Introduction

In times of crisis, genuine leadership always shows up. Businesses in all industries faced serious difficulties as a result of the COVID-19 epidemic, but it also gave them a chance to come together, adjust, and expand. The Control Panel & Switchgear Manufacturers’ Association (COSMA), which saw an astounding 25% increase in membership during the pandemic, is a perfect example.

This blog examines how COSMA’s proactive and cooperative strategy helped its members deal with the pandemic’s challenges and established the organization as a major player in the electrical switchboard manufacturing sector.

The Collaboration Under COSMA’s Leadership

Many businesses had to close or struggle to satisfy the extraordinary demand as the pandemic affected the world’s economies.  But things were different for COSMA’s panel builders.  Members of COSMA adopted a collaborative mindset instead of seeing one another as rivals by forming a cohesive support system.

COSMA members created what is now known as the “COSMA Brotherhood” through strategy meetings, online seminars, and group learning activities.  The association’s primary goal, “Uniting Panel Builders,” evolved from a catchphrase to a thoughtful effort that promoted a feeling of community and enabled members to exchange resources, knowledge, and expertise in order to deal with the pandemic’s challenges.

COSMA’s Tagline: “Uniting Panel Builders”

As a result of the COVID pandemic, COSMA became a unified force. An initiative that began online soon transformed into a national collaboration, where COSMA panel builders united to tackle supply chain hurdles, streamline surplus inventory, and share critical technical knowledge.

COSMA was given a special pavilion as a result of this united front which further solidified its place as a major participant in the electrical distribution sector. The India Electrical and Electronics Manufacturers’ Association has acknowledged COSMA as the switchboard subdivision, confirming the association’s influence on the industry

Commitment to Safety and Quality Standards

Safety is crucial in the production of electrical switchboards.  End customers genuinely worry that poor manufacturing could result in disastrous outcomes like short circuits and fires.  Acknowledging this, COSMA has made major efforts to maintain the highest standards of quality and safety.

In order to overcome these obstacles, COSMA formed a Quality Committee under the direction of renowned businessman Dhananjaya Kudalkar, aiming to inform members and bring panel manufacturers into agreement with international standards for safety and reliability.  By following strict guidelines, this effort guarantees that all members produce high-quality, long-lasting, and safe products.

Empowering the Next Generation of Engineers

COSMA also prioritizes the industry’s long-term development. The association is dedicated to developing the future generation of engineers through strategic partnerships with educational institutions, in addition to strengthening its present members.

The Vishwaniketan Institute of Management, Entrepreneurship, and Engineering Technology in Mumbai and COSMA have teamed up to close the knowledge gap between academics and business. As part of the Sri Sri Rural Development Program (SSRDP), this project will soon spread to more than 40 skill training facilities throughout India. COSMA is making sure that the panel construction sector has a bright future by giving young engineers the right blend of academic knowledge and practical work experience.

Building a Collaborative Community

The sense of community among its members has been one of the key components of COSMA’s effectiveness during the pandemic.  With around 350 members, the COSMA WhatsApp group became an essential resource for information exchange, technical troubleshooting, and mutual support during the pandemic’s struggles.  From finding rare supplies to helping with inventory management, the group developed into a vital resource for panel builders nationwide.

COSMA also made strides in promoting inclusivity, as seen in the empowerment of Dr. Urvi Jangam, a challenged physician, who was invited to interview members for the book “Uncommon Entrepreneurs.” The book was soft-launched during the bi-annual COSMA Awards Night in Mumbai in November 2022, showcasing the extraordinary stories of COSMA’s entrepreneurs.

Expanding National and International Partnerships

Beyond its local network, COSMA was committed to collaboration. In order to promote industry-wide cooperation and support, the association has inked Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with a number of organizations during the past year, including EEPC India, TATA NEXARC, and MASMA.

COSMA’s outreach has also expanded internationally. The group recently entered into a partnership with the National Electrical Switchboard Manufacturers’ group (NESMA) in Australia signifying the start of a larger worldwide network that will promote global cooperation and knowledge sharing in the panel building industry.

COSMA’s Continued Impact

COSMA has established itself as a major player in the electrical switchboard manufacturing sector by its unwavering dedication to cooperation, quality, and education. The association’s 25% increase in membership during the pandemic serves as proof of the success of its strategy and shows that cooperation and unity can lead to success in unpredictable times.

As the pandemic continues to change industries, COSMA’s story is an important example that hardship frequently brings out the best in businesses. By embracing teamwork, putting safety first, and concentrating on future talent, COSMA has not only survived the storm but also come out stronger than before.

Conclusion:

Businesses worldwide can learn a lot from COSMA’s approach to the pandemic’s difficulties. COSMA used the situation as a chance to develop, innovate, and assist its members rather than dwelling on the failures. In addition to assisting its members in surviving the pandemic, the association’s collaborative culture has paved the way for future growth and success.

As sectors continue to experience changes, COSMA’s message serves as a reminder that even the most challenging circumstances can be transformed into chances for development and constructive change with the correct mindset, which is centered on learning, adapting, and working together.