inquisitive members impressed him with insightful questions. The next stop for our now-hungry group, following an extensive tour of the Whirlpool factory, was the IFB facility, 11 kilometers ahead. Located about 4 kilometers off the highway, the plant stood in a serene countryside setting. Mr. Praveen Bandal greeted us warmly and led us into the newly built, ultra-modern facility. The reception area showcased a variety of vibrant and aesthetically designed IFB refrigerators. When given the choice between lunch and the plant visit, we unanimously opted for lunch. A special meal had been arranged, served with great warmth and hospitality. Post-lunch, Praveen guided us through the plant. This facility appeared more modern and cleaner than the previous one, with colorful and aesthetically pleasing designs. We toured the refrigerator production line, design stations, training rooms, play areas, and testing centers. The plant’s thoughtful layout and modern features left us thoroughly impressed. As the visit drew to a close, we expressed our heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Praveen for his excellent hospitality and detailed explanations about refrigerator manufacturing. The experience enriched our understanding of the industry and gave us valuable insights for future appliance purchases. Finally, a special thanks to Plant HR Manager Mr. Kashiram Mistry, who not only facilitated our visit to the IFB plant but also arranged the tour of Whirlpool’s facility.