Can you share what initially inspired you to transition from a financial banking background to the challenging world of metal fabrication and manufacturing?

Well my inspiration is my Father. It was a family owned business and I wanted to bring my financial expertise to help scale the operation. Manufacturing has opportunities for creativity and problem-solving, whether in product design, process optimization, or machine innovation. For someone like me, this was an exciting pivot against the rather abstract finance sector.

In an industry where women remain underrepresented, what motivated you to break barriers and lead in the heavy manufacturing and oil field sectors?

I was inspired by strong mentors and role models who have already made strides in various other industries. I was lucky to get the initial push from my father and took it from there. For me, overcoming the obstacles of gender bias and limited opportunities also played a part to prove that we are just as capable as anyone else

How do you define innovation within metal fabrication, and what forward-thinking strategies have you implemented to drive progress at Khanco LLC?

innovation within metal fabrication can be defined as the application of new ideas, techniques, and technologies to improve processes, enhance product quality, reduce costs, and increase efficiency in metalworking. We need to find creative solutions to the challenges the industry faces and applying those solutions in a way that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in fabrication.

Some of the strategies implemented over the course are :

• Embracing Advanced Technology related to fabrication.
• Sustainability and Green Manufacturing
• Lean Manufacturing Principles
• Data-Driven Decision Making

It’s not just about adopting the latest technology, but also fostering a culture of continuous improvement and adaptability.

What core leadership principles do you adhere to in order to inspire your team and foster an environment of operational excellence?

• Trust Your Team- I avoid Micromanaging. I believe it brings the best out of my team
• Continuous Improvement (Kaizen Mindset)-Perfection is a never ending journey.
• Resilience and a Focus on Problem Solving- Having a never say die attitude.

With sustainability becoming increasingly crucial, how is Khanco LLC integrating eco-friendly practices into its manufacturing processes?

• Material Sourcing and Waste Reduction – We ensure we get optimum raw materials with best quality. Waste or scrap is minimized in the purchase stage itself, even if we do get scrap, we ensure to give it for recycling.
• Water Conservation – This is key when we run an organization with 100 employees, right from consumption to wastage is monitored , we have data which is analyzed on a monthly basis and any variation is checked.
• Eco-Friendly Coatings and Finishes – We ensure our paint manufacturer uses products that are environmentally friendly, for this our engineering team reviews the paint data sheets to ensure there are no harmful materials being used which can adversely affect the health and environment adversely.    

How have automation, process improvement, and systems integration reshaped operations at your company, and what role does technology play in your strategic direction?

Automation has drastically improved efficiency and reduced human error in manufacturing. By implementing certain  automated processes, operations have become more streamlined, and production rate has increased while minimizing costs. Automation enables human resources to .be available for more strategic and value-adding activities,

Continuous process improvement is essential for maintaining operational excellence which could streamline workflows, eliminate inefficiencies, and reduce wastage. These methods lead to reduced lead times, improved safety standards, and higher levels of customer satisfaction. As part of process improvement, we gather data from operational processes to identify areas for improvement.

Integrating various systems within the company is a key factor in improving both efficiency and decision-making. By adopting Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems, and other integrated software solutions, Khanco LLC has created a unified ecosystem where data flows seamlessly between departments (production, inventory, sales, etc.). This leads to better coordination, faster response times, and more accurate forecasting.

System integration also allows for real-time data tracking, which can be used to optimize operations, identify potential bottlenecks, and ensure that resources are allocated where they’re needed most. For instance, integrating supply chain management systems with production systems would help ensure that raw materials are available just in time.

What have been some of the most significant challenges you’ve faced in the heavy industries, and how did you overcome them with resilience and innovation?

Supply Chain

The heavy industries often rely on complex global supply chains, which get affected by natural disasters, geopolitical events, or even global pandemics (as seen with COVID-19). Delays in raw material deliveries, fluctuating costs, and shortages of critical components can severely affect production schedules and profitability.

We diversify our supplier base to avoid dependency on a single source, build stronger relationships with suppliers for better cooperation during difficult times and try to purchase materials locally. Also, inventory management systems provide greater visibility, allowing more strategic stockpiling of essential materials during uncertain times.

Regulatory Compliance and Environmental Concerns

Heavy industries often operate in highly regulated environments, facing stringent rules around emissions, environmental impact, worker safety, and product standards. Complying with these regulations can be expensive and time-consuming, and failing to do so can result in fines and reputational damage.

Innovation plays a big role in overcoming these challenges. For instance, investing in renewable energy sources, energy-efficient machinery, or waste reduction processes can help ensure compliance.

Furthermore, we adopt digitization of compliance and reporting processes, which can streamline data collection, minimize human error, and help maintain ongoing compliance across various regulatory bodies.

Skilled Labor Shortages

Many heavy industries struggle with attracting and retaining skilled workers. The need for specialized knowledge in areas such as machinery operation, quality control, and safety standards often exceeds the availability of qualified talent. Additionally, industries such as manufacturing and construction often face an aging workforce.

