Today Aligarh locks industry is the biggest and largest of its kind. It gives employment to around 50,000 workers and caters to the need of consumers across the country. There is pride in saying that in small-scale industry; Aligarh locks industry is the one which single handedly meets the demand of the people in the country.

Today more than 95 % of locks, manufactured in India, are manufactured in Aligarh. Globalization attacked Aligarh Lock Industry in 1991, by some of the policies framed by Government of India, to allow certain foreign companies to establish their base in India. In other sectors globalization had benefited many industries, but as far as small scale industries is concerned in general and Aligarh Locks Industry in particular, globalization have negatively effected the industry.

Before globalization the demand of the people across the country was met by Aligarh Locks Industry. But after globalization many foreign companies have made their footage in India, to name a few YALE, UNION, ACMEY, TRICYCLE. So now the demand which was earlier met by Aligarh lock industry is shared by these foreign companies.

Since these foreign companies were equipped with sophisticated technology and had large amount of capital, so these companies took lock industry in a big way. These companies are manufacturing locks which are beyond the reach of common man for example: electronics locks, which are used in sectors like. Defense, finance etc. They also make smaller locks-which are used in bank lockers etc.

As far as domestic market and its need or concerned Aligarh lock industry is being used in a big way, but since the level of technology is poor as compared to the foreign       companies, and being a small scale industry they don’t have much funds to purchase better and advance technology, machinery, and other equipment. Because of this, it is felt that, Aligarh Locks Industry is in slump and is likely to suffer badly in times to come.

Export of lock from Aligarh Lock Industry in negligible this is because quality of lock manufactured in Aligarh is very poor as compared to other brands of lock in International market. And if they maintain quality, as per the International market, than the cost of production goes up making the lock more costly in International market. 50 most of the manufacturers are of the view that they should concentrate their market in India only.

Where globalization has these negative facts there are some positive results also. Globalization have benefited to major players of Aligarh Lock Industry like Link Locks, Rose Locks, Bajaj Locks, Sainik Locks etc. They have taken the advantage of globalization, but up to a certain limit only. They have managed to import new technology. The machines used by the foreign companies are very costly and are also not available in India. So to remain in the market and to meet the level of quality some machines were developed indigenously.

For example, earlier the keys were made by the hands, later on machine was developed where one key at a time could be made. Now a machine have been developed which can make around 25 keys simultaneously.

Technology which is imported is being mainly used in research and development department. For example, earlier the design of the lock was made manually but now computers are used in the area of design.

But over all globalization have made conditions worse for Aligarh Lock Industry. Earlier there was the competition from domestic firm only, but they have to compete with foreign companies. With poor technology, limited capital and cutthroat competition, Aligarh Lock Industry moving Towards Doom.

SUGGESTIONS

• Ø Aligarh Locks Industry should maintain and moreover improve its quality and packaging standards, as they have a major influence in the market consumption of products.

• Ø It should ably employ the ‘Defending’ strategy in order to maintain the existing market and at the same time try to acquire the holding of the competitors. The especial emphasis should be on capturing the market served by small local brands.

• Ø The should be appropriate knowledge imparting to the consumers about the proper use of modern machines to manufacture locks, to get best results.

• Ø It has been found that the few customers are quality conscious and less price conscious. This is good for the company as it can employ “Skim the cream” strategy of marketing to acquire more market share.

• Ø The company should bring down its manufacturing expenses, especially the transportation and its maintenance expenses so that the cost of production could be brought down. This will help in allowing more trade discounts, in order to fight the competitors.

• Ø The industry by increasing the margin for dealers / retailers can persuade them for promoting their sales.

• Ø Industry should make their sales force more persuasive and more accountable. Introducing more hierarchy in the marketing field can do this. This is suggested, as it will help I reducing communication expence to quit an extent and also in better placement of the product. The selling expenses also need thrashing.

• Ø There should, be proper supply during the season period and the industry should avoid ‘diversion’ during the supply.

• Ø The efforts may be focused towards creating brand loyalty by helping the consumer through more social and friendly ways. The company can contract the related field experts to educate the consumer about advance technology.

• Written by farha mazhar.
• In category Small Business.
• 13 years ago.

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