On 17th September 2025, Jagan Institute of Management Studies (JIMS), Rohini, organized an industrial visit for the students of PGDM Retail Management (Batch 2025–2027, Trimester I) to Aqualite Industries Pvt. Ltd. as part of their industry exposure program. The objective of the visit was to provide students with first-hand insights into the footwear manufacturing process and enable them to connect classroom learning with real-world industrial practices.
The students were given a warm welcome, followed by an informative introduction to the company’s product categories and operations. The session also highlighted the stringent inspection standards and quality assurance measures that define Aqualite’s production excellence. The visit was conducted by Mr. Sushil Pathak, Manager – EHS at Aqualite Plant, Bahadurgarh, with the support of Mr. Ashish Bansal, Chief Operating Officer & Finance Director, who facilitated the overall coordination of the program. Additionally, students had the unique opportunity to interact with Mr. Mukesh Gupta, Director – Retail at Aqualite, who provided valuable insights into the company’s retail strategies, including store acquisition and distribution channel management.
About Aqualite Industries Pvt. Ltd.
Aqualite was founded in 1981 by Mr. D.K. Gupta formally incorporated as Aqualite Industries Pvt. Ltd. in 1996 in Delhi. Over the years, the company has grown into one of India’s leading footwear brands, catering to diverse consumer needs across affordability, comfort, and durability. Today, Aqualite operates through 16 manufacturing plants spread across Bahadurgarh (Haryana) and Bhiwadi (Rajasthan), with a massive production capacity of nearly 4,00,000 pairs per day. The company employs around 4,000 people and offers more than 6,500 product variations (SKUs), spanning categories like hawai chappals, non-hawai sandals, formal shoes, and casual wear. Its strong retail network reaches approximately 35,000 retailers pan-India, making it one of the most widely distributed footwear brands in the country. With this scale and reach, Aqualite has successfully positioned itself as a trusted name in both domestic and international markets.
Key Highlights of the Visit
The industrial tour offered students an in-depth exposure to multiple aspects of footwear production, including:
- Laboratory Tour: Hands-on exposure to instruments and testing machines that ensure product durability, strength, and quality compliance.
- Cutting & Shaping: Live demonstration of raw material cutting, sole shaping, and preparation of iron foot molds by skilled craftsmen.
- Storage Area: Insights into systematic material organization and inventory management practices.
- Compound Mill: Observation of the process of creating compound granules, the essential raw material for footwear manufacturing.
- Final Production: A detailed walkthrough of the assembly line, finishing processes, and packaging of the final product ready for the market.
Key Takeaways
The visit to Aqualite Industries proved to be a highly enriching learning experience. Students not only gained technical knowledge of manufacturing, quality control, and operations but also developed an appreciation for the discipline, precision, and teamwork required in large-scale production. Interactions with industry leaders further broadened their perspective on the retail side of the business, giving them clarity on how manufacturing excellence aligns with retail expansion and customer outreach.
By the end of the visit, students carried back a deeper understanding of both production and retail practices, better preparing them to bridge academic knowledge with the practical demands of the retail industry.