Building Dreams: The Humble Journey of a Cement Industry Enthusiast
Meet Sawan Jasoliya, a man whose journey in the cement industry is as solid as the foundations he's helped build.
Born on 26th October 1974 in the vibrant city of Ahmedabad and raised in the coastal town of Bhavnagar, Sawan's story is one of passion, perseverance, and performance.
From hands-on mechanical expertise to leading entire cement plants, his career has been a testament to continuous learning, leadership, and innovation in the industry.
Rising to the HOD of the Mechanical Department before the age of 35 and later taking charge as Plant Head before 44, Sawan proved that age is no barrier to expertise and impact. His ability to drive efficiency, optimize processes, and build high-performing teams has set him apart as a leader who not only understands machines but also inspires people.
- Early life
He has been fascinated by machines since childhood, always eager to explore how things work. Whether it was taking apart a toy plane, disassembling an old audio cassette, or tinkering with the carburetor of his dad's motorcycle, Sawan's curiosity knew no bounds. On lazy Sundays, you'd find him exploring along railway tracks, old port jetties, or in Victoria Park. And if he wasn't out exploring, you could bet that all the parts of his bicycle would be scattered in the yard as he delved into its inner workings.
According to his mother, if you gave him a book, he wouldn't even ask for food. His love for reading was so intense that whenever the family visited friends or relatives, he would embarrass his parents by rummaging through their bookshelves without hesitation. Understanding his insatiable hunger for knowledge, his father made sure to nourish it, despite the family's modest financial situation. He found ways to provide his son with books and magazines, ensuring that his curiosity was never left unfulfilled.
Luckily, Bhavnagar was home to remarkable institutions like the Lokmilap Trust, which published literature at affordable prices. Some of the books his father gifted him, which remain vivid in his memory, include Kon-Tiki, Seven Years in Tibet, and The Mother—all translations that broadened his world. The Soviet Land magazines also played a role in shaping his perspective. Additionally, the district library, with its vast collection, became his sanctuary. Before he even completed primary school, he had devoured the entire Tarzan series, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and many other.
Sawan eagerly awaited summer vacation every year, and the highlight was always visiting his maternal uncle’s village, Chandarwa—a small village near Dhandhuka.
The moment he arrived, his first stop was a large storeroom on the upper floor. He knew the place well. Inside, there was a cupboard, and from it, he would pull out a hefty volume—MAHABHARATA. For the first two to three days, he would immerse himself completely in the epic, reading it cover to cover before finally joining the others in enjoying the vacation.
His days in the village were filled with adventure—climbing trees, playing in the sandy bed of the dry river, and imagining himself as Tarzan, Tom Sawyer, Huck Finn, or any of the countless heroes from the stories he loved.
Back home, another anticipation would take over—waiting for the new academic year’s textbooks. As soon as he got them, he would devour them in a set order: social studies first, then languages, followed by science. But math? No, that never quite held his interest.
His father had trained him to read anything once and for all, absorbing it in a single go. Over time, he mastered this skill—but it came with consequences.
By the time school started, he had already exhausted his curiosity for the subjects. Bored, he would resort to mischief, often finding himself standing outside the classroom as punishment. Yet, despite this, he remained the undisputed topper, always ahead by a large margin.
This pattern continued until 11th Standard.
And then, there was another unique aspect of his schooling—changing schools. Though there was no specific reason like a job transfer, he switched four schools within the same city before finally completing his schooling—a story in itself, deserving its own chapter.
Books were more than just stories to him; they were his escape, his teachers, and his closest companions.
This childhood passion has grown into a unique talent as a Plant Head, where Sawan can instantly visualize processes and plan improvements. His playful approach to understanding machinery sets him apart, making him a valuable asset in optimizing plant operations.
- Life and Profession
Sawan's tryst with engineering began at Gandhi Engineering College in Surat, where he laid the groundwork for his future in the field. His career took off in 1995 when he was handpicked during campus interviews for top roles at L&T Cement-Gujarat Cement Works, L&T Hazira, and Essar Hazira. Joining L&T Cement, Sawan started from the ground up, quite literally, as a Crusher In-charge. Over the years, he crushed his way through challenges, moving up the ranks to become a shift engineer and later, the Coal Mill mechanical in-charge, showcasing his knack for handling the toughest jobs with ease. Sawan got married in January 1998, embarking on a new journey of partnership and shared dreams. In August 2002, their family was blessed with the joy of parenthood as they welcomed their daughter, bringing love and new meaning to their lives.
