Entrepreneurs like Mr. Shivpujan Gupta in Gaya, Bihar are leading the rapid growth of market for Micro Concrete Tiles. With more than 25 years of working experience in the field of GUL (Coal briquettes) Industry as well as in the clay tile industry, Mr. Shivpujan was planning to stop his traditional clay tile manufacturing business due to the rising cost of coal and wood used for firing of clay tiles. He was trying to inquire about and engage in similar type of business, because he wanted to utilize his experience and local contacts.

In year 2000, Mr. Gupta, started his Building Materials Business 35 km away from district head quarters in a village called Wazirgunj, by setting up TARA Micron Tile Making machine – to manufacture what was locally known as "cement ka khapra".

One day, while travelling by road on his bicycle, he got a glimpse of Micro Concrete Tiles placed over the roof in Nawada, a district adjoining Gaya. He went to contact the house owner to get the name and address of the concrete tiles manufacturer. Next day he went to the manufacturer and he purchased some tiles for his own use, but his real purpose was to obtain the address of the tile machine manufacturer.

Soon, he visited TARA campus and purchased one TARA Micron machine with 200 moulds. After receiving formal training from TARA trainers, his started rolling. Most of his profit earned was invested in increasing the production capacity and training the man power in tile manufacturing.

Financial Support: The capital investment for setting up business was his saving from his previous business. In spite of his rapid expansion, he counts one of his key successes in the fact that he has not had to borrow a single penny from the bank in spite of the bank’s willingness to provide him with a loan.

Growth Path: He realized that he should form a new team, through which he can provide roof installation services to buyers. At present, he has four TARA Micron Units in four different locations (Wazirgunj, Gaya, Hisua and Fatehpur) and is catering to a broad base of customers. He has one tractor and a local made diesel engine operated cart for transporting the concrete tiles to rural customer. Today, he has expanded his business and is successfully managing it with the help of his son and 2 brothers.

Success formula: Tali Udyog (cement ka khapra) is symbol of progress of Rural Entrepreneurship, in a developing state like Bihar. From 01 unit he has grown to 04 units; offering direct employment to 25 youth and indirect employment to a similar number of people. He is now planning to start the production of concrete pavers with equipment from TARA Machines and expand his product portfolio and service offerings to a broader base of rural customers. q