We overcome this by conducting regular training and development programs to upskill the existing workforce. Partnering with universities or vocational schools to offer apprenticeships or internships is another way to build a pipeline of future talent. Incorporating automation and digital tools into operations reduces the dependency on manual labor, while improving overall productivity.

Promoting a culture of innovation and offering competitive wages also helps attract younger generations of talent, who are increasingly interested in working for organizations that offer growth opportunities and technological advancement.

Maintaining Equipment and Preventing Downtime

Equipment breakdowns can lead to delays in production, expensive downtime and safety risks. As machinery ages, the cost of repairs increases, and unplanned maintenance can become a major operational challenge.

By monitoring equipment health in real time, we can predict when maintenance is needed and proactively repair machines before they break down. This minimizes downtime, extends the lifespan of equipment, and reduces maintenance costs.

Global Competition and Market Demands

The heavy industries often operate in a global market, where competition is fierce. New players, especially from emerging economies, can drive down prices, challenging established companies to maintain their market share.

To stay competitive, we need to innovate continuously, embrace new technologies, maintain product quality, and deliver superior customer service. Offering unique and high-value solutions that stand out in the market can also help.Additionally, adopting a customer-centric approach and integrating customer feedback into product development can help meet the changing demands of the market.

As a pioneering woman leader, how do you promote diversity within your organization and ensure an inclusive culture in a traditionally male-dominated sector?

As a woman leader, one of the most impactful things I can do is lead by example. By demonstrating leadership, confidence, and competency, I can challenge existing stereotypes and set the tone for the entire organization. My actions can show that leadership is not determined by gender, but by capability, vision, and integrity.

I believe promoting gender equality is ensuring equal pay for equal work.

Also we ensure a zero-tolerance policy towards harassment, discrimination, or bias in any form is critical. Clear channels for reporting issues and a strong framework for addressing them is crucial for maintaining an inclusive culture.

As a woman leader, I would also encourage Female Leadership and representation and celebrate their progress.

How has your background in banking influenced your approach to managing the financial growth and strategic business development of Khanco LLC?

A strong background in banking will definitely instill a strong financial discipline in me. Managing cash flow, budgeting, and cost control becomes second nature. In an industry like manufacturing, where margins can be tight and capital expenditures are high, this understanding is crucial for sustainable growth.

In banking, evaluating investment opportunities and understanding market trends is a core skill. This would directly impact Khanco’s growth initiatives, such as investing in new technologies ,entering new markets, acquiring competitors etc. With a banking background, decisions would likely be more data-driven, using financial analysis, market research, and ROI projections to ensure that any investment aligns with the company’s long-term goals and financial capacity.

One key component of banking expertise is understanding the importance of efficient capital allocation which could translate into optimizing financial resources across departments, projects, and new ventures.

What changes do you foresee in the metal fabrication and oilfield industries over the next decade, and how is your company positioning itself to lead those changes?

Over the next decade, both the metal fabrication and oil field industries are likely to undergo significant changes driven by technological advancements, environmental regulations, shifting market dynamics, and evolving customer demands. Being a part of this industry, it’s crucial to anticipate these changes and strategically position Khanco to lead its way in innovation, efficiency, and sustainability.

Automation, robotics, AI, and data analytics will significantly reshape metal fabrication and oilfield operations. We are always on the lookout to develop smart manufacturing systems for metal fabrication, incorporating automation for precision, consistency, and speed. This would improve production quality, minimize waste, and enhance throughput.

We also look forward to  embracing green technologies such as solar-powered operations, energy-efficient machinery, and waste reduction processes in metal fabrication (such as recycling metal scrap).

How do you mentor and support the next generation of female leaders and professionals in your industry to ensure continued innovation and progress?

To ensure the continued growth and success of future female leaders, I focus on several key strategies:

• Actively Serve as a Role Model. By demonstrating leadership qualities and technical expertise, I can show that women can excel and lead in industries that have historically been male-dominated. This can inspire young women to see themselves in similar leadership positions and give them the confidence to pursue ambitious career goals.
• Providing access to training and development programs tailored to women in leadership is vital. I can encourage women to build skills in both hard (technical) and soft (leadership, communication) areas.

Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals for Khanco LLC, and what legacy do you hope to leave in the fields of manufacturing and heavy industries?

The long-term goals for Khanco are centered around innovation, sustainability, and growth in manufacturing. The company is committed to not only achieving operational excellence but also shaping the future of these industries with a focus on cutting-edge technology, workforce empowerment along with environmental protection. Here are the key goals for Khanco LLC future and the legacy I hope to leave:

We aim to leverage Industry 4.0 technologies like automation, robotics, and AI to drive operational efficiency, product quality, and cost-effectiveness. I hope to leave behind a legacy of innovation where Khanco LLC is recognized as a leader in technological adoption and advancement in the manufacturing and heavy industries.

Khanco’s growth will always be tied to our ability to meet evolving customer demands. We aim to strengthen our focus on customized solutions, offering products and services that meet the specific needs of our clients in industries like manufacturing.

I envision Khanco becoming a leader in manufacturing and fabrication with a strong presence in markets across the Middle East.