Oil, water and a swim across

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model. “We have a patent for the model in India. I applied for the patent in India in 2005, got it in 2007. I have also applied for patent protection under the PCT treaty, which allows patent protection in 150 countries.” He got actress Hema Malini to endorse Kent water purifier from 2005 onwards.

The size of the water purification market in India is about Rs 700 crore in the organised sector alone. Kent aims for 20% of the market share. Gupta has set up a new manufacturing plant in Roorkee, Uttaranchal, to meet the growing demand for water purifiers.

In 1998-99, Kent’s turnover was Rs 10 lakh. Last financial year, it clocked a turnover of over Rs 100 crore. “In 2008-09, I hope to make a turnover of Rs 200 crore. In Kent, I employ 1,000 people,” he beams.

The company has signed a marketing tie-up with IOC to sell its products through its retail network. Gupta says his success mantra is: “You have to dream and implement the dream. If you cannot dream, you cannot be successful.” He plans to expand exports, which is currently 1% of his turnover. He has started exporting to Kenya and the Middle East from last year.