Not content with just mastering the machinery, Sawan took on the role of a trainer, teaching the ropes of Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) and Total Quality Management (TQM) to over 600 eager learners. His expertise wasn't confined to the cement world though; in 2008, he explored a new frontier, working in an export-oriented unit of medical disposables in Surat. During this period, he completed his Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical from SSBT's College of Engineering and Technology, Jalgaon, under North Maharashtra University, Jalgaon with a First Class. At the personal request of his mentor, Sawan visited a hazardous waste incineration plant in Ankleshwar in 2008-09. His first visit left a lasting impression on the management, leading to his appointment as their advisor. Sawan successfully completed major repair work on the rotary kiln, resolved various issues across different areas, and significantly improved the plant's efficiency. Additionally, he provided consultation services to a waste management company in Ahmedabad, also part of the same organization. Sawan's expertise and problem-solving skills proved invaluable as he addressed critical issues during a single visit. However, the cement industry beckoned, and in 2010, Sawan returned, taking on various roles across Gujarat and Meghalaya, where he became the go-to guy for troubleshooting, breakdown maintenance, and plant commissioning. When Sawan joined Adhunik Cement Limited in Meghalaya in 2010, he encountered a challenging situation beyond anyone's imagination. The plant was India's first entirely supplied by Chinese contractors, with machinery lying exposed to Meghalaya's heavy rains for 3-4 years, resulting in rust and breakdowns upon commissioning. The technology was unfamiliar to those experienced only with Indian machinery, and changing the mindset of the workforce regarding Chinese supply was particularly challenging. However, Sawan adeptly managed these challenges, overseeing the commissioning, stabilization, and successful operation of the plant.
In a true display of his mettle, Sawan led the setup of a 110TPH grinding unit in Bangladesh for Holcim Bangladesh Limited during the tumultuous period of 2012-2014. This experience not only tested his technical skills but also his ability to thrive under pressure, proving that Sawan is not just a man of steel, but also of unwavering resolve.
2015 saw Sawan joining Hills Cement, Meghalaya, as an HOD-Mechanical, a role that eventually catapulted him to the position of Plant Head in 2018. First three consecutive years of major overhauling & upgradation and next three years of process optimization had put the plant totally in a different orbit. It was a unique case of increase in productivity on yearly basis for 7 consecutive years. His tenure was marked by a commitment to operational excellence, safety, and effective team collaboration, making him a respected figure in the industry.
Sawan's passion for cement remained unshaken, leading him to join Amrit Cement, Meghalaya, in 2022, where he continued to make his mark until early 2024. Immediate improvement in productivity through debottlenecking and achieved back-to-back record-breaking monthly performance figures. Completed pending projects and started new projects for further development. Before he left the organization due to serious health matters, he created a thoroughly integrated digital system for operation and maintenance. Efficient inventory management system introduced.
A firm believer in the philosophy of KAIZEN, Sawan approaches every challenge with the aim of making it safer, better, and more efficient. His commitment to adding value and bringing positive energy to every endeavor underscores his dedication to excellence.
At the request of a close friend, Sawan worked at National Cement’s 6000 TPD clinkerization unit in Sebit, West Pokot, Kenya, from June 2024 to October 2024. During this short tenure, he resolved several critical plant issues, established a robust and effective maintenance system, and achieved record-breaking production for two consecutive months.
After taking a well-deserved Diwali break, during which he celebrated his birthday with family after many years, Sawan joined West African Cement S.A. (WACEM) in Togo, West Africa, on 3rd November 2024 as General Manager - Works. Upon joining, he quickly identified significant bottlenecks in 3M—Man, Machine, and Method—and initiated immediate corrective actions. Key initiatives like a plant-wide cleaning drive, a safety awareness campaign, and the implementation of a structured preventive maintenance program are now in full swing, bringing positive changes across the plant.
Sawan is not just a professional powerhouse; he is also a prolific writer, regularly sharing his insights on social media, especially on LinkedIn. His posts inspire and educate, earning him the gratitude of many who have benefited from his direct or indirect teaching.
A nature lover and fitness enthusiast, Sawan constantly pushes his physical limits through trekking, climbing, swimming, and cycling. His thirst for knowledge knows no bounds, as he stays updated with the latest technologies and continuously learns new things. Always at the forefront of innovation, Sawan is quick to try new ideas and refine them for the benefit of his organization and society as a whole.
In addition to his professional and physical pursuits, Sawan is a man of many talents and interests. He enjoys sketching, drawing, and painting, indulges in DIY crafting, and has a passion for photography and videography. He is also a drone enthusiast, a skilled public speaker, and finds joy in teaching kids while engaging in playful activities. Sawan's love for singing and casual dancing further adds to his vibrant personality.
Truly inspiring , impactful ,uplifting, stimulating & desirous life journey of Sawan Jasoliya Sir. Great human being.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind words.
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