India, April 22 -- In the evolving world of food processing technology, delivering consistent results under tight timelines and demanding specifications requires more than just technical know-how-it demands visionary project management. Vijay Kolhe, General Manager - Projects at Neologic Engineers, brings three decades of experience in engineering and leadership to this challenge, driving innovation with a disciplined, execution-focused approach.
In an insightful conversation with FoodTechBiz, Kolhe shares his professional journey, outlines his approach to managing large-scale industrial projects, and offers a vision for the future of the process equipment industry.
A career built on precision and discipline
Vijay is a seasoned mechanical engineer who began his career in 1995. "I have been in project management for almost 30 years now," Vijay reflects on his professional journey. His expertise spans various sectors, including dairy, beverages, pharmaceuticals, and food processing.
He joined Neologic Engineers in 2020, bringing not only experience but also globally recognized credentials. "I am certified as a Project Management Professional (PMP), which is essential for managing international projects," he notes.
Over the years, he has overseen end-to-end project cycles for complex dairy processing solutions-including the production of dairy whiteners, milk powders, and whey powders used in muscle nutrition products. "From cheese and paneer by-products to whey powder, we have transformed raw dairy into high-value nutritional outputs for both domestic and global markets," he explains.
A structured approach to project management
At Neologic Engineers, Vijay employs a deeply structured and methodical approach to planning and robust risk mitigation for every project, regardless of its scale. "Every project adheres to a structured flow-from sales handover to initiation, planning, execution, and closure. Recognizing the project outcome, KPIs, cost parameters, and quality expectations is essential," he emphasizes.
Key pillars of his approach include:
Detailed planning and scheduling: "Once a project is awarded, a complete handover from sales to the project department takes place. The project manager then creates a schedule that covers every activity," says Vijay. He underscores the importance of using tools like MS Project to track/monitor activities and dependencies, "You must be able to challenge timeline estimates with logic and experience. Scheduling without careful scrutiny is a recipe for delays."
Stakeholder alignment: "We identify the core team-process engineers, electrical, automation, and design experts-and conduct an internal kick-off. Everyone must understand the KPIs, deliverables, and timelines from the beginning."
Risk management: Risk and mitigation planning is another cornerstone of Vijay's execution strategy. "Each stage of the project comes with its own risks. What seems manageable today might escalate tomorrow. That's why as a project manager, anticipating and preparing for risks with a clear mitigation plan is crucial," he emphasizes.
Customer-side dependencies: Vijay emphasizes that some activities rely on the client's readiness. He also underscores the need to align customer responsibilities with internal activities. "Sometimes, customer delays-such as incomplete site infrastructure-can affect dispatch or damage materials. That's why we keep a close watch on site readiness," he explains.
Cash flow and financial oversight: On the financial front, Vijay remains equally alert. "Revenue realization should run parallel to dispatch. If you focus solely on deliveries without invoicing or recovering dues, your project's cash flow will turn negative," he warns. "You must maintain financial control while ensuring quality and timely execution."
Managing budget constraints and scope creep
Handling changes during a project-often referred to as 'scope creep'-is another challenge Vijay approaches with caution. "Every project is governed by a contract that includes detailed technical specifications. If the customer requests something outside the agreed scope, it must adhere to a documented change management process," he states.
He emphasizes the importance of clear documentation-whether it involves Process and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&ID), equipment layouts, or technical deviations. "We obtain change orders approved by the customer's senior management, along with associated cost impacts. Nothing should proceed without written consent," Vijay asserts.
When deviations cannot be managed, Vijay recommends escalating the issue internally and preparing a thorough case study. "Transparency and escalation, when needed, ensure that deviations do not become financial burdens," he adds.
This strategy, as stated by Vijay, safeguards both the company's budget and its dedication to quality.
What sets Neologic Engineers apart
Despite being a relatively young company, Neologic Engineers has established a reputation for excellence. "In just 17 years, Neologic Engineers has positioned itself as a prominent Indian player in a market dominated by European firms," Vijay notes with pride. He attributes this success to several factors:
Robust internal quality checks are in place, spanning from material inspection to final assembly. Neologic Engineers ensure compliance with global food safety and manufacturing standards, including FSSAI, ISO, and FDA. "Our teams are well-versed in all regulatory protocols. Whether it's dairy, food, beverages, or home & personal care-we design and execute projects that align with international norms," Vijay confirms.
Design and automation excellence Inhouse development has reduced dependency and designed with focused on optimizing utility costs.
Timely delivery, as Vijay states, is "one of the most appreciated aspects of our work by clients."
"Many of our clients, particularly in the dairy sector, return to us consistently due to their trust in our timelines and the quality of our output," he adds.
Emerging trends and future focus
Looking ahead, Vijay identifies food and beverage processing as a crucial growth area. "We are witnessing strong demand for fruit and vegetable processing solutions-orange juice, pulp extraction, and oil separation. These sectors are thriving," he states.
Neologic Engineers is actively expanding its presence in this vertical with projects processing up to 25 metric tons per hour. "We have also partnered with technology collaborators to enhance our capabilities," he shares, citing examples such as beverage processing for brands like Dabur and others.
Leadership, vision, and team alignment
As a senior project manager, Vijay emphasizes team motivation and coordination. "If the project management model is followed accurately, everything flows seamlessly. Each phase has its checklist-planning, design, manufacturing, implementation-and this structure helps reduce conflict," he explains.
Leadership, he believes, is about composure and consistency. "A good leader must stay calm, especially in high-pressure situations. You guide the team with discipline, not panic."
A message to the industry
Vijay reveals that Neologic Engineers is operating with a clear vision for the next five years. "We focus on developing internal leaders through structured leadership programs. We also engage expert consultants to guide us on best practices."
This forward-looking approach is supported by active expansion in both the product portfolio and global outreach. "We are confident that Neologic Engineers will be a leading player in the global food processing equipment industry within the next decade."
Vijay concludes the interview with a thoughtful message to industry peers and project managers alike: "Projects are not just about engineering; they involve planning, people, risk, and responsibility. Stay focused, avoid delays, and adhere to the project management model with discipline. Once a project is awarded, deliver it on time, within budget, and to the highest quality. You must anticipate, adapt, and lead at every stage. That's what defines success!"
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from FoodTechBiz.