Bhala Chandra Mohanty is a prominent industrialist and the Managing Director of Oriclean Private Limited. Since founding the company in 1990, he has transformed a small-scale unit in Cuttack into a multi-crore manufacturing powerhouse. Under his leadership, Oriclean has become a critical strategic partner for global giant Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL), producing household staples like Vim, Surf Excel Easy Wash, Sunlight and Active Wheel. Beyond chemicals, Mohanty has diversified his business empire into food processing, seafood, and logistics. Known for his operational expertise and commitment to Odisha’s industrial growth, he also contributes to academia as a member of the DRIEMS University Academic Council.
Since Oriclean Pvt Ltd procures raw materials from HUL-authorized sup pliers, how do you manage supply chain disruptions to maintain the strict delivery timelines required by a major FMCG client?
We manage supply chain disruptions by maintaining alternative procurement options with HUL-approved vendors under similar terms and conditions, ensuring continuity in raw material supply. Our principal-to-principal (P2P) relationship with HUL, built over more than three decades, enables seamless coordination and helps us consistently meet strict delivery timelines.
Beyond core brands like Active Wheel, Vim, and Domex, are there plans to expand into other cleaning categories, such as liquid detergents or specialised industrial cleaners?
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We are currently manufacturing leading home care brands such as Surf Excel, Sunlight, Wheel, and Domex. While our primary focus remains on these established categories, we are actively exploring opportunities to expand further. Discussions are underway with HUL and other large national and multinational companies in the home care segment, including potential entry into liquid detergents and other emerging cleaning categories to diversify our portfolio.
What specific eco-friendly manufacturing processes or waste management protocols have been implemented at your Cuttack units to align with global ESG standards?
We follow stringent eco-friendly manufacturing practices at our Cuttack units, aligned with global ESG standards. We have obtained certifications from reputed national and international bodies, including BIS, ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, and ISO 45001:2018. These certifications reflect our commitment to quality, environmental management, and occupational health and safety, ensuring responsible production processes and effective waste management protocols.
You recently received approval for an Rs 88 crore project to manufacture sauces, jams, and jellies. What is the expected timeline for this facility to become operational in Tangi-Choudwar?
Due to certain tech non-commercial challenges, we have currently kept the proposed `88 crore project for manufacturing sauces, jams, and jellies in abeyance. However, as part of our expansion strategy, we have established a new unit under the name ORIBAKE Private Limited to manufacture biscuits and bakery products with a capacity of 4,500 TPA. The project is nearing completion, and we expect to commence commercial production before the end of the current financial year, while also exploring tie-ups with reputed brands.
How has your journey been so far? As an entrepreneur, why did you choose to enter this line of business, and what advice will you give to the new entrants?
My entrepreneurial journey has been both challenging and fulfilling. I believe entrepreneurship is not just a profession but a responsibility, and only a few get the opportunity to create and serve on a larger scale. I chose this path to contribute meaningfully to society while building value. A true entrepreneur not only creates wealth but al so supports socio-economic development. My advice to new entrants is to follow the three Ds—Dream, Determination, and Dedication—as these are essential for long-term success.
